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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Traffic Planner

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply Chain ManagementTransportationPlanningCoordination

🎯 Role Definition

A Traffic Planner is the central nervous system of a company's logistics and transportation network. This role is responsible for the strategic planning and daily execution of all inbound and outbound freight movements. More than just a scheduler, a Traffic Planner is a dynamic problem-solver, a skilled negotiator, and a master of efficiency. They are tasked with the critical challenge of ensuring that goods, materials, and products are transported from origin to destination in the most timely, cost-effective, and compliant manner possible. This individual acts as the primary liaison between carriers, drivers, warehouse personnel, and customer service teams, ensuring seamless communication and resolving any disruptions that arise in the supply chain. Success in this position directly impacts customer satisfaction, operational costs, and the overall efficiency of the business.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Dispatcher
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Traffic Planner / Logistics Manager
  • Transportation Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Carrier Procurement Specialist
  • Fleet Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute comprehensive daily, weekly, and monthly transportation plans for all inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring alignment with production schedules and customer delivery expectations.
  • Strategically select, negotiate with, and onboard freight carriers, building a robust and reliable carrier network while consistently seeking to optimize rates and service levels.
  • Analyze and optimize transportation routes to reduce transit times, minimize mileage, and lower overall freight costs, utilizing transportation management software and geographical knowledge.
  • Act as the central point of contact for real-time shipment tracking, proactively monitoring progress and providing timely, accurate updates to internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Ensure all transportation activities are in strict compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT), Hours of Service (HOS), and other local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Diligently manage the complete lifecycle of freight claims, from initial filing and investigation to resolution, working to recover costs and prevent future occurrences.
  • Meticulously maintain and update all records within the Transportation Management System (TMS), ensuring data integrity for loads, rates, carrier information, and delivery statuses.
  • Facilitate clear and constant communication between truck drivers, carrier dispatchers, warehouse shipping/receiving teams, and customer service to prevent and resolve issues.
  • Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex transportation issues, such as delays, missed pickups, damaged goods, or equipment failures, with a sense of urgency.
  • Conduct regular analysis of transportation data and KPIs, such as on-time performance and cost-per-mile, to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Accurately prepare, verify, and distribute all necessary shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOL), packing slips, and customs paperwork for international shipments.
  • Continuously monitor carrier performance against agreed-upon service level agreements (SLAs), conducting regular business reviews to foster strong, collaborative partnerships.
  • Skillfully schedule dock appointments for all inbound and outbound freight, managing dock capacity and labor to ensure efficient loading and unloading processes.
  • Identify opportunities to consolidate Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments into Full-Truckload (FTL) or multi-stop loads to maximize asset utilization and achieve significant cost savings.
  • Create and maintain detailed load plans and routing guides that provide clear instructions for warehouse staff and carriers, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Secondary Functions

  • Perform rigorous auditing and validation of freight invoices against negotiated rates and completed service records, resolving discrepancies to ensure accurate billing.
  • Collaborate closely with sales, procurement, and customer service departments to understand their shipping needs, forecast future volume, and align transportation capacity accordingly.
  • Manage and cultivate relationships with a core group of dedicated carriers to guarantee capacity and secure preferential service during peak seasons or market fluctuations.
  • Prepare and present regular performance reports and dashboards to management, highlighting key metrics, cost trends, and the financial impact of planning decisions.
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  • Stay current with transportation industry trends, emerging technologies, market rate fluctuations, and regulatory changes to inform strategic planning and mitigate risks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • TMS Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in using Transportation Management Systems (e.g., MercuryGate, Oracle TM, BluJay) for routing, load tendering, and tracking.
  • ERP System Knowledge: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning systems (like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics) and how they integrate with logistics modules.
  • Freight Mode Expertise: Deep understanding of various transportation modes, including Full Truckload (FTL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), intermodal, parcel, and air freight.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Strong working knowledge of transportation regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
  • Data Analysis & Excel: Ability to analyze large datasets to identify trends and cost-saving opportunities, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, formulas).
  • Route Optimization Software: Experience with routing and mapping software (e.g., PC*MILER, FourKites) to plan the most efficient routes.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: A resourceful and composed approach to identifying and resolving unexpected issues, such as equipment breakdowns, shipping delays, or capacity shortages, under pressure.
  • Negotiation: The ability to confidently and effectively negotiate freight rates, terms, and service agreements with carriers to achieve the best possible outcomes.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey critical information clearly and concisely to drivers, customers, and internal teams.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and highly organized, with a talent for managing complex details, documentation, and data with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Multitasking: Proven ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities, and urgent requests simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-volume environment without sacrificing quality.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management & Logistics
  • Business Administration
  • Transportation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in a transportation, logistics, or dispatch role.

Preferred: Experience in a high-volume shipping environment (e.g., manufacturing, distribution, 3PL) with hands-on experience managing FTL and LTL freight.

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