Backhaul Coordinator

Ashley Furniture Industries•Ecru, MS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The ADS Backhaul Coordinator is responsible for understanding the systems, delivery routes, and transportation procedures of Ashley Distribution Services (ADS) while soliciting and acquiring daily, weekly, and monthly freight from customers and brokers to reduce empty miles and improve overall revenue. This role coordinates with Assistant Fleet Managers to identify available drivers for backhauls, uses load boards to locate optimal opportunities, and ensures accuracy of load tenders and system data. The ADS Backhaul Coordinator provides excellent customer service to shippers and brokers, negotiates competitive rates, and manages load planning to maximize efficiency and revenue across the transportation network.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required
Experience in transportation, logistics, freight brokerage, or backhaul coordination
Familiarity with load boards such as DAT, Internet Truckstop, Truckstop.com, or similar platforms
Strong negotiation and communication skills with ability to build relationships with customers and brokers
Ability to analyze data and identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost reduction
Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Understanding of transportation management systems (TMS) and freight operations
Customer service orientation with professional phone and email communication skills
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions quickly
Strong attention to detail with accuracy in data entry and record-keeping

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
2+ years of experience in backhaul coordination, freight brokerage, or transportation logistics
Experience with MercuryGate, BluJay, or similar transportation management systems (TMS)
Knowledge of DOT regulations, hours of service (HOS), and transportation compliance requirements
Understanding of trucking operations, routing, and logistics planning
Experience in furniture delivery, white-glove service, or dedicated fleet operations
Familiarity with EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and automated freight tendering
Background in rate negotiation and contract management
Understanding of fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and freight pricing structures
Advanced Excel skills including data analysis and reporting

Responsibilities

Coordinate with Assistant Fleet Managers to determine where available drivers are located and identify drivers that need backhaul assignments
Ensure all loads are matched and acknowledged to maximize efficiency and driver utilization
Plan all ambassadors (drivers) showing available through the start of your shift the next day; notify ambassadors why they are not planned and add them to the end of the day email and note within the TMS
If short on work, communicate the need 2 days prior with the Fleet Manager to allow for planning adjustments
Reviews loads to determine if a relay is needed to a drop yard/DC or if the ambassador will deliver direct
Reviews code orange alerts and ETAs, rescheduling any pickup or deliveries we won't make after confirming with the ambassador
Communicates within the region, including Shuttles, LTL & PTP (Point-to-Point), to ensure all relayed loads are planned and coordinated
Solicit and acquire daily, weekly, and monthly freight from customers, brokers, and shipping partners to secure backhaul loads
Use load boards including DAT, Internet Truckstop, and other platforms to locate backhaul opportunities that satisfy business needs and align with driver routes
Review DAT Board and other freight marketplaces to locate freight when needed to fill capacity
Reduce and manage empty miles through strategic acquisition of backhauls
Continue to review and improve backhaul revenue and lanes through market analysis
Look for and identify opportunities within our network through lane reports and performance data
Responsible for volume and revenue aspects of freight solicited, ensuring profitability targets are met
Ensure accuracy of load tenders and enter loads into system when necessary with complete and correct information
Enter all manual orders as needed as well as updating rates in the transportation management system
All loads are planned for current and next day with correct dates, pick-up/delivery windows, and all numbers associated with the load
Reviews appropriate systems for backhaul tenders and necessary updates including MercuryGate (MG), BluJay, and other TMS platforms
All 3PL (third-party logistics) updates are done within the appropriate TMS as well as checking EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) to ensure no trips are missed
Update and confirm information is correct in CIM (Customer Information Management) for all orders including: phone numbers, hours of operations, commodity, nearest CAT scale, overnight parking, trailer size (48 or 53), load management details
Call shippers and vendors to confirm order numbers, delivery requirements, and load specifications
Utilize shipper and vendor systems to set appointments and coordinate pickup and delivery windows
Provide excellent customer service and communicate load status updates to shippers and brokers proactively
Watches emails and replies with updates in a timely manner to maintain strong customer relationships
Coordinate with brokers to ensure we have enough freight for all ambassadors and maintain consistent backhaul volume
Negotiate rates with shippers and brokers to maximize profitability while remaining competitive
Make sure negotiated rates are accurately entered into the system with all applicable charges
Monitor market rates and trends to inform negotiation strategies
Track rate performance and identify opportunities for rate improvements
Monitor backhaul performance metrics including revenue per mile, empty mile percentage, and load acceptance rates
Analyze lane reports to identify profitable opportunities and underperforming routes
Generate reports on backhaul performance and provide updates to management
Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and work toward continuous improvement goals
Demonstrate the Company's Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions
Model expected behaviors and support the ADS mission of operational excellence