Linehaul Planner

Job Title:             Linehaul Planner 

Department:        Operations

Reports To:          Linehaul Manager

FLSA Status:         Exempt

SUMMARY:  Under general direction, performs a variety of complex planning activities in support of Linehaul business operations. Reviews freight volume to determine Linehaul resource requirements to support freight handling operations and service schedules. Exercises discretion in purchasing transportation capacity, as well as negotiate ad-hoc rates as needed. Works with transportation Carriers to obtain and schedule power based on freight volume.  Routinely exercises discretion in the selection process. Works with Agents and Service Center Managers, and related areas, to develop tools and procedures to maximize capacity utilization. Analyzes transportation performance quality, and independently communicates with transportation suppliers to ensure business objectives are met to standard. Ensures transportation providers adhere to, and are in compliance with, all regulatory federal and state requirements.

Assignments are generally the most complex within Linehaul coordinating activities and include the attainment of service objectives where service providers are new or costs are variable. May direct and assist lower dispatchers and coordinators. Typical incumbent has 5-6 years of directly-related experience; this provides a thorough knowledge of a variety of transportation activities including city dispatch, dock operations, linehaul planning, and contract carrier coordinating.

I.          ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Analyze freight volumes using a variety of reports and tools and utilize discretion to purchase transportation capacity and negotiate ad-hoc rates as needed.
• Ensure quality control of all freight loads and manage carrier performance through communication with supplier contacts.
• Analyze transportation demand; source and procure transportation in support of operations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance of all transportation providers, to include research of active interstate and/or intrastate authority.
• Monitor dynamic demand and changes to the freight market; ensure that supply matches demand.
• Evaluate available LH rates and service capabilities corresponding to volume        requirements and purchase line haul resources through contract suppliers.
• Coordinate carrier assignments and service requirements with Agents and Terminal Management.
• Continually monitor loading progress and make adjustments to assignments compensating for variable lane volumes.
• Execute dispatch documentation with freight handling facilities and contract carriers.
• Monitor progress of schedules in relation to service requirements.

II.         SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No

III.        QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A.  EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 5-6 years transportation industry related experience including end of line terminal operations preferred.
• 1-2 years dispatch experience in city or LH operations.
• 1-2 years dock operations in LTL, airfreight, or warehousing.
• 1-2 years coordinating with contract carriers or agents.
• Contract administration.

B.   LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Strong command of the English language; articulate.
• Must be able to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and written.
• Knowledge of transportation terminology is recommended.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence.

C.   MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• SUM, IF, and AVERAGE spreadsheet formulas.

D.   REASONING ABILITY:  Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

E.   OTHER SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Competent with Word and Excel applications
• Working knowledge of spreadsheet construction and basic formulas
• Negotiating skills

IV.        PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This position requires an employee to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and, talk and hear while performing the duties of this job.  The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

V.         WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typically, the duties of this position take place in an office setting, although some training may require visits to loading platforms and other terminal facilities.