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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Transport Planner

💰 $65,000 - $110,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationPlanningOperations

🎯 Role Definition

A Transport Planner is the strategic linchpin of an organization's supply chain, responsible for orchestrating the efficient, timely, and cost-effective movement of goods. This role involves a dynamic blend of analytical rigor and practical problem-solving to design and manage transportation networks. By optimizing routes, managing carrier relationships, and ensuring regulatory compliance, the Transport Planner directly impacts operational efficiency, cost control, and customer satisfaction, making them a vital contributor to the company's bottom line and market competitiveness.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Transport Coordinator or Dispatcher
  • Logistics Analyst or Supply Chain Analyst
  • Recent Graduate with a degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field

Advancement To:

  • Senior Transport Planner or Lead Planner
  • Logistics Manager or Transportation Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Demand Planner or Inventory Planner
  • Fleet Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement, and refine comprehensive transportation strategies to optimize the flow of goods across the entire supply chain, focusing on cost reduction and service level enhancement.
  • Plan and coordinate daily inbound and outbound shipments across multiple modes of transport, including Full Truckload (FTL), Less-than-Truckload (LTL), intermodal, air, and ocean freight.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to its full potential for load planning, carrier selection, route optimization, and shipment tracking.
  • Analyze complex data sets related to freight costs, carrier performance, transit times, and service quality to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and cost-saving initiatives.
  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a network of carriers, freight forwarders, and 3PL providers to ensure capacity and service reliability.
  • Lead or actively participate in the negotiation of freight rates, service agreements, and contracts with transportation partners to secure favorable terms and manage costs effectively.
  • Proactively monitor all active shipments from origin to destination, troubleshooting potential delays, and communicating status updates to internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all relevant transportation regulations, including Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, Hours of Service (HOS), and international shipping customs and documentation.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as warehouse operations, procurement, customer service, and sales to align transportation plans with inventory levels and customer demand.
  • Develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and report on transportation effectiveness, including on-time delivery, cost-per-unit, and carrier performance.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews with key carriers to address challenges, drive continuous improvement, and foster strategic partnerships.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for route and network optimization to reduce mileage, fuel consumption, and carbon footprint.
  • Manage and resolve freight claims for damages or losses, working with carriers and insurance providers to ensure timely resolution.
  • Forecast future transportation capacity requirements and costs based on sales projections, seasonality, and market trends.
  • Plan and manage complex logistics for special projects, including new product launches, facility moves, or large-scale customer rollouts.
  • Coordinate the scheduling of pickup and delivery appointments with shippers and receivers to ensure smooth operations and minimize dwell time.
  • Analyze and optimize freight consolidation and backhaul opportunities to maximize asset utilization and reduce empty miles.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for all transportation-related inquiries and escalations within the organization.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies, software, or processes that can enhance the efficiency and visibility of the transportation function.
  • Support the freight audit and payment process by verifying carrier invoices against contracted rates and resolving any discrepancies.

Secondary Functions

  • Prepare and present regular reports and data-driven insights on transportation performance and budget adherence to senior leadership.
  • Stay informed about emerging industry trends, market conditions, and new regulations that may impact transportation operations.
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events aimed at streamlining supply chain processes.
  • Provide training and support to other team members on transportation systems and standard operating procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Deep proficiency in using TMS platforms like Oracle TM, SAP TM, BluJay, MercuryGate, or similar for planning and execution.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel: Expertise in using pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas, and data modeling for analysis and reporting.
  • Route Planning & Optimization Software: Experience with tools such as Paragon, Roadnet, or integrated TMS routing modules to design efficient delivery networks.
  • ERP Systems: Working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and their integration with logistics modules.
  • Data Analysis & Visualization: Ability to analyze transportation data and create insightful dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik.
  • Knowledge of Transportation Modes: Comprehensive understanding of the operational nuances, pricing structures, and use cases for FTL, LTL, intermodal, parcel, air, and ocean freight.
  • Regulatory Compliance Knowledge: Strong familiarity with transportation regulations, including DOT, HOS, FMCSA, and international trade compliance (Incoterms).
  • Carrier Sourcing & Negotiation: Proven ability to source, evaluate, and negotiate rates and contracts with a diverse range of carriers.
  • Freight Cost Analysis: Skill in analyzing freight costs, accessorial charges, and fuel surcharges to identify savings opportunities.
  • Supply Chain Principles: Solid grounding in end-to-end supply chain concepts, including inventory management, warehousing, and demand planning.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Problem-Solving: A sharp, analytical mindset with the ability to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions under pressure.
  • Exceptional Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills (both written and verbal) for interacting with carriers, customers, and internal teams.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with partners and the ability to influence internal stakeholders.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A high degree of accuracy and precision is essential for managing shipment details, compliance, and data integrity.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines.
  • Strategic Thinking: Capacity to see the bigger picture and align transportation activities with broader business objectives.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A cooperative spirit and the ability to work effectively within a team and across different departments.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, unforeseen challenges, and evolving market conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in a relevant field is considered a strong asset.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in transportation planning, logistics, or a closely related supply chain function.

Preferred: Experience in a high-volume shipping environment such as manufacturing, retail, or consumer-packaged goods (CPG) is highly desirable.

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