Job Description: Freight Planner
Position: Freight Planner
Department: Transportation Planning
Reports to: Transportation Planning Manager
Job Summary:
The Freight Planner is responsible for coordinating and optimizing the movement of goods, ensuring efficient and cost-effective transportation operations. This role requires a strong understanding of logistics and transportation concepts, as well as excellent organizational and analytical skills.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Develop and implement comprehensive freight transportation plans to optimize routes, minimize costs, and ensure timely delivery of goods.
2. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including sales, warehouse, and customer service teams, to gather information and understand transportation requirements.
3. Analyze shipment data, including volume, weight, and dimensions, to determine the most suitable transportation mode and carrier.
4. Utilize transportation management systems and software to plan and schedule shipments, considering factors such as carrier capacity, transit times, and cost.
5. Coordinate with carriers and negotiate freight rates, ensuring favorable terms and conditions while maintaining service level agreements.
6. Maintain accurate transportation records, including shipment details, carrier contracts, and rates, to support auditing and reporting requirements.
7. Monitor and track shipments, providing regular updates to internal stakeholders and customers on shipment status and potential delays.
8. Address any transportation-related issues or challenges, collaborating with carriers, customers, and internal teams to find prompt and effective resolutions.
9. Continuously evaluate and improve transportation processes, identifying opportunities for cost savings, efficiency enhancement, and risk mitigation.
10. Stay updated with industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to transportation and logistics, proposing and implementing relevant improvements.
Skills and Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 3 years of experience in transportation planning or freight coordination within the logistics industry.
3. Strong knowledge of transportation modes, including truckload, less-than-truckload, air, ocean, and intermodal.
4. Proficiency in using transportation management systems (TMS) and related software applications.
5. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
6. Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with carriers and internal stakeholders.
7. Exceptional organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
8. Detail-oriented mindset, ensuring accuracy and precision in transportation planning processes.
9. Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance requirements in the transportation industry.
10. Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
Note: This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the Freight Planner role. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties and qualifications required and may be subject to change based on business needs.