Transportation Planner

Ashley Furniture Industries•Redlands, CA

11d•$60,000 - $70,000

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 and monitors freight movements, manages trailer-pool allocation and positioning, evaluates carrier capacity and performance, supports routing and capacity decisions, and responds to changing freight needs. It also maintains accurate transportation-management records, validates billing and load details, reports on performance, and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement. The role is located in a climate-controlled office with standard lighting and moderate noise, and involves extended desk work using computers, phones, and other office equipment, along with meetings and cross-departmental communication during regular 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 timely, informed decisions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaboration 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 transportation management systems (TMS), load-planning tools, and Microsoft Office, 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 as needed, and improve turn times and asset utilization.
Coordinate trailer availability, condition, and maintenance requirements with operations teams; maintain accurate trailer location, movement, and assignment records.
Analyze lane-level data and make freight acceptance, decline, rerouting, and carrier-selection decisions based on cost, service, and network impact.
Evaluate carrier performance, rates, and service levels; negotiate spot rates and secure additional capacity when needed.
Identify opportunities to consolidate freight, optimize routing, reduce transportation costs, and minimize empty miles.
Monitor lane performance metrics and develop contingency plans for capacity shortages, weather disruptions, and operational challenges.
Partner with customer service, sales, area managers, warehouse operations, procurement, and carrier management teams to align freight plans and resolve capacity constraints.
Communicate freight plans, capacity issues, service updates, and capacity availability to internal stakeholders.
Use transportation management systems to respond to dynamic freight needs, secure capacity, adjust schedules, and troubleshoot planning or delivery issues.
Monitor market conditions and carrier availability, escalate critical issues to management, and coordinate resolutions.
Maintain accurate TMS records; validate billing, load information, rates, accessorial charges, and delivery details; and comply with documentation requirements.
Generate freight reports, track KPIs, and analyze performance to support continuous improvement.
Analyze historical data and trends to forecast capacity needs and optimize network design.
Recommend and implement freight-planning and capacity-management best practices and support network optimization initiatives.