Entry-Level Transportation Sales Representative

CJ Logistics; Des Plaines (IL); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

CJ Logistics is seeking an Entry-Level Transportation Sales Representative to grow our logistics business in a hybrid Des Plaines, IL environment. You will develop relationships with mid-market accounts, coordinate freight movements, and manage daily account operations.

You’ll learn to use CRM/TMS tools, prepare quotes, and support senior reps in pitching solutions and negotiating rates while tracking activity to meet team goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 0–2 years in customer service, retail, sales internships, or client-facing roles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Prospect mid-market and emerging accounts; build relationships with prospective clients.
• Coordinate freight movements and manage day-to-day account operations.
• Collaborate with senior reps to pitch solutions and negotiate rates.
• Provide regular status updates and gather feedback on service quality.

Skills

Prospecting

CRM software

Sales communication

Account coordination

MS Office

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Salesforce

HubSpot

TMS / Transportation software

Job description

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or support for work authorization.

Now Hiring: Entry-Level Transportation Sales Representative

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.

What You'll Do:

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.

What You Bring to the Table:

• 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.

What's In It for You:

• Hybrid work schedule with 4 days in-office in Des Plaines, IL and one day remote
• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
• Your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. We anticipate this role to pay a base salary between $66,500-$75,000 per year, but actual base pay will depend on the successful candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Full health insurance (medical, dental, and vision).
• 401(k), life insurance, and tuition assistance.
• Paid time off to rest and recharge.
• An open-door work environment that values feedback and collaboration.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing company.
• Occasional travel required for training, customer meetings, or industry events (up to 10–15%). Flexible hours may occasionally be required to support client needs.

CJ Logistics About Statement:

At CJ Logistics America, we know that we do our best work when we have an inclusive and diverse team, where we can draw on our different life experiences to help us deliver innovative solutions for our customers. We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity, equity, and an inclusive workplace. Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to only when they check every box. So if you think you might be a good fit for the role, but don't necessarily meet every single requirement on the job posting, we still encourage you to apply.

CJ Logistics delivers integrated and multimodal logistics services, connecting every corner of the world via air, sea and land. As a lead logistics partner (LLP), third-party logistics provider (3PL) and supply chain consultant, we help customers leverage supply chain management as a competitive advantage, reducing total system costs, transforming business processes, improving service and facilitating growth and change. With a focus on social responsibility and sustainability through growth with customers and communities, we prioritize the wellbeing of the end consumer, our customers and our employees. CJ Logistics is responsible for the North America region, specializing in solutions for regulated industries such as food and beverage, consumer-packaged goods, healthcare and medical supplies, and tire and automotive.

CJ Logistics is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affidantive Action employer. We prohibit discrimination and or/harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military statue, disability (physical or mental) medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, CJ Logistics participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

At this time, CJ Logistics America is unable to offer visa sponsorship or support for work authorization.