Transport Planner

Aspion; Widnes; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspion is seeking an experienced Container Transport Planner for its Widnes operation. The role focuses on coordinating container movements across the UK, ensuring efficient utilisation of a fleet and timely customer updates.

The position offers a stable day-shift, Monday to Friday, with a salary band of £35,000–£42,000 depending on experience. The successful candidate will plan routes, liaise with ports and drivers, monitor progress, and maintain compliant records while delivering high service

Qualifications

• Experience as a Container Transport Planner or similar role.
• Strong understanding of container transport operations.
• Experience using Navis VBS and TOPS as a Transport Management System (TOPS desirable).
• Excellent route planning and fleet management skills.
• Good knowledge of UK road networks and container ports.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise a busy workload.
• Solid understanding of Driver Hours and Working Time Directive regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule container movements across the UK.
• Maximise vehicle utilisation and route efficiency.
• Liaise with customers, ports, drivers and subcontractors.
• Monitor vehicle progress and respond to delays or issues.
• Keep customers informed of service updates or delays.
• Manage daily driver schedules in line with compliance.
• Support and monitor driver performance.
• Maintain accurate transport records and job allocations.
• Collaborate with operations to deliver excellent service.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning efficiency and performance.

Skills

Container transport planning

Navis VBS

TOPS experience

HGV fleet planning

UK road networks knowledge

Communication skills

Problem solving

Driver hours regulations

Tools

Navis VBS

TOPS

Job description

Transport Planner

Container Haulage Operation

Widnes

GBP35,000 - GBP42,000 per annum

Monday Friday, Days

I'm currently recruiting for an experienced Container Transport Planner to join a well-established and growing container transport operation based in Widnes.

This is an excellent opportunity for a transport professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has experience planning container movements across the UK. Working Monday to Friday on a day shift, you'll play a key role in ensuring an efficient, compliant and customer‑focused transport operation.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Container Transport Planner role.
• Strong understanding of container transport operations.
• Experience using Navis VBS.
• Previous experience using a Transport Management System (TOPS experience desirable).
• Excellent manual route planning skills.
• Experience planning and managing a fleet of HGVs.
• Good knowledge of UK road networks and container ports.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise a busy workload.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Sound understanding of Driver Hours and Working Time Directive regulations.

Responsibilities

• Planning and scheduling container movements across the UK.
• Maximising vehicle utilisation and route efficiency.
• Liaising with customers, ports, drivers and subcontractors.
• Monitoring vehicle progress and responding to delays or operational issues.
• Ensuring customers are kept informed of any service updates or delivery delays.
• Managing daily driver schedules in line with legal compliance.
• Supporting and monitoring driver performance.
• Maintaining accurate transport records and job allocations.
• Working closely with the wider operations team to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Identifying opportunities to improve planning efficiency and operational performance.

If you have Transport Planner experience and would like to be considered for this opportunity, please apply via the link.