Transportation Network Coordinator/Load Planner

CR England•West Jefferson, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Load Planner - Transportation Network Coordinator works in a fast-paced, strategic transportation environment, planning around changing conditions while maintaining a positive, team-oriented approach. The role manages asset utilization and drivers to support customer service and fleet profitability. It coordinates freight, trucks, trailers, drivers, and related scheduling needs in dedicated and over-the-road training environments. The position requires frequent communication with drivers, customers, office staff, supervisors, managers, maintenance, and other department personnel. The coordinator monitors freight and driver status, supports dispatching and compliance, and responds to disruptions that may affect delivery. The job also involves working with office equipment and computers for most tasks, managing multiple assignments and interruptions, and occasional travel by air or car.

Requirements

Prior logistics or planning experience is needed.
Strong geographical knowledge and expertise in time and distance requirements as they relate to Department of Transportation regulations are needed.
Ability to work with office equipment and use computers for most tasks.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to have critical conversations with drivers when necessary.
Strong organization and attention to detail.
High sensitivity to customer service and customer retention.
Ability to manage time effectively across daily and long-term tasks.
Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced transportation environment.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to maintain clear communication with drivers, customers, and office staff.
Ability to observe and promote safety rules and regulations, including Hours of Service and safe driving practices.
Ability to manage frequent interruptions, changes, delays, and incoming requests while remaining focused and professional.
Ability to speak, write, and read English well enough to communicate with people with varying levels of education and capabilities.
Ability to hear, with or without correction, sufficiently to perceive normal speaking levels and receive detailed information through oral communication, in person and by telephone.
Ability to kneel, stoop, bend, push, lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods and work with computer equipment.
Visual acuity, with or without correction, sufficient to prepare and analyze data and figures, view a computer terminal, and read extensively.

Nice To Haves

College degree preferred; a combination of college work and experience will be considered.
Transportation or logistics industry experience preferred.
Knowledge of industry-specific IT programs is helpful.

Responsibilities

Build and match planned freight to day-cab or condo trucks and drivers; in an over-the-road training environment, coordinate trainer and trainee hours and home-time needs.
Review PTAs and driver requests for time off or home time when planning same-day or next-day dispatches.
Schedule work and assign tasks to drivers.
Coordinate with department colleagues regarding driver, freight, and asset availability.
Notify supervisors and managers about drivers who may need support, coaching, or disciplinary action.
Coordinate with Maintenance regarding trucks that are out of service or returning to service, and plan and dispatch accordingly.
Plan future freight when customer information is available.
Track drivers, loads, and receivers so dispatching can proceed as planned.
In a dedicated environment, coordinate backhauls to meet customer needs and keep freight, trucks, and trailers moving consistently.
Maintain frequent contact with assigned drivers and monitor call-offs, fatigue concerns, and equipment issues.
In an over-the-road training environment, ensure trainees are progressing appropriately toward the next training phase and placement.
Ensure loads assigned to team drivers are appropriate for the teams and their available hours.
Monitor Hours of Service for dispatching and compliance.
In an over-the-road training environment, focus on routing trucks or solo drivers with capacity to a terminal for greater efficiency.
Handle urgent situations, including recovery of trucks, freight, or drivers, and disruptions involving traffic, weather, or other circumstances that may prevent on-time delivery.
Assist in orienting new drivers to fleets or accounts, including communication, reporting to work, and scheduling expectations.
Work with drivers on unique scheduling needs and other issues that arise.
Coordinate with supervisors and managers regarding leaves of absence, extended time-off requests, or concerns about meeting expectations.
Maintain clear communication with drivers, customers, and office staff, and keep company leadership informed of issues requiring attention.
Observe and promote safety rules and regulations, including Hours of Service, safe workplace practices, and safe driving.
Maintain professional conduct and appearance in accordance with dress code policies; treat individuals with care, dignity, fairness, respect, and recognition.
Work productively and collaboratively with supervisors and peers, encourage teamwork, and provide excellent customer service.
Follow company policies and procedures and help ensure employees know and follow company standards.
Use office equipment and computers for the majority of work tasks.
Manage multiple assignments, interruptions, changes, delays, and incoming requests while remaining focused, efficient, and professional.
Travel occasionally by air or car.