What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Specialist position at Forward Air Corporation?
Job Description
Position: Operations Specialist
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm
The Operations Specialist is responsible for managing daily transportation operations within Forward’s Truckload Brokerage. This role focuses on rate negotiation, load optimization, and carrier coordination while developing operational reporting and analytical capabilities. The Operations Specialist serves as a key contact for assigned accounts and plays a vital role in ensuring service excellence and operational efficiency.
Core Responsibilities & Duties
About Us
Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.
Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.
Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 " Americas Most Trustworthy Companies " publication
Position: Operations Specialist
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm
The Operations Specialist is responsible for managing daily transportation operations within Forward’s Truckload Brokerage. This role focuses on rate negotiation, load optimization, and carrier coordination while developing operational reporting and analytical capabilities. The Operations Specialist serves as a key contact for assigned accounts and plays a vital role in ensuring service excellence and operational efficiency.
Core Responsibilities & Duties
- Independently manage assigned customer accounts, coordinating pick-up and delivery schedules and resolving time-sensitive service issues
- Negotiate competitive rates with carriers to maximize profitability while maintaining high service standards
- Optimize load assignments and routing for cost-effective and timely delivery execution
- Ensure accurate and complete data entry in the McLeod Transportation Management System (TMS) for all assigned loads
- Monitor weekly service performance and identify opportunities to improve carrier management and rate strategy
- Assist in training and mentoring Operations Coordinators in core operational practices, including load planning and carrier communication
- Utilize the TMS for real-time shipment tracking, data validation, and performance analysis
- Prepare and present reports on service metrics, carrier performance, and cost analysis to operations leadership
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address load execution issues and improve workflow efficiency
- Other duties as assigned
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred
- 1–2 years of experience in logistics, transportation operations, or customer service
- Proficiency in rate negotiation and load planning best practices
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and make confident, effective decisions in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in TMS platforms (e.g., McLeod) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Solid understanding of transportation operations and carrier management
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to analyze performance data and apply insights to improve operations
- Effective negotiation and conflict resolution abilities
- Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and operational needs
About Us
Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.
Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.
Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 " Americas Most Trustworthy Companies " publication