Transportation Specialist Lead

Essential Functions

• Distribute workload and serve as the first point of escalation for shipment issues.
• Plan, schedule, and oversee daily freight movements to ensure on-time pickup and delivery.
• Train, mentor, and support Transportation Specialists and Coordinators on processes, systems, and best practices.
• Communicate with carriers, drivers, and internal teams to track shipment status and proactively resolve delays.
• Source, negotiate rates, and secure capacity with carriers to meet customer service levels and cost targets.
• Monitor load boards, tender freight, and confirm carrier compliance with insurance, authority, and safety requirements.
• Review team work for accuracy and ensure records of shipments, rates, and carrier performance are properly maintained within the transportation management system (TMS).
• Ensure team-wide compliance with DOT regulations, hours-of-service rules, and company safety policies.
• Troubleshoot service failures, delivery exceptions, and customer complaints, escalating to the Transportation Manager as needed.
• Collaborate with warehouse, brokerage, and customer service teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment and on-time delivery.
• Track and report on key performance metrics such as on-time delivery, cost per mile, and carrier scorecards, and share results with the team.
• Serve as backup for the Transportation Manager and respond to after-hours or urgent transportation issues as needed to maintain uninterrupted service.
• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
• Support special projects related to network optimization, mode conversion, or new customer implementations.

Core Behaviors

• Demonstrate Servant Leadership.
• Show Passion for Excellence.
• Show Integrity.
• Show Resilience.
• Show Intensity in Safety Focus.
• Show Trust.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or GED required.
• An associate's or bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in transportation, dispatch, freight brokerage, or logistics coordination.
• 1+ years of experience informally leading, training, or mentoring team members preferred.
• Direct experience handling export transload accounts is required.
• Experience in a 3PL, trucking, or freight brokerage environment strongly preferred.
• A strong understanding of transportation management systems (TMS), load boards, and routing/scheduling practices.
• A working knowledge of DOT regulations, hours-of-service rules, and carrier compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and transportation or logistics software.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities, and team members in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience working directly with carriers, owner-operators, or drivers preferred.
• The ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, to support transportation needs.

AAP/EEO Statement

Custom Goods, LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, uniform service member status, age, disability, sexual and gender orientation, genetic information or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. This commitment extends to all aspects of Custom Goods' employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, transferring, compensating, benefits, training, leaves of absence, terminating, and other terms and conditions of employment.