Transport Scheduler

Transport schedulers plan transport routes and arrange for trucks, vans, buses or trams to run on a regular schedule or from day to day, so that deliveries or journeys are completed quickly and efficiently.

Their daily duties vary but typically include planning and amending timetables or schedules, making sure drivers have correct documentation and equipment, checking health and safety procedures are followed, and inputting and analysing computer data.

Transport Schedulers generally work between 35 and 40 hours a week. They may be contracted to work a standard number of hours, but early starts, weekend work and shifts are common. They usually work in an office in a warehouse, depot or traffic centre. Offices are normally well equipped with computers and office machinery. Schedulers may also spend time working outside in the depot, dealing with drivers.

Salaries may range from around £15,000 to £35,000 or more.

Transport schedulers should:

• have excellent numerical skills
• have good spoken and written communication skills
• be good at planning and organising
• be flexible when dealing with difficult situations
• have good computer skills, including the use of spreadsheets
• have an interest in geography and the transport industry.

The majority of large transport and distribution firms employ a transport scheduler. Jobs are located across the UK and most transport schedulers work in the road freight industry. Typical employers are specialist road haulage companies, mail delivery organisations including the Post Office, major retailers, wholesalers, and warehousing and distribution firms as well as bus or coach companies.

There are no minimum entry qualifications, but employers may expect GCSEs (A*-C) including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. Apprenticeships in traffic office may be available. Many schedulers move into the job after experience of driving, warehouse or clerical work in a transport firm.

Transport schedulers are usually trained on the job under the supervision of a transport or distribution manager, or a more experienced colleague. During their training they may also work towards NVQs at Levels 2 or 3 in subjects relating to transport and distribution. A range of higher qualifications are available for those looking towards management positions.

Transport schedulers may gain promotion to supervisory or management positions. They could progress to area manager and other areas of management such as human resources or financial management.

Further details