Contract Specialist

Axle Logistics; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Axle Logistics in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Contract Specialist to manage the lifecycle of contracts for our 3PL operations, including carrier, shipper, and technology agreements. You will collaborate with sales, operations, legal and finance to ensure contracts align with business objectives and legal requirements, maximizing value while minimizing risk in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include renewals, records management using TMS and CLM, and staying current on transportation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 2+ years of contract administration experience in 3PL/transportation/logistics preferred.
• Strong knowledge of contract law with focus on transportation and logistics.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Experience with TMS and CLM is a plus.
• Knowledge of FMCSA/DOT requirements is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and execute carrier, shipper, and technology contracts.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, legal, and finance to align contracts with objectives and legal requirements.
• Manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Maintain accurate contract records using TMS and CLM.
• Stay up-to-date on transportation regulations (FMCSA, DOT).
• Develop best practices for contract management in 3PL.
• Advise executives on contractual transportation matters.
• Participate in negotiations with external parties.
• Prepare reports on contract status and performance.
• Contribute to process improvements in contract management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Legal Studies, or related field

Tools

TMS

CLM software

FMCSA knowledge

DOT regulatory familiarity

Job description

Meet Axle Logistics: an award-winning logistics company that doesn’t fit the mold.

We pride ourselves on changing the industry standard and setting a new tone in the logistics field. Ask our current employees what it’s like to work here, and you’ll hear words not often used to describe a logistics shop: energetic, contagious, addicting, inspiring, meaningful, rewarding, and fun.

At Axle Logistics, we strongly embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and have a passion for providing real opportunities to ambitious professionals who share our energy and competitive nature. Whether you’re a recent college graduate or a seasoned business professional looking for a career change, we can provide you with a path for success through our comprehensive training program, professional development process, and unlimited access to a dynamic leadership team with years of experience in the industry.

We love to see each other win. Positive attitudes produce positive results, and that spirit is the foundation of everything that we do.

About the role

The Contract Specialist is responsible for managing the lifecycle of contracts critical to our 3PL operations. This role focuses on agreements with carriers, shippers, and other service providers. It requires a deep understanding of transportation and logistics, contract law, meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders. The Contract Specialist will ensure compliance with company contract policies while maximizing value and minimizing risk in a fast-paced environment.

What you’ll do

• Draft, review, negotiate, and execute a variety of contracts, including:
• Carrier agreements
• Shipper agreements
• Technology/software agreements
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., sales, operations, legal, finance) to ensure contracts align with business objectives and legal requirements.
• Manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Maintain accurate and organized contract records, utilizing Transportation Management System (TMS) and contract management software (CLM).
• Research and stay up-to-date on relevant transportation regulations (FMCSA, DOT) and legal requirements.
• Develop and implement contract management best practices specific to the 3PL industry.
• Advise internal executives on contractual matters related to transportation and logistics.
• Participate in negotiations with external parties, including carriers and shippers.
• Prepare reports and presentations on contract status and performance.
• Contribute to process improvements related to contract management within the 3PL context.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Legal Studies, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in contract administration, preferably within the 3PL, transportation, or logistics industry preferred.
• Strong understanding of contract law and principles, with a focus on transportation and logistics.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and contract management software (CLM) is a plus.
• Knowledge of FMCSA regulations and DOT requirements is highly desirable.