Truck and Track Spring 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 26 INTERMODAL TRANSPORT SOFTWARE As container volumes increase and networks become more interconnected, traffic planners are managing growing operational complexity across road, rail, and terminal operations. Industry voices explain how the role of the traffic office is evolving and how technology is beginning to support planners at the moment decisions are made. UK ports handle approximately 9.6 million TEU annually, with transport planners coordinating each movement across ports, depots, rail terminals, and distribution centres (UK Department for Transport, Port Freight Statistics, December 2025). Shifts in vessel ETAs, availability, terminal congestion, and rail schedules can quickly disrupt plans, requiring planners to make multiple adjustments throughout the day. As a result, the responsibilities of the traffic office have grown considerably. Planners must now oversee driver utilisation, customer interactions, terminal activities, and network disruptions, while also managing slot availability through Vehicle Booking Systems (VBS). At the same time, ensuring vehicles and assets move efficiently. Steve Collins, Managing Director of Fargo Group, believes the role of the traffic office has transformed significantly over the past decade. “The traffic office has always been the nerve centre of a haulage operation, but the volume of information planners now handle has increased significantly. Operators are managing far more interaction, higher expectations for visibility, and stricter operational timeframes across the supply chain.” According to Jim Slade, Customer Success Director at Fargo Group, the flow of operational information through planning teams has also risen considerably. “The amount of activity passing through a traffic office today is considerable. Planners are no longer simply handling emails and customer queries but are managing multiple channels at once - from phone calls and emails to live messaging platforms. While traffic offices may seem quieter, the level of coordination has increased, with planners often juggling several conversations simultaneously while continuing to monitor driver utilisation and service performance.” At the same time, many operators report that recruiting experienced traffic planners is becoming increasingly difficult. Planning roles now require a combination of operational experience, customer awareness, and real-time problemsolving skills - a blend that is increasingly hard to find. For operators working around major container gateways such as Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton - and Inside the Modern Traffic Office: Why container transport planning is growing more complex Jim Slade, Customer Success Director at Fargo Group
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