Entry-Level Transportation Sales Representative

Colonial Group; Des Plaines (IL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group in Des Plaines, IL is seeking an energetic Entry-Level Transportation Sales Representative to build relationships with prospective clients, coordinate freight movements, and manage day-to-day account operations. You'll prospect mid-market accounts, collaborate with senior reps, and use CRM/TMS tools to log activity and schedule pickups.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement with on-site presence in Des Plaines and opportunities to learn shipping pricing, carrier negotiations,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, sales, marketing, or related field.
• 0–2 years in customer service, retail, sales internships, or client-facing roles.
• Strong communication and willingness to learn sales strategies.
• Familiarity with CRM tools and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Prospect mid-market accounts and establish relationships.
• Coordinate freight movements and provide status updates.
• Prepare basic quotes and sales presentations.
• Track activities to align with team goals.
• Learn logistics software and pricing models.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Lead management

CRM familiarity

Microsoft Office

Active listening

Sales mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related

Tools

Salesforce

HubSpot

TMS software

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an energetic and goal-driven Entry-Level Transportation Sales Representative to join our growing logistics team. In this role, you will build relationships with prospective clients, coordinate freight movements, and manage day-to-day account operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive individual looking to launch a rewarding career in supply chain and logistics.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

Business Development & Communication

• You will actively prospect mid-market and emerging accounts ($25M–$250M revenue) where supply chain execution directly impacts shelf presence and retail success. Your primary focus will be building relationships with fast-growing businesses spending $2.5M to $25M on freight, helping them optimize their inbound and outbound transportation networks.
• Identifies and prospects potential freight clients through cold calls, email outreach, and market research.
• Collaborates with senior sales reps to pitch logistics solutions and negotiate competitive shipping rates.
• Communicates regularly with active customers to provide status updates and gather feedback on service quality.

Operations & Technical Execution

• Utilizes internal transportation management software (TMS) and CRM tools to track leads and log daily sales activity.
• Coordinates directly with carrier operations teams to schedule pickups, monitor shipments, and resolve transit delays.
• Demonstrates a strong willingness to learn new logistics software, industry trends, and freight pricing models.

Account Administration & Organization

• Prepares basic freight quotes, rate proposals, and sales presentations for prospective accounts.
• Organizes and maintains accurate customer profiles, load documentation, and billing files.
• Tracks daily activity metrics to ensure personal performance aligns with overarching team sales goals.

Leadership & Initiative

• Takes ownership of assigned operational tasks and proactively identifies ways to streamline client workflows.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
• 0–2 years of experience in customer service, retail, sales internships, or client‑facing roles.
• Strong desire to build a career in sales, with an eagerness to learn sales strategies and industry processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build rapport and engage effectively with potential clients.
• Strong organizational skills and detail‑orientation to manage daily outreach and lead tracking.
• Problem‑solving mindset with an aptitude for learning customer needs and recommending practical solutions.
• Familiarity or willingness to learn CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and sales communication tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong active listening skills to understand prospective clients' goals, priorities, and pain points.
• We are especially eager to bring on talent who understand the fast‑paced nature of CPG, Food & Beverage, and retail supply chains. Candidates who appreciate the critical importance of on‑time delivery, compliance, and proactive communication in high‑velocity freight environments will be a natural fit for our team.
• Internship experience in sales, business development, or account management.

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.