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- Plan and control the transfer of goods around the country's road transport network
- You'll need customer service and communication skills, flexibility, negotiation and problem solving skills
- You may progress into distribution, supply chain or transport management
As a road haulage planner, you'll make sure freight is moved in the most efficient way around the country's road network. You'll need to take into account schedules, costs, and health and safety. You might work for a road haulage company or other business with their own fleet of vehicles, like a retail chain.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Deciding how many vehicles will be needed to deliver each shipment of goods
- Working out how much it will cost to make each delivery
- Planning the safest way to load and unload goods
- Monitoring each delivery as it makes its journey
- Reviewing load plans with clients
- Making backup plans to cover changes in circumstances
- You might also use computer software packages to help with some of these tasks, for example, to match the size of loads with the vehicles needed to move them
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll often work shifts on a rota, including early mornings and late nights. You'll usually be based in an office within a warehouse or distribution depot.
You'll need
You'll need: customer service and communication skills, problem solving skills and the ability to adapt plans, negotiating skills, geographical knowledge, the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
There are no set entry requirements but employers may look for: IT skills for using spreadsheets, GCSEs in English and maths or an equivalent level 2 qualification, experience of working in transport or distribution, a background in stock control or administration.
You could also get into this job through an apprenticeship.
CAREER PROSPECTS
You could progress to senior or regional load planner, or, with qualifications, you could move into distribution, supply chain or transport management.