Job Description: Freight Broker
Job Title: Freight Broker
Department: Transportation Planning
Reports To: Transportation Planning Manager
Job Summary:
The Freight Broker will be responsible for managing and coordinating the transportation of goods, ensuring efficient and timely delivery to meet customer requirements. This role involves negotiating and securing transportation contracts with carriers, tracking shipments, and maintaining effective communication with customers and carriers throughout the transportation process. The Freight Broker will play a key role in optimizing logistics operations, minimizing costs, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Source and negotiate transportation contracts with carriers to ensure competitive rates and reliable service.
2. Coordinate the transportation of goods, including scheduling pickups and deliveries, and ensuring compliance with customer requirements.
3. Communicate effectively with customers, carriers, and internal stakeholders to provide shipment details, updates, and resolve any transportation-related issues.
4. Monitor and track shipments to ensure on-time delivery, and proactively address any delays or disruptions.
5. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all transportation activities, including contracts, rates, and shipment details.
6. Collaborate with the Transportation Planning team to optimize shipment routes, consolidate shipments, and minimize costs.
7. Proactively identify potential transportation issues or bottlenecks and propose solutions to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
8. Stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to freight brokerage and transportation planning.
Skills and Qualifications:
1. Proven experience working as a Freight Broker or in a similar role within the transportation and logistics industry.
2. In-depth knowledge of transportation modes, regulations, and industry practices.
3. Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively build and maintain relationships with carriers and customers.
4. Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple shipments and prioritize tasks.
5. Proficient in using transportation management software and other relevant tools to track shipments, generate reports, and analyze data.
6. Detail-oriented with a strong ability to analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions.
7. Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
8. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to address transportation issues and implement effective solutions.
9. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field is preferred but not required.
Note: This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.