Transport Planner

Plan transport routes, vehicle utilisation and driver shifts to maximise efficiency.

This UK transport planner career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£28,000 - £34,000
Mid-career salary
£37,000 - £48,000
Senior salary
£55,000 - £70,000
Work environment
Office / control room, shifts
Time to entry
1 - 3 years
Degree required
Preferred
Category
Logistics and Supply Chain

What a Transport Planner does

Plan transport routes, vehicle utilisation and driver shifts to maximise efficiency.

How to become a Transport Planner

  1. Look up Transport Planner roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Transport Planner - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Routing software
  • Driver hours rules
  • Communication
  • Numeracy