Backhaul Coordinator (3PL Coordinator)

Ashley Furniture Industries•Redlands, CA

11d•$25 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Backhaul Coordinator optimizes Ashley Furniture’s transportation network to reduce empty miles, maximize revenue, and keep freight moving. The role works with Assistant Fleet Managers to identify available drivers, solicits freight from customers and brokers, and uses load boards and transportation management systems to match freight with available capacity. It also maintains accurate system records, negotiates rates, supports customer and broker relationships, and analyzes lane reports and performance metrics to identify profitable opportunities and improve backhaul utilization. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is based in a climate-controlled office with standard lighting and moderate noise. Work primarily involves extended periods sitting at a desk and using computers, phones, and other office equipment, along with interaction with colleagues, meetings, conference calls, and cross-departmental communication during regular business hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience in transportation, logistics, freight brokerage, or a similar field.
Familiarity with load boards such as DAT, Internet Truckstop, Truckstop.com, or similar platforms.
Strong negotiation and communication skills, including the ability to build relationships with customers and brokers.
Ability to analyze data and identify opportunities for improvement and revenue growth.
Proactive problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Understanding of transportation industry terminology, pricing, and operations.
Customer-service orientation and professional phone and email communication skills.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions quickly.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field.
Two or more years of experience in backhaul coordination, freight brokerage, or transportation logistics.
Experience with transportation management systems (TMS) or freight management software.
Knowledge of DOT regulations, hours of service (HOS), and transportation compliance requirements.
Understanding of trucking operations, routing, and logistics planning.
Experience in the furniture, retail, or distribution industry.
Familiarity with geographic regions, freight lanes, and major shipping markets.
Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis and reporting.
Background in rate negotiation and contract management.
Understanding of fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and freight pricing structures.

Responsibilities

Partner with Assistant Fleet Managers to identify available drivers for backhaul opportunities and optimize driver utilization.
Coordinate driver schedules and availability, communicate load assignments and requirements, and monitor hours of service for compliance with DOT regulations.
Solicit freight from customers, brokers, and shipping partners, and develop relationships to create consistent backhaul opportunities.
Use load boards and transportation management systems to find and match freight with available driver capacity and routes.
Identify new freight lanes and monitor market rates and availability to pursue profitable opportunities.
Enter load tenders accurately, maintain complete records, update systems in real time, and ensure data integrity and documentation compliance.
Confirm order numbers, set appointments, manage vendor systems, and coordinate scheduling, routing, and special requirements.
Communicate load status, pickup times, delivery updates, and potential delays to shippers, brokers, customers, and drivers; respond to inquiries and resolve issues.
Negotiate rates, document them accurately, analyze market trends, and track rate performance and opportunities for improvement.
Analyze lane reports and backhaul performance metrics, generate reports for management, and develop strategies to improve utilization and revenue.
Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, safety requirements, and company policies, and maintain organized transaction documentation.
Collaborate with dispatch, operations, safety, and fleet management teams; contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and team meetings.