Contract Freight Coordinator - Mon-Fri (7am-3pm)

Hy-Vee; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Perishable Distributors of Iowa is seeking a Contract Freight Coordinator to schedule pickups and deliveries for contract freight and backhauls, coordinating loads, rates, and dispatches to ensure on-time delivery and high customer satisfaction.

The role requires strong negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills, with experience in logistics/distribution and a focus on accuracy and efficiency in daily operations.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent required.
• Transportation logistics education or equivalent experience preferred.
• Logistic or dispatch experience preferred.
• Strong negotiation and customer service skills.
• Proficient with basic math and computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Schedules pickup and delivery for backhauls and contract shipments.
• Books loads, negotiates freight rates, dispatches loads, and follows up with drivers.
• Monitors shipments from pick-up to delivery to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Serves as driver contact for ETA, route changes, and equipment issues.
• Collaborates with warehouse on pallets and freight instructions.
• Performs general office tasks and assists with billing discrepancies.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Partnerships

Growth mindset

Results oriented

Customer focused

Professionalism

Education

High school education

Transportation logistics education

Tools

Retalix Dock Scheduler

RTO

Yard

PeopleNet

AS/400

Job description

Additional Considerations (if any)

Our mission statement is “To fulfill the highest expectations of our customers through the hands of our dedicated employees.”

Perishable Distributors of Iowa

Job Title

Contract Freight Coordinator

Department

Contract Freight

FLSA

Non-Exempt

General Function

Schedules the pickup and delivery of contract freight and backhaul shipment resulting in customer satisfaction and increased profits.

Core Competencies

• Partnerships
• Growth mindset
• Results oriented
• Customer focused
• Professionalism

Reporting Relations

Accountable and Reports to

Director of Brokerage Services

Positions that Report to you

None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to work when scheduled and on time. Adheres to company policies and departmental guidelines.
• Coordinates the scheduling of pick-up and delivery for backhauls and contract shipments accurately and efficiently including booking loads, negotiating freight rates, dispatching loads, special deliveries, and follow-up with drivers. Tracks movement to monitor shipments.
• Utilizes Prospero as well as other systems to coordinate and track freight activities. Monitors contract freight from pick-up to delivery, dealing with any problems to ensure good customer service.
• Serves as a driver contact for day-to-day operational needs including tracking ETA’s, pallet changes, lost paperwork, overweight issues, route changes, pick-up and delivery problems, and equipment breakdowns.
• Communicates with the warehouse on pallets miss-ships, longs, damaged product, and special freight instructions.
• Assists the department in general office functions including but not limited to answering incoming calls, performs customer service and handles problems following up with response quickly and efficiently, makes copies, monitors incoming faxes, compiles and distributes paperwork, and data entry.
• Solicits new contract freight customers presenting a positive representation of PDI.
• Responsible for overages, shorts, and damaged contract freight claims. Notifies vendors and consignees of discrepancies. Works with quality control supervisor on salvaged or donated products. Processes claims for lost or damaged product.
• Works with dispatchers and loaders when returning smaller quantities of pallets to vendor. Buys pallets as needed.
• Works with Accounts Receivable Associate in resolving billing discrepancies and issuing credit vouchers and chargebacks.
• Assists the Transportation Accountant with contacting customers regarding outstanding receivables.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Worker Characteristics

• Good transportation, delivery, and distribution understanding
• Sales and negotiation skills
• Reasoning and problem-solving skills
• General math and basic accounting skills
• Good general computer and spreadsheet ability
• Good organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to handle busy, hectic work environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills, phone, and interpersonal skills

Education and Experience

• High school education or equivalent required. Transportation logistics education or equivalent experience preferred.
• Logistic or dispatch experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

This job is considered sedentary to light in nature according to the Department of Labor Weight Classifications with primary functions being sedentary in nature. This is considered a semi-skilled position. Frequent to constant handling, grasping, pinching, full reaching motions occur, constant listening, talking or hearing.

Working Conditions

Office (climate controlled)

Busy atmosphere.

Equipment Used to Perform Job

P.C., Microsoft Office, office telephone system, calculator, Retalix Dock Scheduler, RTO, Yard, PeopleNet, photo copier, fax machine, printer, AS/400, label machine.

Contacts

Has daily contact with transportation and office personnel, along with outside customers.

Confidentiality

Has access to confidential information including vendor pricing.