Carrier Procurement Specialist at Forward Air in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Job Description

Position: Carrier Procurement Specialist

Job Description:

Carrier Procurement Specialist, you will source, negotiate and secure carriers to move available freight in a timely and cost-effective manner. Manages all activities related to the procurement of loads and the movement of customer freight from one location to another. This position works closely with customers to serve and to support them in meeting their shipping objectives.

Core Duties & Responsibilities:

• Cultivate strong core carrier relationships while negotiating and securing carriers to move freight
• Maintain continuous communication with carriers and customers to ensure a high-quality freight movement process
• Ensure all parties are informed of route changes, delays, freight concerns or other issues as necessary
• Schedule pickup and delivery appointment times; use discretion and insight when considering all factors affecting timeframe, including weather, traffic, miles, service rules, etc.
• Accurately maintain and update information in the company's operating systems
• Conduct research in available databases for potential leads; make cold calls to prospects
• Track back-end billing and invoicing to ensure that carrier charges are accurate
• Maintain overall awareness of operations at all times
• Other duties as assigned

• Self-motivated problem-solver with strong desire to meet customer needs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Desire for a long-term career with an industry leading company
• Experience with intermodal or port drayage
• Ability to present and maintain a positive corporate image in a fast paced environment
• Proactively establish and maintain effective working team relationships with all support departments
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products including; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

• Ideal candidate will possess a "can do" attitude with a "will do" work ethic
• Must have the ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Experience with Profit Tools operating systems is a plus
• Transportation industry knowledge and experience is a plus