Transportation Planner

Build a Better Career as a Transportation Planner with BlueLinx! At BlueLinx, our people are at the heart of our success. We are committed to ensuring our team members can build job security, enhance their skills, and make meaningful contributions. We deliver the building blocks to better lives. Join us and be part of a company that values its people and strives to make a positive impact in the industry. Summary: Plans and routes inbound and outbound shipments for assigned remit of branch locations, using the Transportation Management System (OTM) to create optimal shipments and routes, select appropriate carriers to meet customer needs, and support freight settlement process. Ensure orders are planned to arrive on time to the appropriate destinations and in the expected quantities. Evaluate routes for opportunities to lower transportation costs. Works with assigned remit of branch locations to ensure accurate planning and maximize backhaul revenue. Balances internal and external customer needs, a portfolio of transportation modes and costs, and special shipment requirements in order to deliver the highest transportation efficiency possible. All planning must be completed in alignment with organizational goals and strategies. Primary Duties: General: * Understands the company's vision, mission, and strategy as well as business unit objectives and sets/accomplishes individual performance goals accordingly. * Makes recommendations to improve route efficiency and reduce cost by analyzing cost per mile and pound, equipment weight utilization, equipment volume utilization, and carrier-tender acceptance * Actively participates in productivity improvement through effective route planning and transportation cost reduction initiatives. Seeks opportunities to increase backhaul revenue for company fleet Inbound & Outbound Shipment Planning: * Creates inbound and outbound shipments and routes for company fleet trucks and third-party carriers using Transportation Management System (OTM) * Evaluates and identifies the least cost carrier for planned shipments * Manages capacity constraints within fleet and third-party vendors to execute required outbound deliveries * Coordinates with Branches to provide trouble-shooting and real time solutions, minimizing service disruptions/missed pickups in a cost-effective manner * Collaborate with and fosters a positive working relationship with Sales and Operations teams to ensure shipments and routes are appropriately scheduled and fulfill customer expectations Fleet Planning: * Manages/executes regional backhaul processes by integrating sourcing, selecting, and servicing both internal and external backhaul opportunities into daily routing activities * Manages any exception-driven processes (i.e. order reprioritization, driver / equipment swaps, high-priority loads) Third Party Carrier Planning: * Develop relationships with third-party carriers and brokers to improve carrier commitments and reduce transportation costs * Coordinates with third-party carriers to provide shipment plans and routes (includes tendering and spot bidding in TMS) Freight Settlement: * Supports reconciliation of additional costs on invoice with Freight AP Analyst * Provides approval to third-party carriers for accessorial charges What we're looking for: * BA/BS Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or similar preferred * 2-3 years' experience in the logistics/transportation experience with emphasis on logistics planning operations; 5-8 years with relevant work experience and no formal / related educational background * Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain processes (MOT: LTL / FTL / Rail) and requirements * Proficiency using a Transportation Management System and relevant tools/technology * Strong communication skills and the ability to work within a team and cross-functionally (leadership, third-party carriers, finance functions, commercial, etc.) * Hands-on mentality with strong aptitude to think critically, solve problems, and drive improvements across transportation operations * Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with high-demand requests * Capability to build strategic shipment plans that align with the organization's overall logistics and transportation goals Why BlueLinx? * Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. * Financial Security: 401K match and life insurance. * Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation and holiday pay. * Growth Opportunities: Tuition reimbursement to help you advance your career. Our Values: With every decision and action, we put people first, keep the future in mind, and work as a team toward shared progress: * Customer Centric · Respect · Collaboration · Integrity · Grit About BlueLinx: BlueLinx (NYSE: BXC) is a leading wholesale distributor of building and industrial products in the United States. With over 70,000 branded and private-label SKUs, we have a broad distribution footprint servicing all 50 states. Our team of over 2,000 associates is critical to our success. Our culture is driven by teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on safety and customer service. #LI-Hybrid

Created: 2025-03-03