Transportation Planner

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture - Where Innovation Meets Comfort

Who We Are:

At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the worlds largest manufacturer of home furnishings, were more than a business - were a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.

If youre ready to grow, youve come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.

If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.

Summary:

The Carrier Capacity Planner is a key player in our logistics operations, responsible for managing freight flows, trailer assets, and carrier capacity across a defined region. This role coordinates inbound and outbound freight planning, optimizes trailer utilization, and makes strategic decisions to balance freight demand with available capacity. The Carrier Capacity Planner ensures optimal service levels, cost control, and operational efficiency by analyzing lane-level data, managing trailer pools, and collaborating across teams to align freight volumes with network commitments. Your decisions will directly impact service levels, cost control, and the performance of our transportation network.

Responsibilities:

Plan Freight Movements

• Coordinate inbound and outbound freight within a 24-72 hour planning window, ensuring optimal trailer utilization and on-time delivery across our transportation network

• Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly freight plans to meet customer demand and service commitments

• Analyze freight volumes, origins, destinations, and delivery requirements to create efficient load plans

• Balance freight demand across multiple lanes and facilities to optimize network capacity

• Monitor freight movements in real-time and adjust plans as conditions change

• Coordinate with shipping and receiving facilities to ensure smooth freight flow and minimize delays

Manage Trailer Pools

• Monitor and adjust trailer pool allocations to reduce idle assets and improve turn times at customer locations

• Track trailer inventory levels across the network and reposition assets as needed to meet demand

• Analyze trailer utilization metrics and implement strategies to maximize asset productivity

• Coordinate with operations teams on trailer availability, condition, and maintenance requirements

• Develop trailer deployment strategies to minimize empty miles and optimize asset utilization

• Maintain accurate records of trailer locations, movements, and assignments

Optimize Capacity & Routing

• Analyze lane-level data to match freight demand with available carrier capacity, making strategic decisions to accept, decline, or reroute freight based on cost, service, and network impact

• Evaluate carrier performance, rates, and service levels to select optimal transportation providers

• Negotiate spot rates and secure additional capacity during peak periods or capacity constraints

• Identify opportunities to consolidate freight, optimize routing, and reduce transportation costs

• Monitor lane performance metrics including cost per mile, on-time delivery, and capacity utilization

• Develop contingency plans for capacity shortages, weather disruptions, or operational challenges

Collaborate Across Teams

• Partner with Customer Service, Sales, and Area Managers to align freight volumes with network commitments and develop proactive solutions for capacity constraints

• Communicate freight plans, capacity issues, and service updates to internal stakeholders

• Coordinate with warehouse operations on loading schedules, dock availability, and freight priorities

• Work with procurement and carrier management teams on contract compliance and performance issues

• Provide input to sales and customer service teams on capacity availability and service capabilities

• Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss network performance and improvement opportunities

Support Real-Time Freight Decisions

• Respond to dynamic freight needs by securing additional capacity, adjusting schedules, and leveraging transportation management systems (TMS) to maintain service and profitability

• Troubleshoot and resolve freight planning issues including capacity shortages, routing problems, and delivery delays

• Make real-time decisions on freight acceptance, carrier selection, and load routing based on cost and service priorities

• Monitor market conditions and carrier availability to adjust plans and secure competitive rates

• Escalate critical issues to management and coordinate resolution strategies

Ensure Data Accuracy

• Maintain precise records in TMS (Transportation Management System), validate billing details, and ensure all freight planning data is entered correctly for operational transparency

• Verify load information, rates, accessorial charges, and delivery details for accuracy

• Generate reports on freight volumes, costs, capacity utilization, and performance metrics

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide analysis to support continuous improvement

• Ensure compliance with documentation requirements and maintain audit-ready records

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve freight planning processes, reduce costs, and enhance service levels

• Analyze historical data and trends to forecast capacity needs and optimize network design

• Recommend and implement best practices for freight planning and capacity management

• Support strategic initiatives related to network optimization and transportation efficiency

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required

• Background in freight planning, carrier coordination, transportation operations, or logistics

• Strong analytical thinking with ability to interpret freight data, lane performance, and cost metrics to make fast, informed decisions

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate with internal teams and external carrier partners

• Problem-solving mindset with resourceful and proactive approach to resolving freight challenges and capacity issues

• Tech proficiency with familiarity in transportation management systems (TMS), load planning tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)

• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Understanding of transportation industry terminology, pricing, and freight operations

• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure

• Customer service orientation with professional communication style

Additional Qualifications, Preferred:

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

• 2-4 years of experience in freight planning, transportation coordination, or logistics operations

• Experience with trailer pool management or asset optimization

• Familiarity with TMS platforms such as MercuryGate, TMW, McLeod, or similar systems

• Knowledge of DOT regulations, hours of service, and transportation compliance requirements

• Understanding of furniture freight, LTL (Less Than Truckload), and dedicated fleet operations

• Experience with carrier negotiation and rate analysis

• Background in network optimization, routing, or supply chain planning

• Advanced Excel skills including data analysis, pivot tables, and reporting

• Understanding of freight costs including fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and rate structures

• Experience in retail, furniture, or distribution logistics

Work Environment:

This position is located in a climate-controlled office environment with standard lighting and moderate noise levels typical of professional workspace settings. The role primarily involves sitting at a desk for extended periods while working with computers, phones, and other office equipment. The collaborative environment includes interaction with team members and may require attendance at meetings, conference calls, and cross-departmental communications during regular business hours.

Competitive compensation based on experience

Benefits We Offer:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Time Off; increases with years of service

• Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off

• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Tuition Assistance

• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism

• Telehealth

• 401(k) and Profit Sharing

• Life Insurance

Our Core Values:

Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.

Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.

Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.

Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.

Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.

Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.

Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.

Interested in learning more about Ashley Furnitures Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:

• Corporate Social Responsibility

• View Our Corporate Brochure

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates, only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.

Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future.