Brokerage Carrier Operations Specialist 2nd Shift
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
Brokerage Carrier Operations Specialist
Compensation: $70000 - 80000 Annually
Shift: 2nd Shift (3:00 PM-11:00 PM)
The Brokerage Carrier Operations Specialist is responsible for securing carrier capacity recovering service exceptions and ensuring seamless transportation execution during critical evening operating hours. This role serves as the primary operational liaison between carrier partners stations customer-facing teams and internal stakeholders. They proactively manage open freight opportunities address carrier-related disruptions and maintain shipment visibility to support service commitments. This role plays a critical part in ensuring freight moves efficiently and customer expectations are consistently met.
Responsibilities
- Manage and secure carrier capacity for all remaining open loads prior to the end of the business day ensuring timely and cost-effective coverage.
- Proactively identify manage and recover late at-risk or bounced loads to minimize service disruptions and protect customer commitments.
- Serve as the primary evening point of contact for stations account teams customers and facilities regarding critical shipment activity.
- Source qualify and engage carrier partners to support transportation coverage needs and market demands.
- Negotiate transactional freight rates while balancing capacity availability service expectations and profitability objectives.
- Verify carrier compliance requirements and ensure adherence to company policies and transportation standards.
- Monitor active shipments throughout the shift and maintain accurate load status visibility within transportation management systems.
- Coordinate pickup and delivery appointments and communicate schedule changes to appropriate stakeholders.
- Investigate and resolve shipment exceptions delays service failures and other transportation challenges with urgency and professionalism.
- Maintain continuous communication with carrier dispatchers drivers stations and internal partners to facilitate successful freight movement.
- Collaborate closely with first-shift operations account management and support teams to ensure effective handoffs and continuity of service.
- Document carrier interactions load activity issue resolution efforts and operational updates in designated systems.
- Support customer service objectives by providing timely shipment updates and managing escalations when necessary.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance carrier performance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management Logistics Business Administration Transportation or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience may be considered.
- Certification/Licensure: No certification required; transportation and logistics industry certifications are a plus.
- One to two years of experience in freight brokerage carrier sales transportation operations logistics coordination or a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate rates secure carrier capacity and build productive carrier relationships.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal stakeholders customers carriers drivers and dispatch personnel.
- Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions in time-sensitive and high-pressure situations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy organization and attention to detail.
- Strong sense of urgency accountability and ownership in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Experience utilizing transportation management systems (TMS) load boards shipment tracking tools and other logistics technology platforms preferred.
- Flexibility to work a scheduled second-shift schedule and support business needs during critical operational periods.
- Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
- Technical: Proficient with common office technologies including Windows PCs Microsoft O365 (Outlook Word Excel PowerPoint etc.) and web conferencing (Teams Zoom Webex etc.)
- Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on-site setting (listed in this posting) with travel for related meetings/events.
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Required Experience:
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About Company
Forward Air Corporation is a leading provider of time-definite surface transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We provide scheduled surface transportation of cargo as a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transp ... View more