Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Dynamic Fleet Planner

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Fleet Planner is the strategic linchpin of our transportation operations, responsible for the masterful coordination and optimization of our vehicle fleet. This role is crucial for ensuring the timely, efficient, and cost-effective movement of goods, directly impacting customer satisfaction and bottom-line profitability. You will be the central point of contact for drivers, dispatch, and management, using data-driven insights to make critical decisions that shape our daily logistics success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Dispatch Coordinator
  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Transportation Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Fleet Planner
  • Logistics Manager
  • Transportation Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Operations Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute daily and weekly transportation plans, creating efficient routes and schedules for a diverse fleet of vehicles to meet customer delivery windows and service level agreements.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and other routing software to dynamically plan, optimize, and dispatch loads, considering factors like traffic, weather, and road closures.
  • Actively monitor real-time fleet movements using GPS tracking systems, proactively addressing potential delays, diversions, or exceptions to ensure on-time performance.
  • Serve as the primary communication link between drivers, dispatchers, customer service, and warehouse teams to resolve issues, provide status updates, and ensure seamless operational flow.
  • Continuously analyze and optimize fleet capacity, balancing asset utilization with operational costs to maximize efficiency and minimize empty miles.
  • Manage and coordinate all scheduled and unscheduled vehicle maintenance, repairs, and inspections in collaboration with the maintenance department or third-party vendors to ensure fleet readiness and safety.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, Hours of Service (HOS) rules, and other federal, state, and local transportation laws.
  • Generate, analyze, and present key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational reports on metrics such as on-time delivery, cost-per-mile, fuel consumption, and asset utilization.
  • Conduct regular cost-benefit analysis of routes, carriers, and transportation modes to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.
  • Plan and manage backhauls to generate additional revenue and reduce the cost impact of empty return trips.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all fleet-related activities, including dispatch logs, maintenance histories, fuel receipts, and compliance documentation.
  • Manage driver schedules, time-off requests, and assignments to ensure adequate coverage and compliance with HOS regulations.

Secondary Functions

  • Forecast future fleet and driver requirements based on sales projections, seasonal demand, and business growth initiatives.
  • Onboard new drivers, providing training on company procedures, safety protocols, and the use of in-cab technology and software.
  • Handle and resolve transportation-related customer complaints or inquiries, working to find swift and satisfactory solutions.
  • Collaborate with the safety department to investigate accidents or incidents, implement corrective actions, and promote a strong culture of safety among drivers.
    Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the transportation department by identifying process bottlenecks and developing more efficient workflows.
  • Evaluate and negotiate rates with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and external carriers for overflow freight or specialized hauls.
  • Audit and approve freight-related invoices, ensuring accuracy and resolving any discrepancies with carriers or vendors.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High proficiency in Transportation Management Systems (TMS) such as MercuryGate, Oracle OTM, Blue Yonder, or similar platforms.
  • Advanced knowledge of route planning and optimization software (e.g., Roadnet, Descartes, Paragon).
  • Strong, in-depth understanding of DOT, FMCSA, and Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
  • Hands-on experience with GPS tracking and telematics systems (e.g., Geotab, Samsara, PeopleNet).
  • Data analysis skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUPs); experience with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau is a strong asset.
  • Practical knowledge of fleet maintenance principles and preventative maintenance scheduling.
  • Experience in cost analysis, transportation P&L management, and KPI reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, sound decisions under pressure.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to clearly liaise with drivers, customers, and internal departments.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, capable of juggling multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all planning and documentation.
  • Strong geographical knowledge and a well-developed sense of spatial awareness.
  • Effective negotiation skills for engaging with third-party carriers and service vendors.
  • A proactive and collaborative mindset focused on driving continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Transportation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of direct experience in a role focused on fleet planning, dispatch, or transportation coordination.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a specific transportation sector (e.g., FTL/LTL, refrigerated transport, last-mile delivery, bulk liquid) is highly desirable.
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