Carrier Sales Representative

Colonial Group; Des Plaines, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group in Des Plaines, IL is seeking a Carrier Sales Representative to build and maintain relationships with freight carriers, negotiate rates, and ensure smooth execution of shipments.

The role requires experience in carrier sourcing, rate negotiations, and coordination with operations to meet service levels. This hybrid on-site role offers a fast-paced environment and opportunities to optimize transportation solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–3 years of carrier sales, freight brokerage, or logistics experience.
• Familiarity with FTL, LTL, and intermodal transportation.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related).
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with carriers.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency in using TMS and MS Office.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Carrier Sourcing: Identify and secure reliable carriers for freight across lanes and modes (FTL, LTL).
• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong carrier relationships for capacity and service.
• Rate Negotiation: Negotiate competitive rates while maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Shipment Coordination: Coordinate with operations for timely pickup, transit, and delivery.
• Issue Resolution: Address and resolve shipment issues including delays or damages.
• Market Research: Monitor market trends for competitive edge in negotiations.
• Compliance: Ensure carriers meet safety, insurance, and regulatory requirements.
• Data Management: Maintain carrier profiles, rates, and activity in CRM/TMS.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Self-motivation

Results-driven

Problem solving

Proactive

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field

Tools

TMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Schedule: M-F, 07:00 am - 4:30 pm CST, + one weekend day every month
Incentive eligible: No

Position Overview

The Carrier Sales Representative will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with carriers, negotiating competitive rates, and ensuring the successful execution of freight movements. Their expertise in carrier management and their ability to provide efficient solutions will play a critical role in the success of our operations.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Carrier Sourcing: Identify and secure reliable carriers to transport freight across various lanes and modes of transportation (FTL, LTL, etc.).
• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships with carriers to ensure consistent capacity and service levels.
• Rate Negotiation: Negotiate competitive rates with carriers while maintaining profitability and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Shipment Coordination: Collaborate with the operations team to ensure timely pickup, transit, and delivery of freight.
• Issue Resolution: Address and resolve any issues or challenges that arise during shipment, including delays, damages, or other concerns.
• Market Research: Monitor market trends, capacity fluctuations, and industry developments to maintain a competitive edge in carrier negotiations.
• Compliance: Ensure carriers meet all safety, insurance, and regulatory requirements.
• Data Management: Accurately maintain carrier profiles, rates, and activity records in the company’s CRM or TMS systems.
• Perform other related job duties as assigned or required.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in carrier sales, freight brokerage, or logistics.
• Familiarity with FTL, LTL, and intermodal transportation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field (preferred).
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with carriers.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency in using transportation management systems (TMS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.

Physical Requirements

This is largely a sedentary role requiring the physical ability to:

• Sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk while working on a computer
• Use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, mouse, and telephone
• Speak and hear clearly in person, virtually, and over the phone
• Occasionally stand, walk, reach, stoop, or lift up to 10 pounds

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and printers.

The work environment is typically quiet to moderate in noise level and is climate controlled.

Location/Remote Eligibility

This is a hybrid role based out of our Des Plaines, IL office. Regular, on-site presence is required (4) days per week or asotherwise directed by the company.

The role may be performed in a hybrid work setting (combination of on-site and/or remote), depending on businessneeds and location eligibility. When working remote, employees are expected to maintain a dedicated, distraction-free,confidential workspace and reliable internet connection.

Schedule

Work hours may vary by shift assignment and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.