Transportation Planner

Ashley Furniture Industries•Bern Township, PA

6d•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Carrier Capacity Planner is responsible for managing 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. It supports service levels, cost control, and operational efficiency through lane-level data analysis, trailer pool management, and collaboration 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 pools, optimizes capacity and routing, responds to real-time freight needs, maintains accurate transportation data, and supports continuous improvement. The role is based in a climate-controlled office and primarily involves desk work using computers, phones, and other office equipment, with regular collaboration and communication during business hours.

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 informed decisions quickly.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for working with internal teams and external carrier partners.
Proactive, resourceful problem-solving skills for resolving freight challenges and capacity issues.
Technology proficiency and familiarity with transportation management systems (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 to support 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 and balance demand across lanes and facilities.
Monitor freight movements in real time, adjust plans as conditions change, and coordinate with shipping and receiving facilities.
Monitor trailer pool allocations and inventory; reposition assets, reduce idle trailers, improve turn times, and maintain accurate records of trailer movements and assignments.
Analyze trailer utilization and develop deployment strategies to minimize empty miles and improve asset productivity.
Match freight demand with carrier capacity using lane-level data; make decisions 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 capacity when needed.
Identify freight consolidation, routing, and cost-reduction opportunities; monitor lane performance metrics and develop contingency plans for capacity shortages or disruptions.
Collaborate with customer service, sales, area managers, warehouse operations, procurement, and carrier management on freight volumes, schedules, capacity, service updates, and performance issues.
Use transportation management systems to respond to changing freight needs, secure capacity, adjust schedules, and maintain service and profitability.
Troubleshoot freight planning, capacity, routing, and delivery issues; make real-time freight acceptance, carrier selection, and routing decisions, escalating critical issues as necessary.
Maintain accurate TMS records, validate billing and load details, verify rates and charges, and ensure documentation compliance and audit-ready records.
Generate reports and analyze freight volumes, costs, capacity utilization, performance metrics, and KPIs.
Identify process improvements, analyze historical trends to forecast capacity needs, recommend best practices, and support network optimization and transportation efficiency initiatives.