Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist

Forward Air Services•Des Plaines, IL

3d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist manages and optimizes freight capacity across digital, partial truckload (PTL), and brokerage operations. The role combines carrier procurement, digital freight execution, carrier relationship management, and operational oversight to support efficient, profitable, and reliable freight movement. The specialist partners with carriers and internal stakeholders to secure capacity, execute freight opportunities, and maintain service levels throughout the shipment lifecycle, contributing to operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business growth. The position is 100% on-site and includes travel for related meetings and events. Compensation is $60,000–$70,000.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
At least one year of experience in freight brokerage, carrier sales, logistics operations, capacity procurement, dispatch, or transportation management.
Strong understanding of FTL, PTL, less-than-truckload (LTL), and digital freight operations.
Strong negotiation, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality when handling and protecting sensitive information.
Proficiency with Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 applications (including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and web-conferencing tools such as Teams, Zoom, or Webex.
Comfort commuting to and working in a 100% on-site setting, with travel for related meetings and events.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Transportation or logistics industry certifications.
Experience with transportation management systems (TMS) and digital freight platforms.
Experience with flatbed, specialized, or project freight transportation.
Experience working with High Value/High Risk (HVHR) freight programs.
McLeod TMS experience.

Responsibilities

Source, negotiate, and secure carrier capacity for full truckload (FTL), partial truckload (PTL), digital, flatbed, and high-value freight opportunities.
Develop and maintain carrier partner relationships to support reliable capacity and service.
Verify carrier identity, qualifications, and compliance using Highway, Carrier411, and other approved tools.
Manage digital freight bookings through the transportation management system (TMS) and approved freight platforms.
Execute and manage partial truckload opportunities to maximize operational efficiency and profitability.
Monitor shipments from booking through final delivery, proactively addressing service disruptions and resolving issues.
Maintain accurate and timely shipment documentation, carrier communications, and operational updates.
Support operational, service, and profitability goals through effective capacity management and execution.
Participate in cross-training initiatives supporting Digital Brokerage and Partial Truckload freight operations.
Develop working knowledge of High Value/High Risk (HVHR) shipment requirements, including approved carrier programs, chain of custody controls, security protocols, tracking expectations, and standard operating procedure compliance.
Collaborate with internal teams on freight strategy, service execution, and customer expectations.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.