Transport Planner

Who are we?

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.

We’re looking for a motivated and detail-driven Transport Planner to join our Logistics team. This role requires coordinating the safe and efficient movement of specialist loads, whilst liaising with our valued customers.

While previous experience in movement orders and heavy haulage would be an advantage, it’s not essential — we’ll provide full training for the right person. What matters most is your enthusiasm, strong organisational skills, and ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build your career in logistics, working alongside a supportive team and gaining hands-on expertise in a specialist area.

Responsibilities for the job role:

• To keep drivers informed about any changes in procedures and provide them with relevant training, support and documentation.
  
  


• Overall responsibility for all heavy haulage movements and abnormal load movements including responsibility for all relevant Movement Orders.
  
  


• You will be required to effectively and efficiently route the Low Loader fleet in accordance with customer, company, contractual and legislative requirements.
  
  


• To develop and maintain excellent open lines of effective communication both internally and externally. Whilst maintaining a positive “can do” approach to all tasks and being approachable at all times.
  
  


• To problem solve and have the ability to route vehicles effectively and compliantly taking into consideration profit and productivity.
  
  


• To ensure that the Low Loaders provide a safe and cost-effective day-to-day operation that meets, if not exceeds, customer expectations, both internal and external.
  
  


• To maximise productivity of the Low Loader fleet.
  
  


• Overall responsibility and supervision of drivers, briefing/debriefing and monitoring and managing performance accordingly, and as directed by the Plant Hire Divisional Manager.
  
  


• To liaise closely with fleet/garage colleagues to minimise vehicle downtime and to ensure safe vehicle operations including compliance with vehicle defect reporting and procedures.
  
  


• To ensure that all aspects of DVSA vehicle and driver compliance relating to Special Types rules are adhered to and maintained. This includes responsibility for making certain all vehicles and trailers are serviced and have a valid MOT Certificate as per vehicle servicing and maintenance schedules.
  
  


• To ensure that the Low Loader fleet fully complies with all governing regulations.
  
  


• Monitor KPIs for Low Loader fleet.
  
  


• To ensure all vehicle defects are reported, completed and logged correctly in line with company procedure.
  
  


• To keep the Plant Hire Divisional Manager fully informed of any issues arising that require action.

What can we offer you?

• Life Assurance Scheme


• Free on-site Parking


• Corporate gym membership discount


• Annual Salary Review 


• Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)


• Be part of a successful family run business 


• Progression opportunities


• 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support

What are our core values?

If these values align with yours you are in the right place!

Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.

Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.

Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.

Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.

Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.

Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.