Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Vehicle Transport Analyst

🎯 Role Definition

As our Vehicle Transport Analyst, you will be the analytical engine of our transportation department. Your primary mission is to dive deep into our logistics data, transforming raw numbers into actionable insights that drive strategic decisions. You will be responsible for everything from daily load planning and carrier performance management to long-term network optimization and cost-saving initiatives. You will work cross-functionally with operations, sales, and finance, acting as a key subject matter expert to streamline processes and ensure our vehicles move seamlessly and cost-effectively across the country. This isn't just a reporting role; it's a position for a proactive problem-solver who can identify opportunities and lead the charge in implementing innovative solutions.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Logistics Coordinator
Dispatch Coordinator
Junior Data Analyst
Supply Chain Specialist

Advancement To:

Senior Transportation Analyst
Logistics Manager
Transportation Operations Manager
Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

Supply Chain Analyst
Operations Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct in-depth analysis of transportation data, including freight costs, transit times, and carrier performance, to identify key trends, anomalies, and opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
Develop, monitor, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for vehicle transportation, such as on-time pickup/delivery, cost-per-unit, damage claims, and carrier capacity utilization.
Manage and optimize relationships with a diverse network of vehicle carriers, conducting regular performance reviews and negotiating rates to ensure competitive pricing and high service levels.
Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and other logistics software to plan, execute, and track vehicle shipments from origin to final destination, ensuring data integrity and real-time visibility.
Perform complex route and network optimization analyses to design the most efficient and cost-effective transportation lanes for single and multi-vehicle shipments.
Lead freight audit and payment processes, meticulously reviewing carrier invoices against contracted rates and service agreements to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Create and maintain sophisticated analytical models and dashboards (using tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI) to provide clear, actionable insights into transportation operations for senior management.
Serve as the central point of contact for resolving complex transportation issues, including delays, damages, and carrier non-compliance, by coordinating with internal teams and external partners.
Collaborate closely with Sales, Operations, and Customer Service teams to understand shipping requirements, provide accurate freight quotes, and ensure transportation solutions align with client expectations.
Proactively identify and assess risks within the transportation network, developing and implementing contingency plans to mitigate disruptions caused by weather, capacity shortages, or other factors.
Support strategic sourcing events and RFPs (Request for Proposals) for transportation services by providing data-driven analysis and recommendations for carrier selection.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by researching and recommending new technologies, processes, and strategies to enhance the efficiency and scalability of our vehicle transport operations.
Analyze and report on fuel surcharge programs and other accessorial charges to ensure accuracy and identify opportunities for cost containment.
Manage the vehicle claims process from initiation to resolution, working with carriers and insurance providers to minimize financial loss and improve future prevention measures.
Prepare and present detailed business cases for proposed logistics changes, quantifying the potential impact on costs, service levels, and overall operational performance.
Ensure all transportation activities comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and other relevant legal and safety standards.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all key transportation functions to ensure consistency and quality across the team.
Forecast future transportation capacity needs and costs based on historical data, sales projections, and market trends to support strategic planning and budgeting.
Oversee the daily load tendering process, ensuring optimal carrier assignment based on cost, performance, and capacity for all outbound and inbound vehicle movements.
Investigate and resolve service failures by performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective action plans to prevent recurrence and enhance customer satisfaction.
Monitor real-time market conditions, including capacity constraints and rate fluctuations, providing timely intelligence to stakeholders to inform tactical decision-making.
Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at improving the end-to-end supply chain, representing the transportation function and providing expert input.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros, modeling).
Expertise with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) such as MercuryGate, OTM, or similar platforms.
Strong SQL skills for querying and manipulating large datasets.
Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik Sense.
Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite).
Knowledge of route optimization and network design software.
Experience in freight auditing and cost analysis.
Strong understanding of carrier management, contract negotiation, and rate structures.
Familiarity with North American transportation regulations (DOT, FMCSA).
Experience with statistical analysis and forecasting methodologies.
Basic scripting skills in Python or R for data automation and analysis is a plus.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven negotiation and vendor management capabilities.
High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills.
Effective time management and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability and resilience in the face of changing priorities and challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
Business Administration
Data Analytics / Data Science
Economics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of experience in a transportation, logistics, or supply chain analysis role.

Preferred:

Direct experience in the automotive logistics or finished vehicle transport industry is highly desirable.
Proven experience working with a large, national carrier network and managing complex TMS environments.