Meet Jason Charles, Transport Coordinator

Jason joined TJ Waste in August as part of the transport team. He’s worked in transport roles before and is also a qualified driver so he’s very experienced in the role. Outside of work he enjoys watching all types of sport live and on TV.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?

My role is to plan the drivers’ loads each day, which involves making sure that every order gets delivered on time and that everything goes smoothly throughout the day. We plan the drivers’ schedules the day before, maintaining flexibility at all times so that if anything falls through that day, we can jiggle things around to fit it into the next. If a customer has to change their delivery date last-minute, we’ll do all we can to accommodate that to ensure they get their skip when they need it. 

WHAT’S YOUR CAREER BACKGROUND?

I joined the Army after leaving college and did 22 years. I left in 2012 and began working as a driver. I then moved into a transport coordinator role in London for 18 months before moving to the south coast to take a job as a transport manager. Then COVID hit so I went back into driving and shortly after I got a call from the recruitment agency I was with to say that TJ was recruiting. I was looking to move back into transport planning from driving and this role seemed ideal. 

My driving experience really lends itself to doing well in transport coordinator roles as you have experience on both sides and it enables you to put it all into perspective. I can appreciate the type of work that the drivers are doing and the workload involved so I believe I’m able to do a rounded, well-informed job from the other side. I also know the routes and roads well so that helps when I’m planning too.

WHAT ARE THE MOST REWARDING PARTS OF YOUR ROLE?

Ensuring that everything is delivered and collected as and when it should be is a satisfying feeling. I really enjoy dealing with the skip lorries and their movements so getting to the end of any successfully executed day is rewarding!

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR ROLE?

Sometimes trying to juggle heavy workloads, with last-minute requests and any issues that arise can be challenging, but we always work together to resolve anything that comes our way. Another challenge is when delivering or collecting a skip from a narrow street with cars parked on both sides and there just isn’t space – having to figure out the logistics to get the job completed can be tricky!  

HOW HAS TJ SUPPORTED YOU SINCE YOU JOINED?

Everyone has been very helpful; it’s a busy office so I’m just getting on and doing things and asking questions as I go which is a good way to learn.

WHAT DO YOU PRIDE YOURSELF ON?

Attention to detail, which is crucial in this role. 

WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS FOR THE NEXT YEAR?

I’d just like to carry on doing the job to the best of my ability. I’m also hoping to undertake my Transport Manager CPC qualification at some point, which is an in-depth and intense course, with two weeks of full-on training followed by exams.

WHY IS TJ A GREAT PLACE TO WORK?

It’s a really friendly working environment, everyone is welcoming and willing to help. It’s close to home too!

Find out more about our services and meet other team members on our blog thread…