Director, Linehaul Operations

Forward Air; Groveport (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company is seeking a Director of Linehaul Operations to manage and optimize operations across the region. This role involves overseeing daily transportation activities, mentoring team members, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership, communication skills, and an analytical approach. Experience with DOT regulations and Microsoft Office is required. This position offers a dynamic work environment focused on efficiency and customer service.

Qualifications

• People-focused leader with strong ability to mentor, engage team members.
• Expert knowledge of DOT rules and regulations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily linehaul operations ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor fleet utilization, improve efficiency and profitability.
• Mentor high-performing team members.
• Drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Mentoring

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Negotiation skills

Teamwork

Tools

Microsoft Office

AS400

Job description

Overview

Position: Director, Linehaul Operations

Job Description: The Director, Linehaul Operations is responsible for overseeing, managing, and optimizing linehaul operations across an assigned region. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure service excellence, cost control, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in linehaul execution. The Director will partner closely with regional linehaul peers, terminal operations, contractors, recruiting, and senior leadership to drive efficiency, maximize asset utilization, and deliver superior customer service. The Director will also mentor and develop high-performing team members across the region to ensure operational success.

Core Responsibilities & Duties

• Oversee daily linehaul operations across the region, ensuring safe, timely, and cost-effective transportation.
• Monitor and manage fleet utilization, loaded miles, empty miles, and truckload miles to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Lead, support, and develop regional linehaul team members to achieve performance goals.
• Ensure operational compliance with all federal, state, and company safety regulations.
• Drive a culture of accountability, service reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Analyze and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including on-time service, cost per mile, driver utilization, and network efficiency.
• Partner with sales, brokerage, and fleet integration to improve service delivery and resolve issues.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and technology adoption to reduce cost and enhance visibility.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align regional performance with company-wide strategic objectives.
• Mentor and develop high-performing team members within the region.
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching for improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• People-focused leader with strong ability to mentor, develop, and engage team members.
• Must take an analytical approach when evaluating and deriving business initiatives and problem identification
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Desire for a long-term career with an industry leading company
• Ability to present and maintain a positive corporate image in a fast-paced environment
• Expert knowledge of all DOT rules and regulations pertaining to the qualifications of drivers
• Proactively establish and maintain effective working team relationships with all support departments
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Experience with AS400 a plus

Skills

• The ideal candidate will possess a “can do” attitude with a “will do” work ethic
• Demonstrate excellent negotiation skills to deal effectively with individuals and groups within and outside the organization
• Must have the ability to work in a fast paced/high volume environment

Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity employer.