A Container Controller role is a largely administrative position. Sometimes companies will consider candidates with a strong administration background in any line of work for this type of role, and will not necessarily demand previous experience of the transport sector.
Duties in this type of role may include some or all of the following:
- Booking and co-ordinating deliveries of containers arriving at, or leaving, depots
- Liasing with drivers regarding their container requirements
- Entering information regarding deliveries and other logistical matters on computer systems
- Ensuring health and safety requirements are met
The skills an employer might seek in a Container Controller include:
- Strong teamworking skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills, as the role may involve liaison with drivers, customers, container terminal staff and colleagues
- Ability to deal effectively with difficult customers
- Good organisational skills to prioritise a varied workload
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, and to concentrate on the job in hand during these pressurised moments
- Computer literacy, as the role might involve using a number of purpose-built computer systems, as well as a number of other software applications
- Good attention to detail to ensure correct information is recorded regarding deliveries and other matters
- A willingness to work non-standard hours, such as evenings and weekends
- A full driving licence
On occasions the postholder may visit operational areas such as container terminals, but many container control roles are predominantly office-based.
