Day in the life of a CTS Distribution Operative
Chris works in the CTS distribution centre, where he screens incoming and outgoing cargo to ensure it is safe for ongoing transportation to our customer sites across the world.
What did you do before joining CTS?
“I worked for another company as a picker and packer in their warehouse, where I learned a lot about logistics processes and developed vital skills, expertise and qualities. Three years ago, I was approached directly by the team at CTS and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Tell us about a typical working day
“CTS transports dangerous, delicate and difficult cargo worldwide. Due to the sensitive nature of our freight, every single package must go through stringent checks. For optimum security, we use an x-ray machine, a bit like the kind you see at airports.
“Every day, I book in unscreened items, accepting and refusing deliveries in accordance with strict safety and security protocol. My forklift licence means I am often assigned to take care of the larger shipments.”
What are your key responsibilities?
“My job is to make sure that the freight is safe to travel by land, sea and air to customer sites. Those sites can include government and defence locations, to which CTS transports consignments. We have a stellar reputation as a specialist logistics provider, so I conduct my duties with precision and diligence at every stage.”
Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
“The camaraderie of a supportive team provides a strong foundation for getting the job done with excellence. In a busy environment, there are no dull moments and CTS provides brilliant training and development opportunities. The company recognises and rewards talented staff and wants us to grow and succeed.”
What qualities are required to succeed in a busy distribution department?
“Adaptability is key because you need to be a team player but also demonstrate independence at times. The importance of the team dynamic depends on being able to fit in with others, always being friendly and helpful to colleagues from different departments, internally and externally. You have to ‘gel’ with people.”
“A flexible nature is also essential because some dangerous, delicate and difficult deliveries require you to come back to the site outside ‘normal’ hours.”
Did you need to do any specialist training to become a distribution operative for CTS?
“National Facility for X-ray Computed Tomography competency tests, forklift counterbalance and reach, radioactive and dangerous goods courses, and fire marshall training. CTS also provide a full induction to all new starters which is very detailed due to the high stakes involved in what we do.”
Share your advice for someone looking to enter a career in logistics
“Specialist logistics distribution is a niche area with lots of complexities so research the industry to identify what company role and company culture you’ll perform best in. At CTS, there’s every opportunity to muck in, get involved and embrace the fast-moving environment, so be ready to learn something new every day and think on your feet.”
