Transportation Planner

Ashley Furniture Industries•Sunnyvale, TX

5d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Carrier Capacity Planner is a key player in our logistics operations, responsible for managing freight flows, trailer assets, and carrier capacity across a defined region. This role coordinates inbound and outbound freight planning, optimizes trailer utilization, and makes strategic decisions to balance freight demand with available capacity. The Carrier Capacity Planner ensures optimal service levels, cost control, and operational efficiency by analyzing lane-level data, managing trailer pools, and collaborating across teams to align freight volumes with network commitments. Your decisions will directly impact service levels, cost control, and the performance of our transportation network.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required
Background in freight planning, carrier coordination, transportation operations, or logistics
Strong analytical thinking with ability to interpret freight data, lane performance, and cost metrics to make fast, informed decisions
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate with internal teams and external carrier partners
Problem-solving mindset with resourceful and proactive approach to resolving freight challenges and capacity issues
Tech proficiency with familiarity in transportation management systems (TMS), load planning tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Understanding of transportation industry terminology, pricing, and freight operations
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure
Customer service orientation with professional communication style

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
2-4 years of experience in freight planning, transportation coordination, or logistics operations
Experience with trailer pool management or asset optimization
Familiarity with TMS platforms such as MercuryGate, TMW, McLeod, or similar systems
Knowledge of DOT regulations, Hours of Service, and transportation compliance requirements
Understanding of furniture freight, LTL (Less Than Truckload), and dedicated fleet operations
Experience with carrier negotiation and rate analysis
Background in network optimization, routing, or supply chain planning
Advanced Excel skills including data analysis, pivot tables, and reporting
Understanding of freight costs including fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and rate structures
Experience in retail, furniture, or distribution logistics

Responsibilities

Coordinate inbound and outbound freight within a 24–72 hour planning window, ensuring optimal trailer utilization and on-time delivery across our transportation network
Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly freight plans to meet customer demand and service commitments
Analyze freight volumes, origins, destinations, and delivery requirements to create efficient load plans
Balance freight demand across multiple lanes and facilities to optimize network capacity
Monitor freight movements in real-time and adjust plans as conditions change
Coordinate with shipping and receiving facilities to ensure smooth freight flow and minimize delays
Monitor and adjust trailer pool allocations to reduce idle assets and improve turn times at customer locations
Track trailer inventory levels across the network and reposition assets as needed to meet demand
Analyze trailer utilization metrics and implement strategies to maximize asset productivity
Coordinate with operations teams on trailer availability, condition, and maintenance requirements
Develop trailer deployment strategies to minimize empty miles and optimize asset utilization
Maintain accurate records of trailer locations, movements, and assignments
Analyze lane-level data to match freight demand with available carrier capacity, making strategic decisions to accept, decline, or reroute freight based on cost, service, and network impact
Evaluate carrier performance, rates, and service levels to select optimal transportation providers
Negotiate spot rates and secure additional capacity during peak periods or capacity constraints
Identify opportunities to consolidate freight, optimize routing, and reduce transportation costs
Monitor lane performance metrics including cost per mile, on-time delivery, and capacity utilization
Develop contingency plans for capacity shortages, weather disruptions, or operational challenges
Partner with customer service, sales, and area managers to align freight volumes with network commitments and develop proactive solutions for capacity constraints
Communicate freight plans, capacity issues, and service updates to internal stakeholders
Coordinate with warehouse operations on loading schedules, dock availability, and freight priorities
Work with procurement and carrier management teams on contract compliance and performance issues
Provide input to sales and customer service teams on capacity availability and service capabilities
Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss network performance and improvement opportunities
Respond to dynamic freight needs by securing additional capacity, adjusting schedules, and leveraging transportation management systems (TMS) to maintain service and profitability
Troubleshoot and resolve freight planning issues including capacity shortages, routing problems, and delivery delays
Make real-time decisions on freight acceptance, carrier selection, and load routing based on cost and service priorities
Monitor market conditions and carrier availability to adjust plans and secure competitive rates
Escalate critical issues to management and coordinate resolution strategies
Maintain precise records in TMS (Transportation Management System), validate billing details, and ensure all freight planning data is entered correctly for operational transparency
Verify load information, rates, accessorial charges, and delivery details for accuracy
Generate reports on freight volumes, costs, capacity utilization, and performance metrics
Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide analysis to support continuous improvement
Ensure compliance with documentation requirements and maintain audit-ready records
Identify opportunities to improve freight planning processes, reduce costs, and enhance service levels
Analyze historical data and trends to forecast capacity needs and optimize network design
Recommend and implement best practices for freight planning and capacity management
Support strategic initiatives related to network optimization and transportation efficiency