Planner

Position Overview

The Planner is responsible for coordinating and optimizing the movement of freight across over-the-road (OTR), regional, and local transportation networks. This role ensures the efficient use of company assets, adherence to customer requirements, and compliance with all regulatory and safety standards. The planner will work closely with drivers, dispatchers, customers, and account managers to maintain service excellence and maximize operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Freight Planning & Scheduling

• Develop, plan, and execute daily and weekly transportation schedules for OTR, regional, and local shipments.
• Optimize routes and load assignments to achieve on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and asset utilization.
• Balance freight flow across regions to maintain network efficiency and minimize empty miles.

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate effectively with dispatch teams to assign loads, update schedules, and resolve routing issues.
• Monitor driver hours of service (HOS) and ensure compliance with DOT and FMCSA regulations.

Customer Service & Communication

• Serve as a liaison between operations, sales, and account managers to ensure shipment visibility and timely updates.
• Proactively manage potential service failures by developing contingency plans and communicating resolutions.
• Maintain accurate records of delivery performance, accessorials, and customer requirements.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Utilize transportation management systems (TMS) to analyze lane performance, driver utilization, and cost metrics.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in routing efficiency, cost control, and service quality.
• Prepare and distribute reports on key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time performance and cost per mile.

Regulatory & Safety Compliance

• Help ensure adherence to DOT, FMCSA, and company safety standards across all operations.
• Assist in maintaining documentation related to freight movements and driver compliance.

Qualifications:

• 2–5 years of experience in freight planning or dispatch, with exposure to OTR, regional, and local operations.
• Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), route optimization software, and MS Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations and driver HOS requirements.
• Experience working in a for-hire or private fleet environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person