Transportation Manager

Position Overview

Instone is seeking an experienced Transportation Manager to lead and optimize inbound and outbound freight across our growing North American and international supply chain. This is a hands-on role with end-to-end ownership of transportation strategy and execution, focused on scalability, cost control, service performance, and visibility.

The Transportation Manager will oversee domestic freight, international imports, and cross-border shipments while serving as the primary owner of transportation processes. A critical responsibility of this role will be leading the selection, implementation, and ongoing optimization of a Transportation Management System (TMS) to support continued growth and operational excellence.

This role works cross-functionally with purchasing, warehouse leadership, and operations teams, as well as externally with carriers, freight brokers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.

What Instone Is Looking For

We’re looking for a seasoned transportation professional who combines strong execution skills with the ability to build scalable processes. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment. This role plays a central part in ensuring freight moves efficiently, compliantly, and cost-effectively while improving visibility and performance across the transportation network.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage domestic, international, and cross-border shipments via ocean, truckload, and intermodal shipments
• Oversee international imports, including overseas transportation, port coordination, customs clearance, and final delivery
• Manage cross-border shipments across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, ensuring compliance with all trade and transportation regulations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight brokers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers
• Lead carrier selection, performance management, and relationship development
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant shipping and customs documentation across all shipments
• Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of a Transportation Management System (TMS)
• Develop and maintain shipment tracking and visibility tools, including dashboards, reporting, and electronic documentation (eBOLs)
• Plan and optimize outbound delivery routes to improve efficiency, service levels, and cost performance
• Collaborate closely with purchasing and warehouse teams on inbound scheduling, loading plans, and inventory flow
• Define, track, and improve transportation KPIs, including freight cost, on-time delivery, carrier performance, and service reliability
• Identify and implement continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives within transportation operations
• Stay current on transportation, customs, trade, and safety regulations and ensure organizational compliance
• Support additional logistics and supply chain initiatives as the business continues to scale

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred (or equivalent professional experience)
• 3 - 5 years experience in transportation management, logistics, importing, or related roles
• Hands-on experience managing international shipping and customs processes
• Strong knowledge of U.S., Canada, and Mexico cross-border transportation
• Experience working with carriers, freight brokers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers
• Proven experience working with or implementing a Transportation Management System (TMS)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and with external partners

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical to Instone’s next phase of growth. As the company continues to expand, the Transportation Manager will play a key role in building structure, visibility, and scalability across the transportation network while improving cost efficiency and service performance. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and help shape transportation strategy as the business grows.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000 - $100,000