Transport Planner

Expect Distribution Limited; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free On-Site Gym

Holiday Buy/Sell Scheme

Funded Learning and Development Oppotn

Job summary

Expect Logistics in Bradford is seeking a Transport Planner to manage pallet network collections and deliveries within a fast-paced environment. The role focuses on maximising vehicle utilisation, coordinating trunking operations, and maintaining high service levels across the network.

The ideal candidate will have experience in pallet networks, strong planning skills, and knowledge of UK road networks. CPC qualification is desirable, and the company offers a range of benefits including an

Qualifications

• Experience in Transport Planner/Traffic Planner/Transport Coordinator roles.
• Experience in pallet networks, groupage, logistics or multi-drop distribution.
• Knowledge of UK geography and road networks.
• Understanding of pallet network operations and service requirements.
• Knowledge of Drivers’ Hours Regulations and Working Time Directive.

Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule daily multi-drop delivery routes and collection activities.
• Allocate freight to maximise fleet utilisation and delivery performance.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound trunk vehicles to pallet network hubs.
• Ensure routes meet customer requirements and service standards.
• Optimise routes to reduce mileage, fuel consumption, and costs.
• Manage same-day, timed, and premium service deliveries.
• Coordinate freight movements through pallet network hub.
• Ensure freight is manifested and scanned in network systems.
• Monitor KPI performance and service compliance.
• Resolve pallet discrepancies, shortages, damages, and delivery issues.
• Liaise with network members, hub operators, and customer service teams.
• Manage escalations and late freight activities.
• Brief drivers on routes and schedules; monitor progress via telematics.
• Respond to delays, incidents, or breakdowns promptly.
• Ensure compliance with Drivers’ Hours and Working Time rules.
• Coordinate vehicle availability with maintenance teams.
• Act as operational contact for customers on collections/deliveries.
• Provide ETA updates and handling of queries.
• Maintain relationships with customers to support service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with licences and transport legislation.
• Maintain transport documentation, manifests, PODs, and delivery records.
• Monitor vehicle and driver compliance records.
• Support transport audits and pallet network reviews.
• Record all freight movements in the Transport Management System.
• Track KPIs including delivery performance and cost control.
• Identify efficiency and service improvements.

Skills

Transport planning

Multi-drop routing

UK geography knowledge

Problem solving

Education

CPC qualification (desirable)

Tools

Transport Management System (TMS)

Microsoft Office

Telematics

Job description

Here at the Expect Logistics we offer a fresh, dynamic approach to logistics. And, for over 36 years our award-winning services have offered reliability and flexibility to our diverse customer base across the UK.

Do you want to work for a safety focused, fast paced, inclusive and friendly employer? That’s how our colleagues described us in our most recent feedback survey!

Because with our people at the heart of it, our leadership team are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment – underpinned by a professional, supportive and collaborative culture. And as an employer of choice in the areas in which we operate, we are proud to be able to offer colleagues a place where they can achieve their career aspirations and grow with us.

Position Overview:

The Transport Planner is responsible for the efficient planning, coordination, and management of pallet network collections and deliveries, ensuring customer freight is routed through the network effectively and service levels are consistently achieved. Working within a fast-paced pallet network environment, the role focuses on maximising vehicle utilisation, coordinating trunking operations, managing driver resources, maintaining network compliance, and controlling operational costs while delivering excellent customer service.

The role requires strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills to ensure collections, deliveries, and freight movements are completed safely, efficiently, and in line with customer and pallet network requirements. The Transport Planner plays a key role in maintaining operational performance, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and contributing to the overall success of the transport operation.

Shift Pattern: Monday-Friday // Day Shift // 40 hours

Salary: £34,000-£40,000 ( salary paid monthly)

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: BD6 1DW (Bradford)

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and schedule daily multi-drop delivery routes and collection activities.
• Allocate freight effectively across the fleet to maximise vehicle utilisation and delivery performance.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound trunk vehicles to and from pallet network hubs.
• Ensure route planning is completed in line with customer requirements and network service standards.
• Optimise routes to reduce mileage, fuel consumption, and operational costs.
• Manage same-day, timed, and premium service deliveries.
• Coordinate the movement of freight through the pallet network hub.
• Ensure all freight is accurately manifested and scanned within network systems.
• Monitor network KPI performance and service compliance.
• Investigate and resolve pallet discrepancies, shortages, damages, service failures, and delivery exceptions.
• Liaise with network members, hub operators, customer service teams, and operational stakeholders regarding freight movements and performance.
• Manage operational escalations and late freight activities.
• Brief drivers on daily routes, collections, delivery schedules, and customer requirements.
• Monitor vehicle progress throughout the day using tracking and telematics systems.
• Respond proactively to delays, incidents, vehicle breakdowns, and customer service issues.
• Ensure compliance with Drivers’ Hours Regulations and the Working Time Directive.
• Coordinate vehicle availability with maintenance and workshop teams.
• Act as a key operational contact for customers regarding collections, deliveries, and transport enquiries.
• Provide accurate ETA information and service updates.
• Resolve customer queries and complaints professionally and efficiently.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers to support service delivery and business retention.
• Ensure service levels meet contractual obligations and pallet network requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Operator Licence obligations, transport legislation, and company procedures.
• Complete and maintain transport documentation, manifests, PODs, and delivery records.
• Monitor vehicle and driver compliance records.
• Support transport audits and pallet network compliance reviews.
• Ensure all freight movements are accurately recorded within the Transport Management System (TMS).
• Monitor operational KPIs including delivery performance, collection performance, vehicle utilisation, network compliance, and cost control measures.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service performance, and profitability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and the implementation of transport best practices.

Role Requirements:

• Previous experience in a Transport Planner, Traffic Planner, or Transport Coordinator role.
• Experience working within a pallet network, groupage, logistics, or multi-drop distribution environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK geography and road networks.
• Understanding of pallet network operations and service requirements.
• Knowledge of Drivers’ Hours Regulations and the Working Time Directive.
• Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced transport environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications and Transport Management Systems (TMS).
• Experience working with pallet networks such as Palletline, Palletways, Pall-Ex, The Pallet Network (TPN), or similar is desirable.
• CPC qualification, or working towards a CPC qualification, is desirable.
• Knowledge of fleet telematics and route optimisation software is desirable.
• Experience managing subcontracted transport providers is desirable.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and commercially focused approach.
• Strong decision-making capability and operational awareness.
• Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Customer-focused with excellent relationship-building skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing operational demands.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

What We Offer:

• Free On-Site Gym
• Holiday Buy/Sell Scheme
• Funded Learning and Development Opportunities

Previous experience in a Transport Planner, Traffic Planner, or Transport Coordinator role.