Transportation Specialist

Summary/Objective: The Transportation Specialist Lead is responsible for guiding the day-to-day activities of the transportation team within a fast-paced third-party logistics (3PL) environment, while also planning and coordinating freight movements directly. This role acts as the primary point of escalation for shipment issues, mentors and supports Transportation Specialists and Coordinators, and ensures on-time pickup and delivery in alignment with customer requirements and service level agreements. The Transportation Specialist Lead works closely with the Transportation Manager, dispatch, operations, and customer service teams to optimize routing, control costs, and maintain compliance with DOT and company safety standards.

Essential Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the transportation/dispatch team, distributing workload and serving as the first point of escalation for shipment issues

Plan, schedule, and oversee daily freight movements across the team to ensure on-time pickup and delivery

Train, mentor, and support Transportation Specialists and Coordinators on processes, systems, and best practices

Communicate with carriers, drivers, and internal teams to track shipment status and proactively resolve delays

Source, negotiate rates, and secure capacity with carriers to meet customer service levels and cost targets

Monitor load boards, tender freight, and confirm carrier compliance with insurance, authority, and safety requirements

Review team work for accuracy and ensure records of shipments, rates, and carrier performance are properly maintained within the transportation management system (TMS)

Ensure team-wide compliance with DOT regulations, hours-of-service rules, and company safety policies

Troubleshoot service failures, delivery exceptions, and customer complaints, escalating to the Transportation Manager as needed

Collaborate with warehouse, brokerage, and customer service teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment and on-time delivery

Track and report on key performance metrics such as on-time delivery, cost per mile, and carrier scorecards, and share results with the team

Serve as backup for the Transportation Manager and respond to after-hours or urgent transportation issues as needed to maintain uninterrupted service

Identify and lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce transportation costs

Support special projects related to network optimization, mode conversion, or new customer implementations

Core Behaviors: Demonstrate to comply with Custom Goods' Core Behaviors: Servant Leadership

Passion for Excellence

Integrity

Resilient

Intense Safety Focus

Trust

Required Education and Experience High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, or related field preferred

3–5 years of experience in transportation, dispatch, freight brokerage, or logistics coordination

1+ years of experience informally leading, training, or mentoring team members preferred

Direct experience handling export transload accounts is required

Experience in a 3PL, trucking, or freight brokerage environment strongly preferred

Strong understanding of transportation management systems (TMS), load boards, and routing/scheduling practices

Working knowledge of DOT regulations, hours-of-service rules, and carrier compliance requirements

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and transportation or logistics software

Strong leadership, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills

Ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities, and team members in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Experience working directly with carriers, owner-operators, or drivers preferred

Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, to support transportation needs

AAP/EEO Statement: Custom Goods, LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, uniform service member status, age, disability, sexual and gender orientation, genetic information or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. This commitment extends to all aspects of Custom Goods' employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, transferring, compensation, benefits, training, leaves of absence, termination, and other terms and conditions of employment.