Role Description

1. Entry requirements

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.

2. Skills required

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

3. What you'll do

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.

Your day-to-day duties could include:

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.

4. Salary

Starter: £16,000 to £19,000

Experienced: £20,000 to £28,000

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and 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.

6. Career path and progression

You could progress to senior or regional load planner, or, with qualifications, you could move into distribution, supply chain or transport management.