Load Planner

Position Title: Load Planner 

Position Reports to: Terminal Manager

Position Summary: Under general supervision, preplans drivers based on availability, deadhead mileage, drivers’ needs, and transit times; coordinates relays between drivers to help with driver’s needs while ensuring freight delivers on time as well; manages trailer pools and trailer utilization in set regions; performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

1. Works with Customer Service Representatives to determine which freight tenders to accept and decline based on driver availability; preplans drivers in their assigned regions based on availability, hours of service, deadhead mileage and transit times; plans freight based on the priority of the customer’s needs and driver’s needs in the most efficient way possible.

1. Coordinates local deliveries and pick-ups using local and over the road drivers to ensure service is met.

1. Works with Driver Managers to arrange the appropriate loads for each driver based on the driver’s needs, hours of availability and transit time of loads; coordinates relays between drivers to help with driver’s needs while ensuring freight delivers on time, as well as improving utilization.

1. Oversees trailer utilization and allocation within assigned regions; positions trailers strategically by region to maximize usage and balance trailer pools between drop locations; informs Planning & Asset Supervisor, Customer Service, and the sales department on drop trailer utilization to determine cost efficiency.

1. Responsible for minimizing deadhead, maintaining good driver utilization, maintaining good trailer utilization, directing CSR’s on which freight works best for any given day, solving problems brought to them by Driver Managers, Customer Service Representatives and other Planners with the company’s best interest in mind.

1. Communicates with customers any information that is requested or any questions they may have as needed.

1. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Highly sought-after skills: Ability and desire to contribute equally to a team environment; Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and efficiently; Creative problem solving; Minimum of two-years’ experience in an over the road transportation Operations field; Excellent analytical skills, Excellent organizational skills.

Beneficial skills: Two years post high school education or military experience; experience using a Transportation Management System (TMS), Add On Systems (AOS), and Innovative software (ICC/ AS400).

Physical Qualifications: Sitting, talking on the phone, and entering data into computer for extended periods of time. 

The above statements reflect the general duties of the position and describe the principal functions and may be adjusted according to the business environment as seen fit by management.