Operations Specialist - Drayage

About Scout Freight

At Scout Freight, we deliver smart, reliable freight solutions built on trust, precision, speed, and performance. From dry and liquid bulk to heavy haul, open-deck, drop trailer, temperature-controlled, and both full and less-than-truckload services, we tailor scalable and dependable logistics to meet diverse customer needs. Our drayage operations connect ocean and rail freight to the last mile, moving containers efficiently between ports, rail ramps, and final destinations. We stay ahead of disruptions through real-time tracking, strong carrier relationships, and responsive communication, enabling proactive service and peace of mind for our clients.

Job Purpose

As an Operations Specialist supporting Drayage, you will manage the full lifecycle of container moves – from booking and dispatching drayage carriers to tracking containers through pickup, delivery, and return. This role is the foundation of our drayage operations, combining carrier coordination, port and rail ramp scheduling, and customer communication. You'll play a critical role in keeping containers moving on time, minimizing detention and demurrage exposure, and building strong relationships with trucking partners, terminals, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Container and load coordination involves booking and dispatching drayage carriers for import and export container moves, matching available capacity to customer pickup and delivery windows.
• Port and rail ramp scheduling requires securing and managing terminal appointments, monitoring vessel and rail ramp availability, and adjusting plans around cutoffs, congestion, and last free day deadlines.
• Chassis and equipment coordination means tracking chassis availability and pool assignments, and resolving equipment shortages or interchange issues that could delay a move.
• Demurrage and detention management covers monitoring last free days and per diem clocks, proactively flagging at-risk containers, and working with carriers and customers to avoid or dispute unnecessary charges.
• Freight management covers overseeing every step of the container's lifecycle, from terminal pickup to delivery and empty return, including tracking, status updates, and issue resolution.
• Carrier development means building and maintaining strong relationships with drayage carriers to ensure reliable capacity at the ports and rail ramps you serve.
• Documentation and compliance requires managing bills of lading, customs holds, and terminal release documentation, and ensuring loads are compliant before dispatch.
• Problem solving involves proactively addressing chassis shortages, terminal delays, customs holds, or exceptions to ensure on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Technology and reporting include leveraging transportation management systems (TMS), port/rail tracking portals, and EDI data to manage loads, maintain accurate records, and report performance metrics.
• Collaboration requires partnering with internal teams, ocean and rail carriers, and terminal operators to align customer expectations with operational execution.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred, though not required; equivalent work experience in drayage, intermodal, or logistics operations is valued.
• Experience: 2+ years of drayage, intermodal, logistics, or related industry experience (dispatch, terminal operations, or customer service transferable).
• Skills: Strong communication and negotiation skills, comfort working against tight port and rail cutoffs, and attention to detail when tracking containers, chassis, and appointments.

Competencies

• Working knowledge of drayage and intermodal operations, including port and rail ramp processes.
• Ability to thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment with frequent deadline pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing multiple containers and appointments simultaneously.
• Persistent and proactive in preventing detention, demurrage, and per diem charges before they occur.
• Adaptability to changing terminal conditions, chassis availability, and customer priorities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and performance.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Scout Freight is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Scout Freight is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@scoutfreight.com.

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

This internship does not constitute a contract of employment. If applicable, employment with [Company Name] is “at-will,” meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable laws.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.