Transport Controller

Role Profile & Job Description Position Details * Job Title: Late Shift Transport Controller * Department: Transport Operations * Reports To: Transport Manager / Planning Manager * Location: Bardon Depot (LE67) * Salary: £32,000 – £36,000 per annum * Shift Pattern: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, Late Shift (typically 11:30–20:30), with weekend cover as required by the transport planning rota Job Purpose Take full ownership of live transport operations during the late shift, controlling vehicle movements, driver allocations, and real-time route changes to ensure on-time delivery and collection performance. As the primary out-of-hours point of contact for drivers, depot staff, and customers, you will manage operational exceptions, monitor fleet tracking via Qargo and Samsara, enforce full regulatory compliance (Operator Licence & DVSA), and deliver accurate shift handovers to maintain operational continuity. Key Responsibilities Live Operations & Route Control * Monitor fleet movements, driver progress, and ETAs in real time using Qargo and Samsara. * Proactively re-route vehicles, adjust driver assignments, and respond to traffic delays, road closures, or breakdowns. * Plan late-notice loads, multi-drop routes, and backloads to maximize vehicle utilization and eliminate empty running. * Instruct drivers on site loading and tipping procedures for rigids and trailers at the Premier depot. * Liaise with warehouse and site teams regarding bay allocation, load status, and late loading. Sub-Contracting & Coverage * Source extra cover via load-matching platforms (Haulage Exchange & Haulage Hub) to protect delivery schedules. * Organize relief or agency drivers to cover late-shift resource shortfalls. Driver Management & Compliance * Conduct structured driver briefings and debriefs using the Driver Briefing & Debrief Record Form. * Issue correct delivery documentation and instructions prior to vehicle departure. * Monitor Drivers' Hours and Working Time Directive (WTD) compliance; flag threshold limits to the Planning Team. * Support Driver CPC and driving licence verification processes. * Maintain precise operational records required for Operator Licence audit standards and DVSA compliance checks. Maintenance, Defects & Escalations * Manage vehicle breakdowns by arranging swift repair or recovery. * Handle reported defects and execute vehicle swaps for Off-Road (VOR) units. * Coordinate with the fleet manager to present vehicles/trailers for scheduled PMIs and MOTs. * Escalate severe operational, safety, or compliance issues to the Transport Manager or On-Call Manager immediately. Reporting & Shift Continuity * Provide detailed shift handovers to the incoming controller covering live issues, outstanding jobs, and vehicle status. * Report daily pallet counts for next-day and economy incoming collections. Knowledge, Skills & Experience * Experience: Proven track record in a busy transport office (Planner or Controller background), ideally with late-shift or out-of-hours experience. * Systems: Working knowledge of transport management and tracking software (e.g., Qargo, Samsara) and defect reporting tools (e.g., Driver I). * Freight Networks: Familiarity with sub-contracting tools like Haulage Exchange and Haulage Hub. * Compliance: Clear understanding of Drivers' Hours, WTD, tachographs, DVSA standards, and Operator Licence obligations. * Key Skills: Strong autonomous decision-making under pressure, excellent verbal/written communication, numerical accuracy, and dynamic problem-solving