At a Glance
- Tasks: Support transport planning by scheduling drivers and vehicles for efficient deliveries.
- Company: Join a family-run business with strong values and a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, gym discounts, and 50% off skip hire services.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and continuous training in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in logistics while contributing to a greener future.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a willingness to learn and communicate effectively.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
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.
What we’re looking for?
Someone to support the transport planning team in building efficient daily/weekly schedules for drivers and vehicles, ensuring the safe, compliant and cost‑effective delivery of road haulage services. The Trainee Logistics Planner will learn end‑to‑end planning processes, including route planning, job allocation, customer communication, and administration, while developing the skills required to progress into a Transport Coordinator / Planner role.
Key Responsibilities
1) Planning Support & Job Allocation (Training Role)
- Assist planners with daily scheduling of vehicles and drivers to meet customer requirements.
- Learn how to allocate work based on:
- Vehicle type and availability (e.g., artics, rigids, tippers, hookloaders, flatbeds)
- Driver hours and legal compliance
- Collection/delivery time windows, locations and site constraints
- Help maintain the live planning board (TMS, spreadsheets, wall board, etc.) ensuring updates are accurate and timely.
- Monitor and update job progress throughout the day (delays, diversions, re‑plans, cancellations).
2) Customer Service & Communication
- Answer incoming calls and emails professionally, acting as a reliable point of contact for customers, drivers, and sites.
- Provide updates on ETAs, PODs, delays, and collection times in line with service standards.
- Log customer requests accurately and escalates issues to the planner/manager when required.
- Support with booking slots, confirming load details, and ensuring instructions are clear.
3) Driver Liaison & Operational Control
- Communicate clearly with drivers on:
- Job details, start times, route/site requirements
- Changes due to traffic, site issues, breakdowns or late loads
- Learn how to manage day‑to‑day operational issues including:
- failed collections/deliveries
- missed time slots
- on‑site refusals
- wait time/detention
- Record issues and actions taken to support investigation, invoicing, and service improvement.
4) Compliance & Administration (Supported Learning)
- Assist with accurate completion and filing of operational paperwork, including:
- delivery notes / PODs
- job tickets / consignment notes (where relevant)
- defect reporting logs
- Support compliance processes under supervision, such as:
- driver licence checks / inductions (where applicable)
- tachograph/card downloads and scanning (depending on company process)
- proof of delivery and customer billing support
- Learn the basics of UK transport compliance, including:
- drivers’ hours rules and working time
- vehicle safety checks and defect reporting
- transport documentation standards
5) Continuous Improvement & Learning
- Take part in structured on‑the‑job training with regular progress reviews.
- Build competence in planning tools and systems (TMS, Excel, telematics portals, POD apps).
- Contribute ideas to improve planning efficiency, communication, and customer service.
- Demonstrate increasing autonomy over time (e.g., managing a small fleet, customer group, or specific contract lanes).
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)
- Progression opportunities
- 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support
What are our core values?
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.
