Transportation Planner

Ashley Furniture Industries•Redlands, CA

7d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Carrier Capacity Planner manages freight flows, trailer assets, and carrier capacity across a defined region. The role coordinates inbound and outbound freight planning, optimizes trailer utilization, and balances freight demand with available capacity to support service levels, cost control, and operational efficiency. It analyzes lane-level data, manages trailer pools, and collaborates across teams to align freight volumes with network commitments. The position plans freight movements within a 24–72-hour window and develops daily, weekly, and monthly freight plans. It manages trailer pool allocations and inventory, evaluates carrier performance and rates, secures capacity, and makes real-time decisions about freight acceptance, carrier selection, and routing. The planner also maintains accurate transportation management system (TMS) records, validates billing and load details, reports on performance metrics, and identifies ways to improve planning processes and network efficiency. The role is based in a climate-controlled office with standard lighting and moderate noise. Work primarily involves extended periods sitting at a desk using computers, phones, and other office equipment, as well as collaboration through meetings, calls, and cross-departmental communication during regular business hours. The position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Background in freight planning, carrier coordination, transportation operations, or logistics.
Strong analytical thinking and ability to interpret freight data, lane performance, and cost metrics to make timely decisions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and external carrier partners.
Problem-solving mindset and proactive, resourceful approach to freight challenges and capacity issues.
Technical proficiency and familiarity with TMS, load planning tools, and Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Understanding of transportation industry terminology, pricing, and freight operations.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
Customer-service orientation and professional communication style.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field.
2–4 years of experience in freight planning, transportation coordination, or logistics operations.
Experience with trailer pool management or asset optimization.
Familiarity with TMS platforms such as MercuryGate, TMW, McLeod, or similar systems.
Knowledge of DOT regulations, hours of service, and transportation compliance requirements.
Understanding of furniture freight, LTL (less-than-truckload), and dedicated fleet operations.
Experience with carrier negotiation and rate analysis.
Background in network optimization, routing, or supply chain planning.
Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis, pivot tables, and reporting.
Understanding of freight costs, including fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and rate structures.
Experience in retail, furniture, or distribution logistics.

Responsibilities

Coordinate inbound and outbound freight within a 24–72-hour planning window, ensuring trailer utilization and on-time delivery.
Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly freight plans to meet customer demand and service commitments.
Analyze freight volumes, origins, destinations, and delivery requirements to create efficient load plans.
Balance freight demand across lanes and facilities, monitor movements in real time, and adjust plans as conditions change.
Coordinate with shipping and receiving facilities to maintain freight flow and minimize delays.
Monitor trailer pool allocations and inventory, reposition trailers as needed, and improve asset utilization and turn times.
Coordinate with operations teams regarding trailer availability, condition, and maintenance requirements; maintain accurate trailer records.
Analyze lane-level data and match freight demand with carrier capacity, deciding whether to accept, decline, or reroute freight based on cost, service, and network impact.
Evaluate carrier performance, rates, and service levels; negotiate spot rates and secure additional capacity when needed.
Identify freight consolidation and routing opportunities, monitor lane performance metrics, and develop contingency plans for capacity shortages and disruptions.
Collaborate with customer service, sales, area managers, warehouse operations, procurement, and carrier management teams to align freight volumes, schedules, and service commitments.
Communicate freight plans, capacity issues, and service updates to internal stakeholders; participate in cross-functional performance and improvement discussions.
Respond to changing freight needs using transportation management systems (TMS), troubleshoot planning and delivery issues, and escalate critical issues to management.
Maintain accurate TMS records, validate billing and load details, and ensure documentation is complete and audit-ready.
Generate reports on freight volumes, costs, capacity utilization, and performance; track KPIs and provide analysis for continuous improvement.
Analyze historical data and trends to forecast capacity needs, optimize network design, and recommend or implement freight planning best practices.