Transport Planner

Chain Logistics Services Ltd.; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and organised Transport Planner to join our growing UK road haulage operation.

The role involves the day-to-day planning and coordination of our vehicles and drivers across container and curtainside operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, on time and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate the daily workload of vehicles and drivers.
• Manage container haulage movements, including port collections and deliveries, VBS bookings, releases and empty container restitution.
• Arrange and monitor empty container returns, including depot and restitution instructions.
• Plan and coordinate curtainside collections, deliveries, reloads and return loads.
• Maximise vehicle and driver utilisation while minimising empty mileage and unnecessary waiting time.
• Monitor jobs and drivers throughout the day and respond to delays, changes and operational issues.
• Liaise with customers, drivers, ports, shipping lines, container depots and subcontractors.
• Source subcontracted transport and negotiate rates when required.
• Manage jobs from initial booking through to completion and invoicing readiness.
• Carry out job costing and profitability checks, ensuring all revenue and costs are accurately recorded.
• Ensure PODs, waiting times and other relevant job information are correctly recorded.
• Maintain accurate records within the transport management system.
• Ensure vehicle planning complies with drivers' hours, Working Time Directive and company procedures.

Experience & Skills

• Previous experience in UK road haulage / transport planning.
• Experience with container haulage, including VBS bookings and empty container restitution.
• Strong vehicle and driver planning skills.
• Good understanding of job costing, transport rates and profitability.
• Good knowledge of the UK road network.
• Understanding of drivers' hours and transport compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage a busy daily workload.
• Good communication skills when dealing with drivers, customers, depots and other transport partners.

Transport Manager CPC qualification would be an advantage but is not essential.

We are looking for a hands-on planner who can take responsibility for jobs from booking through to completion, make effective use of the fleet and drivers, and maintain a strong focus on service, efficiency and profitability.