Logistics Planner: Optimize Shipments & Routes

Dairy Challenge; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Challenge is seeking a logistics professional to coordinate inbound/outbound operations for a defined region. You will plan loads, schedule activities, and ensure efficient, timely deliveries while maintaining accurate records.

The role emphasizes coordination with haulers, plant personnel, and customers, with a focus on problem solving, data integrity, and process improvements. Strong communication and English proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business, logistics, supply chain, distribution management, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 2 to 5 years of logistics planning, transportation, distribution, supply chain, or related experience, applying knowledge of the motor carrier industry; experience with transportation management systems (TMS)
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Responsibilities

• Manage customer needs and/or orders for load planning using software tools and considering various factors to optimize loads/truckloads
• Plan and prepare schedules that balance all parties’ needs with planned load efficiency and profitability
• Facilitate effective communication with haulers/drivers and for-hire carriers; provide daily hauler/carrier support through the automated tendering process and ensure loads are picked up and delivered timely
• Communicate with plant personnel, haulers/drivers, carriers, and warehouse/shipping locations to resolve shipment and/or service issues; keep everyone informed of critical changes
• Support on-time delivery problem solving and performance improvements with customers; communicate with all impacted parties to find solutions to issues
• Maintain vendor, carrier, and customer data (delivery location, frequency, etc.) to support efficient transportation of deliveries
• Ensure all transactions are tracked and recorded in systems; reconcile pickups/receipts with customers, haulers, members daily
• Ensure plant managers/staff, suppliers, customers, and haulers have properly documented, reported data in systems
• Review weekly activity/status with management; provide monthly performance estimates when appropriate
• Assist with or perform demand forecasts for peak delivery periods
• May negotiate contract terms and rates with carrier base within internal parameters
• Additional duties as required

Skills

Load planning

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Education

Undergraduate degree in business/logistics/supply chain

2–5 years logistics planning/transportation experience

Certification/license may be required

Job description

Dairy Challenge is seeking a logistics professional to coordinate inbound/outbound operations for a defined region. You will plan loads, schedule activities, and ensure efficient, timely deliveries while maintaining accurate records.

The role emphasizes coordination with haulers, plant personnel, and customers, with a focus on problem solving, data integrity, and process improvements. Strong communication and English proficiency are essential.