Senior Transport Planner

I am currently recruiting on behalf of my client for an experienced Senior Transport Planner to join their busy and growing traffic office. This is an excellent opportunity for a transport professional with strong container planning experience and port knowledge to play a key role in delivering efficient operations and high service levels.

The Role

As Senior Transport Planner, you will be responsible for planning and coordinating container transport operations across major UK ports. Working within a busy traffic office, you will ensure vehicles are utilised efficiently, service levels are maintained, and daily operations run smoothly.

Planning responsibilities will cover key UK locations including:

Port of Felixstowe

London Gateway Port

Whittlesey

Port of Southampton

Occasional travel to other depots will be required, including visits to the Southampton depot.

Key Responsibilities

Planning and coordinating container haulage movements across multiple UK ports

Managing allocated vehicles to maximise utilisation and maintain service levels

Booking and managing port slots via VBS systems

Ensuring full compliance with UK Drivers’ Hours regulations and transport legislation

Maintaining accurate operational records using transport systems including DESTIN8

Communicating effectively with drivers, customers, and port authorities

Resolving daily operational issues quickly to keep transport schedules on track

Supporting the wider traffic team in a fast-paced planning environment

Essential Requirements

Minimum 3 years’ experience in container transport planning

Experience planning movements through Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton ports

Strong working knowledge of VBS (Vehicle Booking Systems)

Experience using DESTIN8

Solid understanding of Drivers’ Hours regulations and transport compliance

Knowledge of container haulage operations and port procedures

Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities

Skills & Attributes

Excellent communication and coordination skills

Strong organisational ability and attention to detail

Proactive problem solver with a positive, “can-do” attitude

Confident working in a busy traffic office environment

Good IT and transport systems knowledge

What’s in It for You?

Competitive salary: £45,000 – £60,000 (DOE)

20 days holiday, increasing with service (up to 25 days)

Birthday day off after successful probation

Life assurance

Pension scheme

24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

Health & wellbeing subscription

On-site parking

If you are an experienced container transport planner looking for your next opportunity within a professional and fast-paced operation, please apply or contact me directly for a confidential discussion
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed