Load planners are responsible for moving freight transport around the country in the most efficient way, taking into account schedules, costs, and health and safety. They use computer software to help match the size of loads to the type of vehicles needed to move them, and the safest way to load and unload goods.

Key tasks include:

• assigning the appropriate number of vehicles to each consignment
• forecasting budgets for goods transportation
• planning loading and unloading of goods
• monitoring consignments along routes
• reviewing load plans with clients
• making contingency plans to cover changes in circumstances.

Load planners work for road haulage companies and businesses in other sectors who have their own fleet of vehicles.

Hours and Environment

Load planners are often required to work shifts on a rota basis to cover early mornings and late nights.

You normally work in an office within a warehouse or haulage depot.

Skills and Interests

To be a load planner, you need:

• good customer service and communication skills
• problem solving skills and the ability to adapt plans
• computer skills
• the ability to work flexibly within a team
• good negotiating skills
• the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.

Entry

There are no set qualifications to enter as a trainee load planner, although a good standard of education is helpful. For example, some employers may ask for GCSE/S grade passes in English and maths.

If you have previous experience of working in transport or distribution, you will be at an advantage. A background in stock control or administration can also be useful.

You may be able to start this job through an apprenticeship scheme with a road haulage firm. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See Careers in Logistics and Skills for Logistics in Further Information for more details about this role.

Training

You normally receive on-the-job training once employed as a load planner. This often involves working towards a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in National or International Road Haulage. You can find CPC training providers, using the search facility on the Careers in Logistics website in Further Information.

You may also be able to take the NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations. Your employer will decide whether this is appropriate for your role.

You can also take the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT) Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications, either part-time at a local college or by distance learning. You can find training colleges on the CILT website in Further Information.

Opportunities

Load planners are employed by haulage, removal and courier firms, as well as the distribution departments of large companies.

You may be able to gain promotion in larger organisations to senior or regional load planner. After achieving relevant qualifications, you may also be able to progress to positions in distribution or transport management. See the job profiles for Road Transport Manager and Distribution Manager.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £14,500 and £18,500 a year, depending on experience.
This can rise to between £20,000 and £25,000 a year for senior load planners.

Further information

14 Warren Yard
Warren Farm Office Village
Stratford Road
Milton Keynes
MK12 5NW
Tel: 0870 242 7314 Logistics and Transport Centre
Earlstrees Court
Earlstrees Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 4AX
Tel: 01536 740100