Logistics Load Planner

Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities

• Plan inbound shipments by consolidating purchase orders and selecting optimal carriers, transportation modes, and strategies to meet both service and cost objectives.
• Manage daily transportation operations, including load tracking, issue resolution, and communication to ensure full visibility from origin to destination.
• Monitor inventory levels at consolidation cross-dock facilities and generate detailed weekly and monthly analytical reports.
• Collaborate with carriers and KeHE fleet partners to resolve loading and pickup appointment issues, communicating updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in customer programs and special projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and driving continuous improvement.
• Identify optimal freight solutions to meet and exceed transportation performance metrics such as payload utilization, cost per pound, on-time delivery, and savings initiatives.
• Ensure achievement of transportation goals on a period, quarterly, and annual basis by managing the cost-effective movement of products from suppliers to distribution centers.
• Generate and analyze daily/weekly/periodic reports using TMS, ERP, Power BI, and other KeHE systems to support revenue growth, cost savings, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with project teams and customer stakeholders to define business needs, reporting requirements, and process challenges.
• Track, manage, and report on key transportation KPIs.
• Continuously analyze freight lanes, routing guides, and load configurations to implement cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies.
• Research shipping options, analyze financial data, create cost estimates, and address deviations from budgets.
• Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain accurate records to drive optimization through transportation systems.
• Partner with carrier management, supply chain, and sales teams to improve profitability, minimize negative freight income, and enhance service offerings.
• Identify and implement process improvements by working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with carriers to improve service levels, acceptance rates, on-time pickups/deliveries, and monitor performance metrics.
• Collaborate with third-party carriers and KeHE fleets to eliminate inefficiencies and ensure high service levels.
• Investigate and resolve chronic service issues using root cause analysis and creative problem-solving.
• Respond quickly to operational issues, communicate status updates, engage relevant subject matter experts, and escalate when needed.
• Ensure compliance with all KeHE policies and procedures in daily operations.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills across cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), Access, and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
• Working knowledge of Excel pivot tables, virtual meetings (e.g., Zoom), and understanding of BOLs/PODs for delivery confirmation.
• Self-motivated with excellent time management, problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong process improvement and transportation industry knowledge, including market trends.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Logistics, or Supply Chain preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, transportation, or purchasing required.