Load Planner (Supply Chain/Logistics)

Penske Automotive Group - Beachwood, OH

Full-time

Beachwood, OH

Truck Transportation

About the position

Penske Logistics is seeking a Load Planner to join our dynamic team in Beachwood, OH. This hybrid position offers a unique opportunity to work three days in the office and two days from home, with a schedule from Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The Load Planner will play a crucial role in coordinating all processes and functions related to load planning and freight movement. This position is ideal for a self-motivated individual who possesses strong analytical and computer skills, a keen attention to detail, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. In this role, the Load Planner will be responsible for processing customer orders, planning and optimizing shipments into loads, and tendering freight to third-party carriers. The successful candidate will update the Transportation Management System with current shipment information and provide detailed instructions to various customers and associates from other shifts via phone and email. Additionally, the Load Planner will ensure visibility to management and customers by tracking shipments, overseeing processes, auditing, and troubleshooting operational issues. The Load Planner will also complete daily logs and trackers, handle rate negotiations with carriers on a spot rate basis, and identify cost-saving opportunities for customers. Coordination with carriers to ensure on-time delivery is essential, which includes tracking trucks for pick-up, estimating times of arrival and delivery, and recovering loads when necessary. The role may also involve load exception investigation and reporting, as well as other projects and tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Process customer orders and plan & optimize shipments into loads.
• Tender freight to third-party carriers.
• Update Transportation Management System with current shipment information.
• Provide detailed instruction to various customers & associates from other shifts by phone and e-mail.
• Provide visibility to management and the customer by tracking, process oversight, auditing, researching and troubleshooting operational issues or functions.
• Complete daily logs and trackers.
• Handle rate negotiations with carriers on a spot rate basis.
• Identify cost savings opportunities for the customer.
• Coordinate with carriers to ensure on-time delivery by tracking trucks for pick-up, estimating times of arrival and delivery, and recovering loads when necessary.
• Provide load exception investigation and reporting.
• Weigh alternative financial decisions before taking action.
• Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Supply Chain Management preferred.
• Two (2) plus years of experience in Transportation/Supply Chain preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize time-sensitive situations in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Advanced desktop computer skills including Microsoft Excel and Outlook required.
• Strong customer focus.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with customers as well as Penske associates.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to learn and regularly operate various computer systems across different platforms.
• Ability to work First, Second and Third Shift as needed.
• Flexibility with scheduling required.