Load Planner

Direct and coordinate the activities of owner operators, drivers and third-party carriers in the performance of freight delivery services. Coordinate and communicate delivery and back haul schedules to contractors/drivers utilizing the company PTA board. Communicate to all down-line personnel, delivery times and instructions of load tendering times and appointment times at receiving locations, distribution centers and back haul vendors. Interact with customer employees, contractors/drivers, and personnel at delivery locations. Interact with back haul vendor personnel to secure appointments for prompt and efficient movement of outbound and returning customer freight while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements governing driver hours of service.

HOURS: 7am - 7pm

Shift: 4 days on and 4 days off

• Monitor status of contractors/drivers hours of service for the purpose of compliance with the hours of service regulations and the planning of efficient load movement.
• Utilize the list of available drivers and the current available driving hours report to plan loads to be dispatched using the load planner spread sheet/PTA board.
• Match loads to drivers in conformity with the Companys no-forced dispatch policy . Where loads go unmatched, determine means to incentivize a contractor/driver to take the load.
• Prepare daily dispatch sheets for Dispatchers to utilize for accurate data entry into the computerized software.
• Secure appointments with back haul vendor personnel in order to coincide with store delivery times and assure timely delivery of inbound customer inventory.
• Where loads cannot be assigned to owner operators under contract to Company, assign loads to an approved third party carrier. Prepare routing and delivery instructions for the third party carrier and present orientation to the third party driver at the time the load is tendered.
• Assist Dispatchers where breakdowns occur during transit of delivery, arrange response by a road repair/towing service. If repowering is required, determine the most expeditious means to dispatch a replacement unit and to facilitate the delivery.
• Maintain communication with the dispatchers to assure that back hauls remain accurately integrated into load plans.
• Prepare daily Load Planner reports that will communicate to on-coming shifts contractor/driver availability, tractor out of service status, PTA board results and available repower trucks.
• Prepare and communicate to the terminal dispatch department a detailed report listing all inbound load revisions and updates.
• Prepare and communicate to all affected personnel daily detailed pass down reports advising the status of loads in progress.
• Assist dispatch to continually monitor and track all trailer locations as well as the refrigeration unit operating status, temperature settings, actual temperature readings, fuel levels and alarm codes.
• Utilize internet based applications for monitoring, mapping, locating and or calculating mileage distance or transit times.
• Promote and enhance the Companys relationship and reputation with its corps of contractors/drivers. Remain accessible to the drivers to answer questions or advise them with regard to specific problems or concerns.
• Promptly and professionally respond to all inquiries and directives from customer representatives.
• Accurately and timely complete all reports and forms required by the Company or its customers.
• Act professionally and ethically at all times.
• Keep immediate work area safe, clean and organized at all times.
• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 2 to 3 years of experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience within the distribution and/or transportation industry.

• Ability to learn the service area and delivery locations to coordinate drivers deliveries.
• Knowledge of distribution and transportation industry.
• Experience using computerized routing software.
• Excellent organization skills, with the ability to multitask.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Strong customer orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to company values.
• Computer proficiency.

Sedentary office environment. Exerts up to 25 lbs. of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to work in an office, but may be required to spend a portion of the time in a warehouse, or outdoor trailer yard.