Route Controller / Driver Debriefer

SUMMARY:
Route Controller / Driver Debriefer
Department
Transport / Logistics
Reports To
Operations Manager/Branch Manager
Location
George
Fixed Term Contract

POSITION INFO:

To coordinate and control the daily transport operation by planning and monitoring delivery routes, managing drivers and van assistants, conducting driver debriefings, reconciling delivery documentation, and ensuring the efficient, safe and compliant execution of all transport activities.
 
Key Responsibilities
Route Planning & Control

• Plan and coordinate daily delivery schedules and routes.
• Monitor all vehicles throughout the day using GPS and fleet management systems.
• Track vehicle locations and provide real-time operational support.
• Communicate regularly with drivers regarding route progress, delays and customer requirements.
• Re-route vehicles where necessary to maximise operational efficiency.
• Ensure all deliveries are completed within agreed service levels.
• Monitor route compliance and investigate deviations.
• Coordinate vehicle breakdowns, accidents and emergency situations.
• Liaise with maintenance providers to minimise vehicle downtime.
• Escalate operational issues to management where necessary.

• Manage and prepare daily rosters for drivers and van assistants.
• Allocate drivers and van assistants according to operational requirements, licence categories and customer needs.
• Monitor attendance and manage daily staffing shortages.
• Coordinate leave, shift changes and relief staff to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Ensure all drivers and van assistants are correctly assigned before the commencement of each shift.
• Verify that all drivers have valid driver's licences, PDPs and any other required documentation before dispatch.
• Monitor compliance with driving hours, rest periods and company policies.
• Conduct daily route briefings and communicate operational updates.
• Liaise with the recruitment and operations teams regarding staffing requirements.

• Conduct driver debriefings following the completion of each route.
• Collect and verify all Proof of Delivery (POD) documentation.
• Reconcile delivery manifests with returned documentation.
• Verify shortages, damages, returns and customer queries.
• Investigate discrepancies with drivers and record findings.
• Capture debrief information accurately on the transport management system.
• Ensure returned stock is correctly documented and processed.
• Record accidents, traffic violations and vehicle defects reported by drivers.
• Escalate unresolved delivery discrepancies to management.

• Maintain accurate transport and driver records.
• Prepare daily operational and transport performance reports.
• Monitor fuel usage and route efficiency.
• Maintain driver attendance, roster and leave records.
• Ensure all documentation is filed and stored in accordance with company procedures.
• Compile reports relating to delivery performance, incidents and vehicle utilisation.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Promote adherence to road traffic legislation and transport regulations.
• Ensure drivers comply with health and safety requirements.
• Monitor vehicle compliance and report licensing or maintenance issues.
• Assist in investigations relating to transport incidents and customer complaints.
• Promote a culture of safe driving and continuous operational improvement.

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Code 10 with PDP
• Certificate or Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain or Transport Management will be advantageous.

• Minimum 3 years' experience within a transport, logistics or distribution environment.
• Previous experience in route planning, transport coordination or fleet control.
• Experience managing drivers and transport documentation.
• Experience with transport management and GPS tracking systems.

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Transport Management Systems (TMS).
• GPS/Fleet Tracking Systems.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent planning and organisational abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong administrative and reconciliation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Time management and prioritisation skills.
• Decision-making ability.
• Customer service orientation.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.

• On-time delivery performance.
• Route compliance.
• Fleet utilisation.
• Driver attendance and roster accuracy.
• Timely completion of driver debriefings.
• Accurate POD reconciliation.
• Reduction in delivery discrepancies.
• Incident reporting and resolution times.
• Fuel efficiency and route optimisation.
• Customer service performance.
• Compliance with transport legislation and company procedures.
• Accuracy of transport administration and reporting.

• Office-based within a transport or distribution environment.
• Required to work weekends, public holidays and extended hours based on operational requirements.
• Frequent interaction with drivers, warehouse personnel, customers and management.
• Availability after hours to respond to operational issues when required(own transport)