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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Planner

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationPlanning

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Planner, you are the strategic core of our logistics operations, responsible for orchestrating the complex movement of goods across the country and around the globe. You will be a key player in ensuring our supply chain is efficient, cost-effective, and resilient. In this dynamic role, you will analyze shipping needs, select the best carrier partners, and meticulously plan routes to guarantee on-time delivery. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, making critical decisions that directly impact our bottom line and customer satisfaction. This is an opportunity to apply your analytical skills and logistics expertise to solve real-world transportation puzzles and drive operational excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Dispatcher
  • Transportation Assistant
  • Supply Chain Analyst (Junior)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Freight Planner / Lead Logistics Planner
  • Transportation Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Carrier Sales Representative
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Procurement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute daily freight movements for multiple modes of transport, including Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), intermodal, ocean, and air freight.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to build optimal routing solutions, consolidate shipments, and tender loads to approved carriers.
  • Analyze transportation costs and service levels to select the most appropriate carriers for each shipment, balancing cost, speed, and reliability.
  • Actively track and trace all in-transit shipments to ensure on-time performance, proactively identifying and resolving potential delays or issues.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders (e.g., warehouse, customer service, sales) to ensure seamless communication and execution.
  • Negotiate spot market rates with carriers and brokers to secure capacity and achieve cost savings targets on non-contracted lanes.
  • Manage and verify all necessary shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOL), Proof of Delivery (POD), and customs paperwork for international shipments.
  • Monitor carrier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time pickup/delivery, tender acceptance rates, and cost compliance.
  • Investigate and resolve freight-related issues, including service failures, damages, and shortages, and file/manage freight claims through to resolution.
  • Conduct regular analysis of freight data to identify trends, opportunities for cost reduction, and network optimization improvements.
  • Ensure all transportation activities comply with company policies and applicable government regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and international shipping laws.
  • Collaborate with the procurement team to support carrier sourcing events, contract negotiations, and the onboarding of new transportation partners.
  • Develop and maintain routing guides and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for freight planning and execution processes.
  • Audit and approve freight invoices, reconciling discrepancies between quoted rates and billed charges to ensure financial accuracy.
  • Prepare and present regular operational reports on shipping volumes, freight spend, carrier performance, and service metrics to management.
  • Forecast future freight capacity needs based on sales projections, seasonality, and promotional activity to inform strategic planning.
  • Coordinate with warehouse operations to manage dock scheduling, ensure carrier appointment times are met, and optimize loading/unloading efficiency.
  • Manage expedited and special-handling shipments, ensuring all requirements are met and providing end-to-end visibility.
  • Continuously evaluate and recommend improvements to the TMS and other logistics technologies to enhance planning capabilities and drive efficiency.
  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse portfolio of carrier partners to ensure reliable capacity and service.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to answer critical business questions related to transportation and logistics.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and roadmap by providing expert insights on transportation trends and challenges.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate their unique shipping needs and customer requirements into effective logistics solutions.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the broader supply chain and technology teams to drive continuous improvement projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Deep proficiency in using TMS platforms such as Oracle OTM, Blue Yonder, SAP TM, MercuryGate, or similar enterprise systems.
  • Freight Mode Expertise: Strong knowledge of LTL, FTL, intermodal, ocean, and air freight operations, pricing structures, and transit time standards.
  • Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills in Excel, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis functions for reporting and cost modeling.
  • Data Analysis: Ability to analyze transportation data, interpret KPIs, and identify actionable insights for process improvement and cost reduction.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of transportation regulations, including DOT Hours of Service (HOS), weight/axle limits, and hazmat requirements.
  • Rate Negotiation: Proven experience in negotiating freight rates in both contract and spot market environments.
  • ERP Systems: Familiarity with ERP software like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite for order management and inventory visibility.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to think critically and creatively to resolve complex logistical challenges and service disruptions under pressure.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and effective interaction with carriers, drivers, and internal teams.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and detail-oriented approach to planning, documentation, and data entry to ensure accuracy.
  • Time Management: Superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize a high volume of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to build rapport with carriers and secure favorable terms.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, shipment volumes, and market conditions.
  • Teamwork: A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across different departments and functions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent; relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct experience in a transportation planning, logistics coordination, or freight brokerage role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume manufacturing, distribution, or 3PL environment is highly desirable. Direct experience managing multiple modes of transport is a significant plus.
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