Entry-Level Transportation Sales Representative

CJ Logistics HR Team•Des Plaines, IL

40d•Hybrid

About The Position

CJ Logistics is seeking an energetic, goal-driven Entry-Level Transportation Sales Representative to join its logistics team. The role offers an opportunity to begin a career in supply chain and logistics by building relationships with prospective clients, coordinating freight movements, and managing day-to-day account operations. The representative will prospect mid-market and emerging accounts with $25 million–$250 million in revenue, focusing on fast-growing businesses spending $2.5 million–$25 million on freight. The role supports customers in optimizing inbound and outbound transportation networks through client outreach, logistics solution development, shipment coordination, and account administration. The representative will collaborate with senior sales representatives and carrier operations teams, use transportation management and CRM software, and track individual activity against team sales goals. This is a hybrid position based in CJ Logistics’ Des Plaines, Illinois office. Regular on-site presence is required four days per week or as directed by the company. Work hours may vary by shift assignment and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime according to business needs. The position operates in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with a typically quiet to moderate noise level.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
0–2 years of experience in customer service, retail, sales internships, or client-facing roles.
Strong desire to build a career in sales and eagerness to learn sales strategies and industry processes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to build rapport with prospective clients.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for managing outreach and lead tracking.
Problem-solving mindset and ability to learn customer needs and recommend practical solutions.
Familiarity with CRM software such as Salesforce or HubSpot, or willingness to learn.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Strong active listening skills to understand prospective clients’ goals, priorities, and pain points.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including prolonged sitting, keyboard and phone use, clear communication, and occasional standing, walking, reaching, stooping, or lifting up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Internship experience in sales, business development, or account management.
Understanding of the fast-paced CPG, food and beverage, and retail supply chains, including the importance of on-time delivery, compliance, and proactive communication.

Responsibilities

Identify and prospect potential freight clients through cold calls, email outreach, and market research.
Build relationships with fast-growing businesses and help them optimize inbound and outbound transportation networks.
Collaborate with senior sales representatives to pitch logistics solutions and negotiate competitive shipping rates.
Communicate with active customers to provide status updates and gather feedback on service quality.
Use internal transportation management software (TMS) and CRM tools to track leads and log daily sales activity.
Coordinate with carrier operations teams to schedule pickups, monitor shipments, and resolve transit delays.
Prepare freight quotes, rate proposals, and sales presentations for prospective accounts.
Organize and maintain customer profiles, load documentation, and billing files.
Track daily activity metrics to align personal performance with team sales goals.
Take ownership of assigned operational tasks and proactively identify ways to streamline client workflows.
Learn logistics software, industry trends, and freight pricing models.