Logistics Manager - Rail, Truck & Barge Transportation

KLA Industries; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA Industries in Little Rock, AR seeks an experienced Logistics Manager to oversee inbound and outbound transportation across rail, truck, and barge for a large industrial facility. The role requires hands-on management of multimodal freight, cost optimization, carrier relations, and timely material movements.

You will coordinate railcar scheduling, barge shipments, and over‑the‑road movements, while ensuring regulatory compliance and accurate shipping documentation.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of logistics experience in heavy industrial or large‑scale transportation environments.
• Hands‑on experience coordinating rail, truck, and inland waterway barge.
• Knowledge of railcar scheduling, railroad coordination, and rail fleet operations.
• Experience negotiating freight contracts and managing third‑party transportation providers.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and transportation management software.

Responsibilities

• Manage inbound and outbound transportation using rail, truck, and barge.
• Coordinate railcar scheduling, barge shipments, and over‑the‑road movements.
• Negotiate freight rates and manage carrier contracts.
• Develop relationships with railroad operators, barge companies, freight brokers.
• Optimize rail, port, and transloading operations to improve delivery and cut costs.
• Oversee shipping documentation including bills of lading and manifests.
• Coordinate inventory movements between facilities, warehouses, yards, and customer locations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable DOT, FRA, and transportation regulations.
• Utilize ERP and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to monitor shipments and analyze freight performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on logistics efficiency, cost reduction, and carrier performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Multimodal coordination

Education

Bachelors in SCM

Tools

ERP systems

TMS (Transportation Management System)

Job description

Logistics Manager – Rail, Truck & Barge Transportation

Location: Little Rock, AR

We are seeking an experienced Logistics Manager to oversee inbound and outbound transportation operations for a large industrial facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. This role requires hands‑on experience managing multimodal freight transportation, specifically rail, over‑the‑road trucking, and inland waterway barge operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing freight costs, managing carrier relationships, and ensuring efficient, timely movement of materials and products.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage inbound and outbound transportation utilizing rail, truck, and barge.

• Coordinate railcar scheduling, barge shipments, and over‑the‑road freight movements.

• Negotiate freight rates, manage carrier contracts, and monitor transportation costs and performance KPIs.

• Develop relationships with railroad operators, barge companies, freight brokers, and transportation providers.

• Optimize rail, port, and transloading operations to improve delivery performance and reduce costs.

• Oversee shipping documentation, including bills of lading, rail and barge manifests, and international shipping paperwork.

• Coordinate inventory movements between facilities, warehouses, yards, and customer locations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable DOT, FRA, and transportation regulations.

• Utilize ERP and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to monitor shipments and analyze freight performance.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on logistics efficiency, cost reduction, and carrier performance.

Required Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of logistics experience, preferably in heavy industrial or large‑scale transportation environments.

• Hands‑on experience coordinating all three transportation modes: rail, truck, and inland waterway barge.

• Strong knowledge of railcar scheduling, railroad coordination, and rail fleet operations.

• Experience managing barge transportation on inland river systems.

• Experience negotiating freight contracts and managing third‑party transportation providers.

• Proficiency with ERP systems and transportation management software.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Mississippi and Arkansas River transportation networks.

• Familiarity with port operations, transloading, and intermodal logistics.

• Knowledge of international shipping, customs, and export compliance.

• Lean supply chain or Six Sigma training or certification.