Transport Planner

Pertemps Stoke on Trent; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Pertemps Stoke on Trent is seeking a Transport Planner to coordinate daily vehicle operations across general haulage and consolidation services in the Stoke-on-Trent area.

You will create daily transport plans for HGV fleets, optimise routes using local knowledge, and ensure accurate documentation and driver instructions. Proactive customer updates and strict compliance are expected.

Qualifications

• Create and manage daily transport plans for HGV fleet.
• Plan cost-effective delivery and collection schedules while maintaining compliance with transport legislation.
• Maximise profitability through load consolidation across multiple customer requirements.
• Utilise local knowledge to optimise routes and improve operational efficiency.
• Depart all drivers with complete route plans and instructions.
• Prepare and produce vehicle and load manifests and related customer documentation.
• Ensure priority loading lists and handovers are communicated clearly.
• Monitor operations and adjust plans to meet service commitments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily schedules with drivers and handle challenges.
• Re-plan deliveries quickly in response to disruptions.
• Provide proactive customer updates on ETAs, delivery progress and status.
• Record and maintain transport data in the TMS.
• Ensure compliance with driver hours and road transport rules.

Skills

Transport planning

Route optimisation

Driver liaison

Operations coordination

Tools

Haultech

Contrado

TMS

Job description

Our client in the Stoke-on-Trent area are looking for a Transport Planner, responsible for effectively planning, coordinating, and managing the distributions daily vehicle operations across general haulage and consolidation services.

Key Responsibilities

Transport Planning & Operations

• Create and manage daily transport plans for HGV fleet, ensuring efficient vehicle and driver utilisation.
• Plan cost-effective delivery and collection schedules while maintaining compliance with transport legislation.
• Maximise profitability through effective load consolidation across multiple customer requirements.
• Utilise local geographical knowledge to optimise routes and improve operational efficiency.
• Depart all drivers each morning with complete and accurate route plans and instructions.
• Prepare and produce vehicle manifests, load manifests, and associated customer documentation.
• Ensure priority loading lists and operational handovers are printed and communicated appropriately.
• Monitor transport operations throughout the day and adjust plans as required to meet service commitments.

Driver & Fleet Coordination

• Liaise closely with drivers regarding daily schedules, operational challenges, and customer requirements.
• Identify recurring route issues through driver feedback and incorporate local knowledge into future planning.
• Manage driver availability issues, including:
  • Driver absences
  • Non-attendance
  • Vehicle defects
  • Vehicle breakdowns
  • Last-minute operational changes
• Source agency driver covers when required.
• Re-plan deliveries and collections quickly in response to operational disruptions.
• Assist with driver debrief processes and related administrative duties.

Customer Service & Communication

• Provide proactive communication to customers regarding:
  • Delivery progress
  • Collection status
  • Estimated times of arrival (ETAs)
  • Service disruptions
  • Delivery exceptions
• Handle customer concerns, escalations, and service-related enquiries professionally and efficiently.
• Respond to incoming messages and queries through Contrado and other communication systems.
• Ensure all incoming customer and operational telephone calls are managed promptly and effectively.

Systems & Administration

• Utilise Transport Management Systems (TMS), including Haultech and Contrado, to:
  • Plan routes
  • Allocate vehicles and drivers
  • Record operational data
  • Maintain accurate transport records
• Update Contrado and Haultech with relevant notes and operational information.
• Ensure redelivery and return jobs are entered accurately, including correct delivery dates and customer information.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records in line with company procedures.

Compliance & Performance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, including:
  • Driver Hours Regulations
  • Tachograph Regulations
  • Working Time Directive
  • Vehicle weight restrictions
  • Road transport compliance requirements
• Monitor and support vehicle maintenance scheduling requirements.
• Track and analyse key operational KPIs, including:
  • On-time delivery performance
  • Vehicle utilisation
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Cost per mile
• Identify trends and opportunities for operational improvements and cost reduction.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with:
  • General Haulage Planning Team
  • Palletline Planning Team
  • Warehouse Operations
  • Customer Service Department
  • Transport Management
• Identify periods of excess volume and support effective resource planning through vehicle allocation and subcontractor utilisation when necessary.
• Develop skills across both General Haulage and Palletline operations to provide wider team support and operational resilience.
• Support colleagues across planning functions during periods of absence, holiday cover, or increased workload.