Carrier Operations Specialist

Work Arrangement: On-Site in Des Peres, MO

About the Role

The Carrier Operations Specialist supports the execution of third-party transportation orders by securing carrier capacity, negotiating competitive rates, and coordinating shipments from tender through delivery. This position works closely with carriers, drivers, and internal partners to keep freight moving while balancing service, cost, and operational priorities.

This role is well suited for someone who enjoys the fast pace of transportation and brokerage operations, is comfortable negotiating with carriers, and can remain calm and solutions-focused when plans change. The successful candidate will also have an opportunity to help strengthen processes as the brokerage operation continues to grow.

What You'll Do

• Source and secure qualified third-party carriers for truckload, partial truckload, household goods, automotive, and logistics shipments.
• Negotiate rates and payment terms while supporting service and margin expectations.
• Tender freight to carriers and coordinate shipment execution from pickup through delivery.
• Monitor shipment status, driver information, pickup and delivery times, and other critical order details.
• Develop carrier relationships and maintain a reliable network of transportation providers.
• Vet and onboard new carriers in accordance with company, FMCSA, and DOT requirements.
• Confirm that third-party shipments are accurately entered, accounted for, billed, and aligned with financial reporting.
• Identify coverage risks early and develop alternate solutions before freight reaches the open load board.
• Communicate service issues, delays, and other shipment updates to internal stakeholders.
• Manage a high volume of orders while adjusting priorities as business needs change.
• Collaborate with brokerage leadership and operational partners to improve processes, service, and profitability.
• Support additional operational projects and responsibilities as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, transportation, logistics, supply chain, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Two or more years of experience in transportation, logistics, brokerage, carrier operations, dispatch, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating multiple shipments, orders, customers, or operational priorities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions with incomplete or changing information.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and productive in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn transportation management systems.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in carrier sales, freight brokerage, carrier capacity, or transportation account management.
• Experience sourcing carriers and negotiating transportation rates.
• Familiarity with load boards and carrier sourcing tools such as DAT.
• Experience vetting or onboarding carriers under FMCSA and DOT requirements.
• Knowledge of truckload, partial truckload, household goods, automotive, or specialty logistics transportation.
• Experience tracking shipment profitability, carrier costs, service performance, or operational KPIs.
• Experience working in a growing operation where processes and technology are still evolving.

How You'll Be Successful

Top performers in this role tend to be:

• Calm under pressure and able to work through urgent transportation issues without becoming overwhelmed.
• Solutions-oriented professionals who look beyond the first available option.
• Confident negotiators who balance carrier relationships with cost and margin expectations.
• Organized individuals who can reassess priorities throughout the day.
• Critical thinkers who recognize when carrier information or shipment details do not look right.
• Strong listeners who value input from teammates and operational partners.
• Comfortable working independently while knowing when to escalate or ask for help.
• Adaptable individuals who can help improve developing processes rather than waiting for everything to be fully defined.

About UniGroup

UniGroup is a transportation cooperative that owns and supports the United Van Lines and Mayflower brands. We partner with a nationwide network of agents and transportation providers to deliver household goods, specialty logistics, and transportation services across the United States and internationally. Our cooperative model emphasizes collaboration, shared success, and long-term relationships with our agents, customers, carriers, and employees.

Benefits & Total Rewards

UniGroup offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellness resources

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. UniGroup is unable to provide visa sponsorship or employment authorization support now or in the future.

We foster diversity, in part, by imposing a strict policy of non-discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information or other status protected by the law.

We value the unique skills and experiences that veterans and separated service members bring to our workforce. While serving our country you have gained skills such as leadership, flexibility, and agility, which will help to make you successful here. We are dedicated to supporting military families and ensuring that we provide a welcoming environment for our country's heroes. We hope you consider joining the UniGroup family.

UniGroup is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, UniGroup will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@unigroup.com.