What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Planner position at California Overland LTD?
Company Description California Overland LTD is a transportation company specializing in trucking and railroad services, operating from its headquarters in Lake City, MN. The organization supports regional and long-haul freight operations, providing reliable logistics solutions to a diverse customer base. Team members contribute to the safe and efficient movement of goods across the Midwest and beyond. California Overland LTD offers opportunities to grow in a fast-paced, operations-focused environment where safety, reliability, and customer service are core priorities.
Role Description The Lead Planner is a full-time, on-site role based in Wabasha, MN, responsible for overseeing daily transportation planning and load coordination. This role manages route scheduling, truck and driver assignments, and load optimization to ensure on-time delivery and cost-effective operations. The Lead Planner collaborates closely with dispatch, drivers, and customers to resolve scheduling issues, adjust plans in response to changing conditions, and maintain accurate records in planning and dispatch systems. This position also monitors performance metrics, identifies process improvements, and supports compliance with company policies and transportation regulations. The Lead Planner provides guidance to planning staff, supports training, and helps maintain a consistent, high-quality planning process.
Qualifications
- Strong skills in transportation planning, load scheduling, and route optimization, with the ability to balance efficiency and service quality.
- Proficiency with logistics or dispatch software, spreadsheets, and scheduling tools, and comfort working with data to make planning decisions.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with drivers, dispatch team members, and customers in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to prioritize and adjust plans quickly under time pressure.
- Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities to maintain accurate records and manage multiple loads and routes simultaneously.
- Experience in trucking, freight, or railroad operations is strongly preferred; prior leadership or lead-level experience in planning or dispatch is an advantage.
- Understanding of basic transportation regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements relevant to trucking operations.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; postsecondary education in logistics, supply chain, or a related field is beneficial.