Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist - Flatbed

Forward Air•Des Plaines, IL

3d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist supports specialized brokerage growth by developing reliable capacity solutions for flatbed, open-deck, high-value, and complex freight. The role builds and manages a strategic network of qualified carriers, sources suitable equipment for challenging shipments, negotiates competitive rates, and coordinates execution from capacity sourcing through final delivery. The specialist has direct ownership of carrier relationships and capacity strategy to support reliable execution of demanding freight opportunities. Success in this role requires combining carrier sales and specialized freight expertise with negotiation, risk awareness, and operational execution. The specialist develops dependable carrier partnerships, understands flatbed and high-value transportation requirements, secures competitive capacity, protects service expectations, and serves as a resource for complex freight opportunities. The position is 100% on-site, with travel for related meetings and events. Compensation is $80,000–$90,000.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
At least five years of direct experience in freight brokerage and truckload transportation.
Confidently build carrier relationships, manage pricing conversations, and secure capacity in competitive markets.
Strong phone and relationship-building skills, including the ability to prospect new carriers and strengthen existing partnerships.
Ability to recognize when shipments require additional carrier qualification, security considerations, equipment validation, or planning.
Ability to make quick, data-informed decisions based on changing capacity, rates, equipment availability, and customer requirements.
Accountability for freight from capacity sourcing through execution, with proactive handling of potential problems.
Ability to work effectively across carrier sales, customer management, tracking, operations, and leadership.
Strategic thinking to develop repeatable capacity for key customers, lanes, equipment types, and specialized opportunities.
Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality when handling and protecting sensitive information.
Proficiency with common office technologies, including Windows PCs and Microsoft O365 applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Transportation Management Systems and freight operations platforms such as McLeod, AS400, World-trak, and SMC3; and web conferencing tools such as Teams, Zoom, and Webex.
Comfort commuting to and working in a 100% on-site setting, with travel for related meetings and events.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree.
Direct experience with high-value, specialized, or operationally complex freight, including flatbed or open-deck freight.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with carriers specializing in flatbed, step deck, specialized/open-deck, and high-value transportation; understand their equipment, preferred lanes, capabilities, service expectations, and capacity.
Proactively identify, qualify, and develop carrier partners for specialized and high-value shipments using internal tools, industry databases, market intelligence, and direct outreach.
Evaluate market conditions and shipment requirements to negotiate competitive spot and contractual rates while balancing service, carrier quality, customer requirements, and margin performance.
Coordinate capacity for high-value and sensitive shipments, with attention to carrier qualification, shipment requirements, secure execution, and customer expectations.
Match freight with appropriate equipment, considering dimensions, weight, securement, tarp requirements, permits, escorts, and other specialized transportation needs when applicable.
Coordinate carrier booking, dispatch, pickup, transit, and delivery with tracking and operational teams, and address service exceptions promptly.
Develop practical transportation solutions for capacity disruptions, changing market conditions, equipment constraints, and last-minute shipment requirements.
Build long-term strategic carrier partnerships through consistent opportunities, clear communication, and professional issue resolution.
Collaborate with Customer Account Managers, Carrier Sales, Tracking Specialists, and leadership on capacity strategies that support customer growth and service expectations.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.