Transportation Scheduling Specialist Lead
HybridBlytheville, Arkansas, United States
Job Summary
Coordinate daily transportation activities across open deck lanes to ensure customer deliveries are executed efficiently and on time. Serve as the primary escalation point for complex transportation, delivery, and carrier service issues, applying advanced judgment to achieve effective results. Build and maintain strategic relationships with transportation providers, brokers, and logistics partners; ensure capacity, reliability, and competitive pricing. Lead carrier recruitment, qualification, onboarding, and ongoing performance management, developing a carrier network that supports company growth objectives. Negotiate transportation rates, service agreements, and capacity commitments across freight modes; drive cost-effectiveness while maintaining service standards. Oversee team TMS utilization; ensure consistent, accurate load entry, status management, and reporting. Manage and coordinate complex flatbed moves; ensure compliance with load securement and tarping requirements. Analyze freight market trends and identify opportunities to improve service levels, capacity availability, and transportation costs. Partner closely with Sales, Operations, and Customer Service to proactively address customer transportation requirements. Mentor and coach Transportation Scheduling Specialists; provide day-to-day technical guidance and support professional development. Generate and analyze transportation performance reports; identify trends and communicate findings to the Transportation Manager. Ensure compliance with company policies, carrier agreements, and applicable DOT and FMCSA regulations. Support implementation of transportation technology and continuous improvement initiatives. Lead special projects and strategic transportation initiatives as assigned. Work outside normal business hours/days as needed. Travel occasionally (up to 5%). Proven ability to work efficiently and effectively from a home office setting.
Required Qualifications
- 5 - 7 years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics, brokerage, or supply chain operations
- 3 or more years of carrier development, carrier relations, or freight brokerage experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with TMS platforms (MercuryGate, Oracle TMS, or equivalent) and load board tools (DAT, Truckstop.com)
- Demonstrated expertise in open deck freight coordination, preferably in a steel or metals market
- Demonstrated success negotiating rates, developing carrier networks, and resolving complex transportation challenges
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Advanced Excel skills
- Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders across all levels of the organization
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret TMS data, freight market trends, and carrier performance metrics; translate findings into solutions
- Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members, fostering accountability and a high-performance culture
- Expert-level knowledge of freight modes, equipment types, and load securement requirements for steel and metals distribution
- Advanced negotiation skills; proven ability to secure competitive market rates, manage capacity challenges, and resolve carrier disputes effectively
- Customer-focused mindset with a track record of resolving complex, high-stakes transportation issues professionally
- Deep knowledge of DOT and FMCSA compliance, Hours of Service (HOS), carrier qualification standards
- Strong ability to lead through change in a dynamic, high-volume logistics environment; proactively drives process improvements
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage team workflows, multiple strategic priorities, and competing deadlines simultaneously
- Highly self-directed and accountable; models ownership and follow-through for the broader team
- Must be able to work outside normal business hours/days as needed
- Must be able to travel occasionally (up to 5%)
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
- CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution), APICS, or equivalent supply chain certification
- Experience with freight analytics, carrier scorecard platforms, or ERP-integrated transportation modules
- Familiarity with steel distribution, metals service center, or industrial manufacturing logistics environments
- Experience developing or delivering logistics training programs, SOPs, or process documentation
- Knowledge of lean or continuous improvement methodologies as applied to transportation operations
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.