Backhaul Coordinator

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture - Where Innovation Meets Comfort

Who We Are:

At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the worlds largest manufacturer of home furnishings, were more than a business - were a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.

If youre ready to grow, youve come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.

If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.

Summary:

The ADS Backhaul Coordinator is responsible for understanding the systems, delivery routes, and transportation procedures of Ashley Distribution Services (ADS) while soliciting and acquiring daily, weekly, and monthly freight from customers and brokers to reduce empty miles and improve overall revenue. This role coordinates with Assistant Fleet Managers to identify available drivers for backhauls, uses load boards to locate optimal opportunities, and ensures accuracy of load tenders and system data. The ADS Backhaul Coordinator provides excellent customer service to shippers and brokers, negotiates competitive rates, and manages load planning to maximize efficiency and revenue across the transportation network.

Responsibilities:

Driver & Fleet Coordination

• Coordinate with Assistant Fleet Managers to determine where available drivers are located and identify drivers that need backhaul assignments
• Ensure all loads are matched and acknowledged to maximize efficiency and driver utilization
• Plan all ambassadors (drivers) showing available through the start of your shift the next day; notify ambassadors why they are not planned and add them to the end of the day email and note within the TMS
• If short on work, communicate the need 2 days prior with the Fleet Manager to allow for planning adjustments
• Reviews loads to determine if a relay is needed to a drop yard/DC or if the ambassador will deliver direct
• Reviews code orange alerts and ETAs, rescheduling any pickup or deliveries we wont make after confirming with the ambassador
• Communicates within the region, including Shuttles, LTL & PTP (Point-to-Point), to ensure all relayed loads are planned and coordinated

Freight Acquisition & Load Planning

• Solicit and acquire daily, weekly, and monthly freight from customers, brokers, and shipping partners to secure backhaul loads
• Use load boards including DAT, Internet Truckstop, and other platforms to locate backhaul opportunities that satisfy business needs and align with driver routes
• Review DAT Board and other freight marketplaces to locate freight when needed to fill capacity
• Reduce and manage empty miles through strategic acquisition of backhauls
• Continue to review and improve backhaul revenue and lanes through market analysis
• Look for and identify opportunities within our network through lane reports and performance data
• Responsible for volume and revenue aspects of freight solicited, ensuring profitability targets are met

Load Management & System Accuracy

• Ensure accuracy of load tenders and enter loads into system when necessary with complete and correct information
• Enter all manual orders as needed as well as updating rates in the transportation management system
• All loads are planned for current and next day with correct dates, pick-up/delivery windows, and all numbers associated with the load
• Reviews appropriate systems for backhaul tenders and necessary updates including MercuryGate (MG), BluJay, and other TMS platforms
• All 3PL (third-party logistics) updates are done within the appropriate TMS as well as checking EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) to ensure no trips are missed
• Update and confirm information is correct in CIM (Customer Information Management) for all orders including: phone numbers, hours of operations, commodity, nearest CAT scale, overnight parking, trailer size (48 or 53), load management details

Vendor & Customer Communication

• Call shippers and vendors to confirm order numbers, delivery requirements, and load specifications
• Utilize shipper and vendor systems to set appointments and coordinate pickup and delivery windows
• Provide excellent customer service and communicate load status updates to shippers and brokers proactively
• Watches emails and replies with updates in a timely manner to maintain strong customer relationships
• Coordinate with brokers to ensure we have enough freight for all ambassadors and maintain consistent backhaul volume

Rate Negotiation

• Negotiate rates with shippers and brokers to maximize profitability while remaining competitive
• Make sure negotiated rates are accurately entered into the system with all applicable charges
• Monitor market rates and trends to inform negotiation strategies
• Track rate performance and identify opportunities for rate improvements

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor backhaul performance metrics including revenue per mile, empty mile percentage, and load acceptance rates
• Analyze lane reports to identify profitable opportunities and underperforming routes
• Generate reports on backhaul performance and provide updates to management
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and work toward continuous improvement goals

Core Values Demonstration

• Demonstrate the Companys Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions
• Model expected behaviors and support the ADS mission of operational excellence

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Experience in transportation, logistics, freight brokerage, or backhaul coordination
• Familiarity with load boards such as DAT, Internet Truckstop, Truckstop.com, or similar platforms
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with ability to build relationships with customers and brokers
• Ability to analyze data and identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost reduction
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Understanding of transportation management systems (TMS) and freight operations
• Customer service orientation with professional phone and email communication skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions quickly
• Strong attention to detail with accuracy in data entry and record-keeping

Additional Qualifications, Preferred:

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in backhaul coordination, freight brokerage, or transportation logistics
• Experience with MercuryGate, BluJay, or similar transportation management systems (TMS)
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, hours of service (HOS), and transportation compliance requirements
• Understanding of trucking operations, routing, and logistics planning
• Experience in furniture delivery, white-glove service, or dedicated fleet operations
• Familiarity with EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and automated freight tendering
• Background in rate negotiation and contract management
• Understanding of fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and freight pricing structures
• Advanced Excel skills including data analysis and reporting

Work Environment:

This position is located in a climate-controlled office environment with standard lighting and moderate noise levels typical of professional workspace settings. The role primarily involves sitting at a desk for extended periods while working with computers, phones, and other office equipment. The collaborative environment includes interaction with team members and may require attendance at meetings, conference calls, and cross-departmental communications during regular business hours.

Pay:

Competitive compensation based on experience

Benefits We Offer:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance

Our Core Values:

Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.

Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.

Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.

Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.

Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.

Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.

Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.

Interested in learning more about Ashley Furnitures Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:

• Corporate Social Responsibility
• View Our Corporate Brochure

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates, only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.

Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future.