Transportation Planner

EMR Metal Recycling•Dallas, TX

22h•$62,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

EMR is seeking a highly organized, solutions-oriented Transportation Planner to support daily transportation operations across a mixed fleet environment consisting of both company-owned assets and third-party transportation providers. This is a critical operational role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex logistical challenges, and takes pride in delivering exceptional service. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and able to balance customer expectations, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and real-time problem-solving. This is not a traditional dispatch position. We are looking for a planner who can think strategically, anticipate issues before they occur, and contribute to continuous operational improvement through effective planning, communication, and execution.

Requirements

Experience in transportation, logistics, fleet operations, planning, dispatch, or production scheduling environments.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Experience working with transportation management systems (TMS), GPS tracking platforms, or fleet management software.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and operational reporting tools.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the flexibility to adapt in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating both internal fleets and third-party carriers.
Knowledge of DOT regulations and Hours of Service (HOS) requirements.
Experience in waste, recycling, construction, manufacturing, transportation, industrial, or related operational environments.

Responsibilities

Plan and optimize daily local and regional transportation routes and schedules.
Maintain accurate load information, including container size, required actions, customer notes, estimated service times, and operating hours.
Schedule transportation activity based on Expected Arrival Times (XAT) while maintaining compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
Coordinate company fleet resources and third-party transportation providers to maximize capacity and service performance.
Monitor daily operations and proactively adjust plans to address delays, breakdowns, customer changes, and capacity challenges.
Respond to customer and buyer service requests with urgency, targeting resolution or service delivery within 24 hours.
Partner closely with commercial, transportation, and yard operations teams to align priorities and ensure equipment availability.
Communicate service risks, delays, and recovery plans clearly and effectively.
Maximize driver, trailer, and equipment utilization to improve productivity and reduce downtime.
Apply recovery-focused and cost-conscious planning strategies to improve routing efficiency and operational performance.
Utilize GPS tracking and transportation systems to monitor activity, identify potential delays, and minimize equipment shortages.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning processes, communication, and transportation efficiency.
Take ownership of operational challenges and resolve issues with urgency.
Make sound decisions in high-pressure situations involving scheduling conflicts, changing priorities, equipment availability, and customer requirements.
Balance service expectations with operational realities while maintaining professionalism and accountability.
Continuously seek opportunities to improve execution, communication, and planning effectiveness.