Discover the daily chaos of a UK transport planner juggling routing software, driver updates, and last-minute job changes.
Monday: Telematics Tantrums
Half the trucks showed on the system. The rest decided to ghost me. Sent four WhatsApps, two calls, and a smoke signal to figure out who was where. Driver Alan said he was “just pulling out” — timestamps beg to differ.
Lesson: Planners trust, but verify.
Tuesday: Job Jenga
Customer moved a full load forward by six hours. Rearranged the entire day like a Tetris master, only for the customer to then delay it till Thursday. Drivers think I’m mad. They’re not wrong.
Highlight: Got one load in early. Felt like winning the lottery.
Wednesday: Software From Hell
Our routing system insists a 44-tonner can do a 7’3” country lane. I told IT. They suggested I “update the firmware.” I suggested they try it in person.
Moral: Never trust a system that doesn’t drive trucks.
Thursday: The Big Cancellation
Four jobs dropped at 10 a.m. Spent the rest of the day grovelling to other clients to fill the gaps. Eventually patched it all — barely. One driver still called me a “digital traffic cone.” Charming.
Win: Nobody quit today.
Friday: Pub O’Clock
Tied up loose ends. Finished with a full board and no stranded pallets. Even squeezed in a full lunch break. It won’t last, but it was beautiful.
Takeaway: Planning is 10% logistics, 90% improvisation.
Final Thoughts
It’s a mad job, but the buzz is real. When the plan finally works, it’s like conducting a noisy, diesel-scented orchestra. Just ignore the off-key trumpet section in layby 5.
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