Cornerstone Systems is seeking a Sr. Transportation Representative for our newest Branch Office in Charleston, SC.
Recognized for our exceptional customer experience, Cornerstone Systems is a leading nationwide provider of solutions for transportation and logistics. We offer intermodal, railcar & railcar consolidation, truck brokerage, container drayage, LTL, on-site logistics, warehousing & transloading services, supply chain solutions and more. Cornerstone’s proven professionals vow to offer Rock Solid Transportation Solutions. Our nationally recognized award winning company has strategically located offices all across the U.S. and service coverage that spans all of North America. Count on Cornerstone – The Clear Choice – for Rock Solid Results. An Employee Owned Company. U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport Partner. Better Business Bureau A Rating. 2021 USA Top Workplace. For more information, visit www.cornerstone-systems.com.
Job Summary
The Senior Transportation Representative will report to the Branch Manager and will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of branch operations and ensuring all requirements are met for both our carriers and our customers. Beyond operational support, the Senior Transportation Representative will also be accountable for supporting sales/growth initiatives and accounting/administrative tasks within the branch. The below is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of the shipment lifecycle by effectively communicating with shippers, consignees, transportation providers, customers, and any vendors who play party to the shipment execution.
- Negotiate daily with both customers and carriers to determine appropriate pricing based on volumes, service lanes, and potential business opportunities.
- Learn, utilize, and optimize all systems and tools required to manage each shipment; from order creation, to procurement, to status updates, to load completion and finally to billing/payment of all services.
- Monitor cost and profitability on every shipment and ensure service levels are always met or exceeded. Develop and implement effective and repeatable cost control measures.
- Provide a premier service by understanding the customer’s shipping needs; find pain points, identify service/cost improvement opportunities, and ultimately provide solutions that add value to the customer’s supply chain.
- Partner with the sales team to expand branch revenue/profit by collaborating on new customer opportunities and always looking for ways to grow the business with our current customers.
- Build, maintain, and continuously grow relationships with current customers and carriers.
- Procure and develop new carrier relationships and contacts at all levels (dispatch, sales, owner) and covert these relationships into repeat business.
- Prospect, develop and solicit new customers via telephone or email throughout daily operations; always search for ways to grow the revenue and volume of the branch.
- Understand market trends and seasonality of capacity in various modes of transportation and use this knowledge to enhance revenue/profit goals.
- Create new solutions to existing partnerships by further developing customer and carrier relationships; always ask questions, listen, never be satisfied.
- Ensure compliance with all SOPs while always looking for ways to gain efficiencies by improving upon current processes.
- Train and develop new employees; when called upon, offer guidance and mentorship to other members of the team.
- Document and manage problematic events and issues during the life of a load. Escalate issues to the proper people at the right time. Seek input to determine best course of action and implement solutions.
- Promote and display Cornerstones Core Values: Integrity, Honesty, Respect, Loyalty, Never Satisfied.
- Regular and reliable attendance expected.
- Other work-related duties as assigned by supervisor/manager.
Minimum Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in business, transportation, logistics or related field; or a combination of post high school and equal experience may be substituted for education.
- 3-5 years’ experience preferred in truck brokerage, surface transportation, 3rd party logistics, supply chain management, customer service, negotiations or other transportation related fields.
- Driven, enthusiastic, possessing a strong sense of urgency, and highly motivated.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills; can see big picture while managing tiny details, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Demonstrated analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong negotiating skills; able to persuade, motivate and influence others in an ethical manner.
- Able to work in a team environment, while also delivering independent results.
- Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously; prioritize, multi-task and manage time wisely.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel); experience with a Transportation Management System (TMS) and other freight brokerage tools.