Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist - Partials

Forward Air

Des Plaines, IL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$65,000–$70,000
SKILLS
Automation, Brokerage, Capacity Strategy, Cargo/Freight, Communication Skills, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, Documentation, High School Diploma, Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Less Than Truckload (LTL), Load Planning, Logistics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Windows Operating System, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Negotiation Skills, Partner Sales, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Procurement Planning, Profit & Loss, Purchasing/Procurement, Relationship Management, Sales, Sales Management, Sales Operations, Shipping Requirements, Supply Chain, Time Management, Web Conferencing, WebEx
LOCATION
Des Plaines, IL
POSTED
1 day ago

Position: Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist - Partial Truckload

 

Compensation: $65,000 - 70,000 Annually

 

Job Description:

 

TheStrategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist - Partial Truckload is responsible for optimizing the planning, procurement, and execution of partial truckload (PTL) shipments by effectively connecting shipper demand with carrier capacity. They play a critical part in maximizing trailer utilization, reducing transportation costs, and improving overall network efficiency through strategic consolidation and carrier alignment. They combine carrier sales expertise, operational execution, and load planning to ensure efficient and reliable freight movement. They partner cross-functionally to align brokerage opportunities with capacity strategies and network priorities. This role is integral to driving both service excellence and margin performance across the Partial Truckload network.

 


Core Responsibilities & Duties: 

 

  • Identify, plan, and execute partial truckload opportunities by consolidating shipments to maximize trailer utilization and profitability.
  • Design and manage multi-stop and multi-pick routes aligned with service requirements and cost efficiency targets.
  • Balance customer service expectations with margin optimization and cost control initiatives.
  • Develop, onboard, and maintain relationships with a network of partial truckload carriers.
  • Understand carrier capabilities, equipment types, and preferred lanes to effectively align capacity with freight demand.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for carriers, managing communication, issue resolution, and performance expectations.
  • Negotiate competitive carrier rates based on market conditions, shipment requirements, and network needs.
  • Secure capacity in both stable and constrained market environments to meet business demand.
  • Partner with Customer Sales, Carrier Sales, and Operations teams to align freight opportunities with available capacity.
  • Identify and incorporate brokerage freight into partial or consolidated shipment opportunities.
  • Communicate detailed load requirements, including routing, scheduling, and documentation instructions, to carriers and internal teams.
  • Monitor shipments from pickup through delivery, proactively resolving delays, disruptions, or service exceptions.
  • Maintain accurate and timely updates within the Transportation Management System (TMS) and tracking platforms.
  • Analyze performance metrics (e.g., trailer utilization, on-time delivery, cost per load, margin) to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support process improvements, automation initiatives, and network optimization efforts.
  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

 

Job Requirements & Qualifications: 

 

  • Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required; Undergraduate degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred from an accredited college or university preferred. 
  • Experience: 2+ years of experience in carrier sales, freight brokerage, dispatch, or logistics operations.
  • Strong understanding of LTL, PTL (partial truckload), and full truckload (FTL) operations.
  • Proven experience in capacity procurement and carrier negotiation.
  • Experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and load tracking tools (McLeod strongly preferred).
  • Strong communication, relationship management, and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
  • Ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Experience with routing optimization, digital freight platforms, automation tools, or data-driven decision making is preferred.
  • Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
  • Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.)
  • Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on-site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events.

 

#LI-KB1 #LI-Onsite

About the Company

F

Forward Air

Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

The foundation product for Forward Air is our expedited linehaul service, offering consistent and reliable transit and on-time, damage-free deliveries. By locating terminals on or near airports and maintaining a scheduled transportation network, we are able to arrange for convenient and consistent service with broad geographic coverage. Shipments of varying sizes (TL/LTL) are received at our terminals and transported by contracted service providers either (1) on a direct truck to the destination terminal, (2) through our Columbus, Ohio central sorting hub, or (3) through one of our 12 regional hubs, where they are unloaded, sorted, and reloaded in rapid fashion. After reloading the shipments, our contracted service providers deliver them to the destination city for early morning recovery. Through our Forward Air Complete® cartage service, customers also can have shipments picked up from the shipper, delivered to the final consignee, or transferred at the airport, simplifying the freight management processes. These options allow us to maximize handling efficiency of each shipment while minimizing freight loss and damage, improving transit times over traditional ground transportation.

COMPANY SIZE
2,500 to 4,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Transport and Storage - Materials
FOUNDED
1981
WEBSITE
https://www.forwardair.com/content/careers-0