Job Description

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.

Responsibilities for the job 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 escalate 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:

  • , 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?

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.