Job Overview
Continental Expedited Services is seeking an experienced, self-motivated, entrepreneurial Planning & Load Optimization Specialist to strengthen logistics operations at our Laredo Terminal and Warehouse. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of booking and managing capacity, optimizing load profitability, negotiating rates, improving processes, and proactively driving local/regional growth.
Responsibilities (must have experience)
- Book carrier capacity out of Laredo at competitive rates with demonstrated success, maximizing gross margin and meeting customer service requirements.
- Prioritize and manage time-sensitive loads, balancing urgency with profitability based on hands on planning experience.
- Implement daily scheduling and route planning to reduce carrier costs and improve reliability, with measurable cost-reduction results.
- Negotiate rates and contracts with carriers, backed by prior carrier sales or procurement outcomes.
- Plan and monitor cross-border shipments from Mexico and local Laredo pickups; manage all outbound load planning with demonstrated competency.
- Build and maintain carrier partnerships, provide performance feedback, and hold carriers accountable – experience enforcing service standards required.
- Develop and execute strategies to grow local and regional operations (within 150 miles), including defining routes for Regional or “Super Local” drivers.
- Monitor carrier performance metrics and resolve service issues proactively, with a track record of driving improvements.
- Collaborate with warehouse staff to optimize staging, pre-loading, and other processes; experience delivering operational efficiency gains preferred.
- Produce and analyze reports on shipping performance, direct costs, and driver idle time to recommend and implement improvements
- Mentor and collaborate with logistics and warehouse colleagues to elevate team capabilities.
Experience
- Proven experience working with transportation management systems such as Oracle Transportation Management or similar platforms.
- 1+ years’ carrier sales experience with documented negotiation and booking outcomes.
- 5+ years in supply chain management/planning, preferably in a warehouse environment, with demonstrable results.
- Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset; able to identify opportunities for growth, improve operational efficiency, solve problems proactively, and take ownership of results with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act independently while balancing customer service, operational requirements, and profitability objectives.
- Strong analytical skills and experience making data-driven decisions.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, proven in carrier or customer-facing roles.
- Proficient with logistics management software; experience with reporting tools preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Word. Experience creating reports, analyzing data, and managing operational information is required.
- Self-motivated, entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable identifying opportunities, driving initiatives, and taking ownership of results.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Performance-Based Bonus
A baseline gross margin per load will be established; eligible candidates may earn a percentage of any increase in gross margin achieved through improved load utilization, capacity optimization, or cost reductions.
Benefits
Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short/Long term disability, 401k, Paid Time Off, Company Paid holidays
Disclaimer:
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed
by employees assigned to this position.
It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Management reserves the right to modify duties as needed.
Continental Expedited Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- carrier sales : 1 year (Required)
- supply chain, logistics, or related: 5 years (Required)
- Microsoft Office Suite: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
