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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Freight Supervisor

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationManagement

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Supervisor, you are the operational backbone of our logistics team. You will lead, mentor, and direct a dedicated group of freight handlers, drivers, and coordinators to ensure the seamless, efficient, and compliant movement of goods. This role demands a proactive leader who can optimize processes, manage carrier relationships, and solve complex logistical challenges in a fast-paced environment, directly impacting our supply chain's success and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Freight Coordinator / Logistics Coordinator
  • Lead Driver / Senior Dispatcher
  • Logistics Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Freight Manager / Transportation Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Carrier Relations Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead and direct daily freight operations, overseeing all inbound and outbound shipments to ensure timely, cost-effective, and accurate execution.
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of freight coordinators, drivers, and warehouse personnel, managing performance reviews, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), OSHA, and other local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Optimize freight routing and load planning to maximize efficiency, minimize transit times, and reduce overall transportation costs.
  • Negotiate freight rates and service level agreements with carriers, brokers, and 3PL providers to secure cost-effective and reliable transportation solutions.
  • Actively monitor and track all shipments from origin to destination, proactively communicating status updates and potential delays to relevant stakeholders.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving complex shipping discrepancies, freight damage claims, and customer service escalations.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for new and existing team members on safety protocols, operational procedures, and system usage.
  • Maintain meticulous and organized records of all freight activities, including bills of lading (BOLs), proof of delivery (PODs), and customs documentation.
  • Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, cost-per-mile, and carrier reliability to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Oversee the proper and safe loading, unloading, and securing of freight, ensuring compliance with weight restrictions and cargo handling procedures.
  • Manage and control departmental budgets, carefully tracking operational expenses and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
  • Foster strong, collaborative relationships with carriers to ensure high levels of service and capacity availability.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and team meetings to reinforce a culture of safety and operational excellence within the team.
  • Champion the proficient use of the Transportation Management System (TMS) to plan, execute, and monitor all freight movements.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with warehouse, procurement, sales, and customer service teams to align transportation activities with broader business objectives.
  • Manage fleet assets where applicable, coordinating preventative maintenance schedules and repairs to ensure vehicle safety and operational readiness.
  • Audit and approve freight invoices, resolving any billing discrepancies with carriers in a timely and professional manner.
  • Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen disruptions, such as adverse weather, equipment failures, or sudden changes in shipping volume.
  • Lead process improvement projects aimed at enhancing operational workflows, reducing waste, and increasing overall supply chain efficiency.
  • Prepare and present regular operational performance reports to senior management, highlighting trends, challenges, and successes.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc reporting requests from leadership regarding freight spend, carrier performance, and operational efficiency.
  • Contribute to the strategic planning for the transportation department, including technology adoption and network design.
  • Collaborate with the sales and procurement teams to provide accurate freight cost estimates for new business or product lines.
  • Participate in cross-departmental project teams to support broader supply chain initiatives and improvements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): High proficiency with TMS platforms (e.g., MercuryGate, Oracle TM, Blue Yonder) for planning, execution, and tracking.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of DOT, FMCSA, and Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
  • MS Office Suite: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, pivot tables, and KPI reporting.
  • Route Optimization: Experience with route planning and load optimization software.
  • Freight Industry Expertise: Strong knowledge of freight classifications, shipping documentation (BOL, Manifests), and industry terminology.
  • Rate Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate freight rates and contracts with carriers and brokers.
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Principles: Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes and logistics management.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team in a high-pressure environment.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills to resolve complex logistical challenges effectively.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for clear interaction with drivers, carriers, customers, and internal leadership.
  • Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
  • Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Adept at negotiating favorable terms and resolving disputes with internal and external partners.
  • Decision-Making: Capable of making sound, data-informed judgments under pressure.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Transportation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, or freight operations, with at least 1-2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume shipping environment (LTL, FTL, and parcel).
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