Junior Global Freight Planner Review

My job title is junior global freight planner. My daily tasks include receiving and placing new bookings for shipments, updating trackers for internal and customer use, assisting on other markets where possible. Everyday I have an informal catch-up with my line manager and discuss any issues that I may have. Every week we will have a more formal meeting where the whole of the team gives an update on the account they are individually looking after. External interactions include answering all emails from customers, suppliers and freight forwarders. Depending on what information is received I will then continue to do my daily tasks or update the other party when needed. The responsibilities I have is to find the best routing and most cost effective price for shipments where available and offer hyper care when this is requested by the customer or supplier. Another responsibility would be to chase up suppliers to make sure PO's are shipped out on time.

I have achieved a Level 3 NVQ in logistics operations. This is brand new knowledge as I had no previous experience in this field. I have attended lots of Excel courses at work and these have helped me to familiarise myself with formulas. I have also had training on internal computer programmes we use and this was to show me the quickest way to create a new job. Gist are in the process of arranging to send me on a dangerous goods course. This will give me an understanding of what can be shipped by air and sea which is vital to my role. I have learnt how to send a professional email and the correct way to speak to your peers. I have also been in many meetings where you need to observe, pay attention and make notes on the important items.

Since I have started my new role in LCT I love the work. Everyday there is something new and a new challenge. It could be a different gas to ship or a new pickup location but there is always something different! The team are work with are really good now. We are always positive with each other and work very closely together. The company as a whole is still very good. The staff are treated fairly at Gist. Working at Gist has exceeded my expectations because in previous jobs the managers don't have the time of day for you but here nothing is to much.

My manager is very appreciative of the work I do and he always says that. He always makes me feel like I have done more than enough work. The internal recognition is good. I have been given a chance on a difficult account and I am really grateful for this opportunity. You also get managers above your line manager that will recognise when you are doing a good job and say well done. The customer I am working with has gone to my line manager and said the work I am doing is really valued by them and it has helped them get control of their PO's.

The programme is well structured as there is lots of training for the first weeks and after that you can request more if you feel you need it. There is support from colleagues and managers at every step. You also get paired with a buddy which I found very helpful as I had an extra person to speak to that isn't in my office but is still very knowledgeable with logistics and this helped with my qualification.

I had monthly meetings with my tutor which was very useful as we would set work to complete for the next month This ensured that I was always up to date on my coursework. If I needed any support then all I would have to do is pick up the phone or send an email and my tutor would help. Failing that my buddy was very helpful too. I found the training provider really did care about how well I did at Gist and with the qualification. She would always speak to managers for feedback on how I was progressing in my daily role.

My manager has been very helpful with the qualification and apprenticeship programme. The managers I have had are always there to speak to should you need that. The HR team are very good also. They ensure you receive all information that is necessary prior to you starting at Gist and make sure you are looked after until you have settled in with the company. The guidance with problems in hindsight has been very good as well. There is always someone to listen and take it a step further if they think action is necessary.

My travel costs are very high but these are still covered by my salary

I have been to a few company events which are very good. You get to meet more people and explain what Gist do as a company. As an apprentice we meet up about once a year with all the other apprentices and have a catch up. These are very good because you discuss your work and compare to theirs and just see if they are enjoying their role also. At Gist we have a football team which I was involved in. We would play league matches every Thursday night. There was also a Gist tournament in Crewe where several different depots all came together and played against each other. This was very well run from start to finish

Yes

Gist is a great company that sees the best in people and gives lots of opportunities to move up in the company. The work itself is actually very enjoyable and have no complaints

Research all the roles available and research what logistics is. On the day of the interview just relax and be yourself as all the staff here that will interview are very friendly