Traffic operator

This occupation is found in the transport and logistics sector. It is primarily responsible for managing the movement of goods for a variety of customers across all sectors. Their customer base will range from large global organisations to sole traders and private customers in local areas, depending on their organisation. It is found across a range of different sizes and types of organisations and employers, such as hauliers, storage and warehouse operators, couriers, retailers, and utilities.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to assist traffic teams by ensuring the accurate flow of information throughout traffic and warehousing operations, as well as escalating issues as they arise. 

A traffic operator will coordinate the movement of goods for a variety of customers, either their own goods, or from a third party from manufacturers or suppliers to the destination or for onward delivery. They will support the drivers of the vehicles daily to guarantee that clients receive their delivery quickly and on time.

 A traffic operative will maintain the effective operation of the day-to-day transport fleet to plan, execute and manage the effective movement of freight across the country.  They will work with fleet, hauliers, agencies to problem solve delivery issues and find workable solutions. Along with maintaining contact with internal and external customers, answering queries and providing up to date delivery information. 

A traffic operator will confirm that the proposed routes comply with the Drivers Hours regulations, working time directive and allowable driving times. They will also carry out driver debriefs to ensure that the transportation operation runs safely and efficiently along with cost control and backloading. 

A traffic operator will be proactive and meeting agreed-upon commitments and expectations, while accepting responsibility for one's own actions and doing the right thing. The working hours may include unsocial hours and shift working patterns. This is usually an office-based role.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a range of stakeholders across many organisations and professions. The traffic operator would be liaising with drivers within a busy working environment, along with having engagement with customer enquiries, ensuring that they are responded to in a timely and professional manner. A traffic operator would work alongside the traffic manager.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for assisting routing and planning of vehicles to ensure all deliveries and collections meet customer expectations. 

They will ensure that the customer deliveries are planned in a timely and cost-effective manner. Ensure that drivers are aware of deliveries or collections and that they have the necessary documentation. Briefing drivers at the start of their shift and debriefing at the end of the shift. They will also support the traffic planner and traffic manager with the effective engagement of fleet and drivers, ensuring all legal compliance standards are adhered to including drivers' hours and vehicle maintenance. 

An employee in this occupation, will work on ensuring that the organisational systems are kept up to date, to ensure that the associated deliveries and collections occur. They will support the daily and weekly planning of vehicle routes for drivers is completed, along with meeting quality requirements and working following health and safety and environmental considerations. They will apply their knowledge and expertise to their own work management. 

An employee within this occupation will work as part of a team to achieve departmental and organisational goals in an effective and efficient manner. 

Traffic operators will need to keep up to date with transportation regulations and legislation. They will need to be aware of best practises in transportation and warehousing operations. They will work compliantly, securely, and safely within the organisation's policies and procedures.