Carrier Operations & Freight Negotiator

OSTTRA Group; Des Peres (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

UniGroup is seeking a Carrier Operations Specialist in Des Peres, MO to support third-party transportation orders by securing carrier capacity, negotiating rates, and coordinating shipments from tender through delivery. This role collaborates with carriers, drivers, and internal partners to balance service, cost, and operational priorities.

The successful candidate will enjoy negotiating with carriers, staying calm in a fast-paced brokerage environment, and helping strengthen processes as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, transportation, logistics, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Two or more years of experience in transportation, logistics, brokerage, carrier operations, dispatch, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating multiple shipments, orders, customers, or operational priorities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions with incomplete or changing information.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and productive in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn transportation management systems.

Responsibilities

• Source and secure qualified third-party carriers for truckload, partial truckload, household goods, automotive, and logistics shipments.
• Negotiate rates and payment terms while supporting service and margin expectations.
• Tender freight to carriers and coordinate shipment execution from pickup through delivery.
• Monitor shipment status, driver information, pickup and delivery times, and other critical order details.
• Develop carrier relationships and maintain a reliable network of transportation providers.
• Vet and onboard new carriers in accordance with company, FMCSA, and DOT requirements.
• Confirm that third-party shipments are accurately entered, accounted for, billed, and aligned with financial reporting.
• Identify coverage risks early and develop alternate solutions before freight reaches the open load board.
• Communicate service issues, delays, and other shipment updates to internal stakeholders.
• Manage a high volume of orders while adjusting priorities as business needs change.
• Collaborate with brokerage leadership and operational partners to improve processes, service, and profitability.
• Support additional operational projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Calm under pressure

Ability to learn TMS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, transportation, logistics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Job description

UniGroup is seeking a Carrier Operations Specialist in Des Peres, MO to support third-party transportation orders by securing carrier capacity, negotiating rates, and coordinating shipments from tender through delivery. This role collaborates with carriers, drivers, and internal partners to balance service, cost, and operational priorities.

The successful candidate will enjoy negotiating with carriers, staying calm in a fast-paced brokerage environment, and helping strengthen processes as