Drayage Capacity Coordinator - Chicago, IL

BlueGrace Logistics•Chicago, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Drayage Capacity Coordinator builds, manages, and executes BlueGrace Group’s drayage carrier network across relevant ports, rail ramps, and inland destinations. The role maintains and develops carrier relationships, prospects and onboards capacity to meet customer demand, prices drayage shipments, and coordinates shipment execution with the broader drayage team. It requires prior drayage experience and working knowledge of port and rail operations, chassis management, and container freight logistics. This is an on-site position in the Chicago Loop, with a salary range of $50,000–$60,000 plus commission.

Requirements

Prior hands-on drayage experience in port and/or rail operations, carrier management, or drayage pricing.
Working knowledge of port and intermodal operations, including container release processes, free time and per diem structures, chassis management, and terminal appointment systems.
Strong understanding of drayage pricing components, including linehaul, chassis, port fees, fuel, and accessorials.
Proficiency with TMS platforms and carrier management tools, with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to manage carrier and customer relationships professionally under pressure.
Strong organizational and detail-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple shipments, capacity needs, and carrier relationships simultaneously.
Self-motivation and resourcefulness, with the ability to take initiative and make independent decisions in a fast-moving operational environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing carrier relationships and procuring drayage capacity across multiple ports or rail ramps.
Familiarity with FMCSA carrier compliance requirements and port credentialing standards, including TWIC and port registration.
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, or a related field; equivalent drayage industry experience may substitute.

Responsibilities

Manage existing drayage carrier relationships, including load assignments, rate negotiations, performance feedback, and regular capacity and service check-ins.
Monitor carrier performance, including pickup and delivery timeliness, appointment compliance, responsiveness, and equipment standards.
Resolve carrier disputes, detention and demurrage discrepancies, and service failures.
Maintain accurate carrier records and compliance documentation in TMS and carrier management systems.
Prospect, qualify, and onboard new drayage carriers across active and emerging trade lanes.
Identify capacity gaps by port, rail ramp, or region and develop targeted outreach to address them.
Evaluate carrier candidates against compliance, insurance, port credential, and equipment requirements.
Build new carrier partnerships through regular communication and consistent load opportunities.
Track and report carrier network growth, onboarding activity, and capacity coverage by market to the Manager of Drayage.
Price drayage shipments using applicable linehaul, port and rail fees, chassis costs, fuel, and accessorials.
Maintain current knowledge of congestion, chassis availability, free-time windows, and per diem structures affecting pricing.
Develop and maintain lane-specific rate benchmarks and carrier rate sheets.
Negotiate carrier rates to maintain competitive pricing and protect margin.
Collaborate with account managers and the drayage team on customer pricing requests.
Execute shipments from carrier assignment and appointment scheduling through delivery confirmation and close-out.
Manage shipment documentation, including container releases, delivery orders, rail BOLs, and port or terminal instructions.
Proactively monitor shipments, container availability, free-time deadlines, and delivery appointments to reduce avoidable charges.
Communicate shipment status, delays, and exceptions to account managers and customers.
Coordinate appointments and resolve access issues with ports, rail ramps, terminals, and warehouses.
Identify and escalate execution issues that may affect service commitments or create significant accessorial costs.
Collaborate with the drayage team, account managers, and operations leadership on customer requirements, capacity, and execution priorities.
Maintain accurate shipment, carrier, and pricing data in the TMS for visibility, billing accuracy, and reporting.
Participate in weekly capacity reviews and propose solutions to emerging lane challenges.
Support the Manager of Drayage with reporting, carrier performance analysis, and capacity planning as needed.