Transport Planner - Nights

Our client, a haulage company is looking for a Traffic Operator to join their office.

Nights 8pm-6am

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day container transport operations, including planning, scheduling, and execution of deliveries and collections.

• Oversee container movements to and from ports, depots, and customer sites, ensuring optimal vehicle utilisation.

• Lead, manage, and motivate drivers and transport staff, including performance management and training.

• Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, including O-licence requirements, drivers’ hours, Working Time Directive, and tachograph regulations.

• Liaise with ports, shipping lines, container depots, and customers to ensure smooth operations and resolve issues promptly.

• Monitor and control transport costs, identifying opportunities for efficiency savings and improved performance.

• Manage subcontractors where required, ensuring compliance with company and legal standards.

• Ensure all vehicles are maintained in line with legal and company requirements, working closely with maintenance providers.

• Handle operational issues such as delays, damages, incidents, and customer complaints, implementing corrective actions.

• Produce and analyse transport KPIs, reports, and performance data.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the transport function.

Container-Specific Responsibilities

• Strong understanding of container types, weights, VGM requirements, and port booking systems.

• Experience managing demurrage, detention, and quay rent, with a focus on cost control.

• Knowledge of port procedures, turnaround times, and operational constraints.

• Coordination of container collections and returns to minimise delays and additional charges.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong health and safety culture across the transport operation.

• Ensure all risk assessments, driver inductions, and toolbox talks are completed and up to date.

• Investigate accidents and incidents, implementing preventative measures.

Skills & Experience
Essential

• Proven experience as a Transport Manager within container haulage or a container-focused logistics environment.

• Strong working knowledge of UK transport legislation and compliance requirements.

• Experience managing drivers and transport teams.

• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise at all levels.

• IT literate, with experience using transport management systems (TMS)