Role Purpose
The Logistics Manager – Railroad & Equipment Flow is responsible for the strategic and operational management of North American intermodal rail operations, support terminal vendor relationships, rail contracting, domestic repositioning programs, and end-to-end container equipment flow from North America to Swire Shipping’s global fleet. This role provides execution oversight, commercial leadership, and escalation management across railroads, terminals, and internal stakeholders to ensure service reliability, cost control, and collaboration with vessel operational readiness in support of export operations.
Role Accountabilities
Intermodal Rail Operations – North America
-
Own and direct North American intermodal rail execution for both loaded and empty container movements.
-
Serve as the primary point of accountability with Class I railroads and rail providers for routing, schedules, service commitments, and recovery planning.
-
Monitor rail performance metrics including dwell, transit time, reliability, and exception trends; drive corrective actions with rail partners as needed.
-
Align railroad execution with vessel schedules to ensure export containers meet cutoff requirements
-
Manage strategic vendor relationships with railroads, marine terminals, and inland terminals.
-
Coordinate terminal execution related to container ingates, out gates, availability, congestion impacts, and operational constraints.
-
Resolve operational service issues related to rail or terminal performance and act as the primary escalation point.
-
Support Operations and Procurement Teams through vendor engagement and management at cross-over locations with respect to our Ocean Terminals and where we provide on-dock rail.
-
Represent North American interests in rail and terminal operational discussions impacting service, capacity, and cost.
-
Lead commercial negotiations with North American railroads, including service agreements, rate structures, incentives, penalties, and service-level terms. This will be done in synchronization with Singapore Procurement.
-
Partner with internal stakeholders to evaluate rail bid responses, assess network coverage, and select optimal commercial routes.
-
Maintain ongoing contract governance to ensure compliance with negotiated terms and alignment with operational execution.
-
Identify commercial opportunities for cost reduction, service enhancement, and risk mitigation within rail agreements.
-
Own and manage domestic repositioning programs within North America, including intermodal routing strategies, repositioning initiatives, and special operating programs.
-
Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of domestic programs intended to improve equipment velocity, reduce costs, and enhance service reliability.
-
Evaluate program effectiveness using performance data and continuously refine strategies based on results.
-
Coordinate domestic repositioning program execution with rail partners, terminals, and the North American Logistics team.
-
Direct container equipment flow from North American origins through export load and vessel departure to Japan and Korea.
-
Ensure proper positioning and release of empty containers to support forecasted demand.
-
Coordinate with Asia‑based teams to align equipment supply with forecasted requirements and sailing schedules.
-
Monitor equipment inventory levels, velocity, and network balance to maximize utilization and minimize disruption.
-
Work with Swire Digital Centre on continuous improvement of work efficiency and the implementation of technology.
-
Track and manage rail‑related and terminal‑related costs; identify opportunities for optimization and cost avoidance.
-
Support implementation of routing strategies, domestic programs, and repositioning initiatives tied to cost and performance improvement.
-
Ensure accurate and timely updates of intermodal routing, rail rates, cutoff data, and execution status in internal systems.
-
Validate vendor invoices tied to intermodal rail and domestic repositioning programs; resolve discrepancies and disputes directly with vendors and Finance.
-
Partner closely with Vessel Operations, Customer Service, Asia agents, and Logistics counterparts to ensure aligned planning and execution.
-
Communicate execution risks, contractual impacts, service disruptions, and mitigation strategies tied to rail performance and equipment availability.
-
Communicate service disruptions, routing changes, and rail rate updates in a timely manner to all relevant business segments.
-
North America–wide responsibility for intermodal rail execution, rail contracts, and domestic repositioning programs supporting container flow to Asia.
-
Direct impact on cost structure, service reliability, and equipment utilization.
-
Acts as the functional authority for rail strategy, domestic repositioning program performance, and export equipment flow within the North American network.
-
Make every effort to be aware of and understand your role in the event of a crisis.
-
Make every effort to attend any relevant training, simulations, and/or meetings relating to Crisis Management.
-
Perform your role as best as possible in a calm and collaborative manner in line with the relevant policy and procedures in the event of a Crisis.
-
Provide input and feedback towards the ongoing improvement of the Crisis Management framework and procedure.
-
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent logistics or operational experience considered.
-
A minimum of 5 years of business experience in the Transportation Industry.
-
Experience with Microsoft Office products.
-
Must be able to travel domestic and international as required.
-
Deep expertise in North American intermodal rail operations and railroad commercial structures.
-
Proven experience negotiating rail contracts and managing domestic repositioning programs.
-
Strong understanding of container equipment logistics and export execution to Asia trades.
-
Advanced analytical, negotiating, and operational problem‑solving skills.
-
Ability to operate effectively across time zones and cross‑regional operational teams.
-
Experience with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook)
-
Strong written and verbal communication skills
-
Ability to efficiently operate across multiple ERP systems, including liner, finance, and supplier platforms
-
Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills
-
Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills with both internal and external parties.
-
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
-
Excellent teamwork skills and great attitude
-
Ability to quickly respond in a consistently changing work environment
-
Self-motivated and organized
-
Consistent and prompt attendance and availability
Company Profile
Swire Shipping is a leading Asia-Pacific shipping company and the deep-sea shipping arm of the multinational Swire Group. With over 150 years in the industry—including 50+ years in Fiji and the Pacific Islands—it focuses on connecting communities and supporting regional trade.
Headquartered in Singapore, Swire Shipping operates:
-
High-frequency liner services across Asia-Pacific
-
A transpacific service between North Asia and the Pacific Northwest
-
Project logistics under the Swire Projects brand
-
Integrated logistics solutions
It specializes in project, heavy lift, refrigerated, breakbulk, and mini bulk cargoes, backed by expert teams and global reach through 40+ offices and an international agency network.
Swire Shipping employs over 3,000 people from 52 countries, fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace with strong support for career development. The company invests in people, technology, and sustainability for long-term growth.
Learn more: www.swireshipping.com
Employee Benefits:
-
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
-
Life and disability coverage
-
Paid time off
-
401(k) retirement plan
-
Employee Assistance Program
EEO/AA/Vets/Disabled
