Carrier Operations Specialist

UniGroup•Des Peres, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Carrier Operations Specialist supports third-party transportation orders by securing carrier capacity, negotiating competitive rates, and coordinating shipments from tender through delivery. The role works closely with carriers, drivers, and internal partners to keep freight moving while balancing service, cost, and operational priorities. It is suited to someone comfortable with the fast pace of transportation and brokerage operations, carrier negotiations, and resolving changing plans. The specialist may also help strengthen processes as the brokerage operation grows. UniGroup is a transportation cooperative that owns and supports the United Van Lines and Mayflower brands. It partners with a nationwide network of agents and transportation providers to deliver household goods, specialty logistics, and transportation services across the United States and internationally. Its cooperative model emphasizes collaboration, shared success, and long-term relationships with agents, customers, carriers, and employees. The position is on-site in Des Peres, Missouri. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States permanently; visa sponsorship or employment authorization support is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, transportation, logistics, supply chain, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Two or more years of experience in transportation, logistics, brokerage, carrier operations, dispatch, or a related field.
Experience coordinating multiple shipments, orders, customers, or operational priorities.
Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Sound judgment and ability to make decisions with incomplete or changing information.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to remain calm and productive in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn transportation management systems.
Legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis; visa sponsorship and employment authorization support are unavailable.

Nice To Haves

Experience in carrier sales, freight brokerage, carrier capacity, or transportation account management.
Experience sourcing carriers and negotiating transportation rates.
Familiarity with load boards and carrier sourcing tools such as DAT.
Experience vetting or onboarding carriers under FMCSA and DOT requirements.
Knowledge of truckload, partial truckload, household goods, automotive, or specialty logistics transportation.
Experience tracking shipment profitability, carrier costs, service performance, or operational KPIs.
Experience working in a growing operation where processes and technology are still evolving.
Calm under pressure, solutions-oriented, organized, adaptable, and comfortable working independently while knowing when to escalate or ask for help.
Confident negotiation skills that balance carrier relationships with cost and margin expectations.
Critical thinking skills to recognize when carrier information or shipment details do not look right.
Strong listening skills and willingness to value input from teammates and operational partners.

Responsibilities

Source and secure qualified third-party carriers for truckload, partial truckload, household goods, automotive, and logistics shipments.
Negotiate rates and payment terms while supporting service and margin expectations.
Tender freight to carriers and coordinate shipment execution from pickup through delivery.
Monitor shipment status, driver information, pickup and delivery times, and other critical order details.
Develop carrier relationships and maintain a reliable network of transportation providers.
Vet and onboard new carriers in accordance with company, FMCSA, and DOT requirements.
Ensure third-party shipments are accurately entered, accounted for, billed, and aligned with financial reporting.
Identify coverage risks early and develop alternate solutions before freight reaches the open load board.
Communicate service issues, delays, and other shipment updates to internal stakeholders.
Manage a high volume of orders while adjusting priorities as business needs change.
Collaborate with brokerage leadership and operational partners to improve processes, service, and profitability.
Support additional operational projects and responsibilities as assigned.