Planning Manager II

CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc; Fort Wayne, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc. is seeking an Operations Planner to oversee the strategic planning and coordination of transportation activities at our Fort Wayne site.

This role focuses on load planning, route optimization, and capacity management to improve efficiency across the supply chain. The candidate will coordinate with dispatchers, carriers, and customers to ensure timely deliveries, accurate documentation, and compliant operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in OTR trucking operations.
• Ability to manage high-value freight and secure handling.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Load Coordination: Plan and coordinate the movement of shipments to maximize truck utilization and minimize transportation costs.
• Route Optimization: Develop efficient and cost-effective load plans to ensure timely and safe delivery.
• Capacity Management: Monitor and manage available truck capacity to accommodate incoming orders and ensure optimal use of available resources.
• Communication: Liaise with dispatchers and customers to provide timely updates on shipment statuses, delivery schedules, and any potential delays or issues.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain accurate records of shipments, including load information, delivery schedules, and relevant documentation for regulatory and internal compliance.
• Problem Solving: Identify potential transportation issues and proactively develop solutions to ensure timely and efficient delivery while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies throughout the transportation process.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the agents, logistics center, and other relevant departments to streamline capacity and improve overall supply chain operations.
• Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service by addressing inquiries, concerns, and requests in a timely and professional manner.

Skills

OTR trucking experience

High-value freight handling

Customer service

Job description

CRST’s Specialized Solutions division is the carrier of choice for customers requiring on-site, high-touch, and specialized handling. We manage deliveries for a wide range of products for the tech, communications, electronics, and healthcare industries (and many more). Our experienced drivers safely load, unload, and set up products for consumers and companies.

How You’ll Work:

• Job Location: On-site Fort Wayne, IN
• Job Schedule:Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Compensation: Competitive compensation package. Additional details will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; paid time off; life and disability insurance; employee assistance program; professional development opportunities; and additional benefits that support your overall wellbeing

Job Summary

The strategic planning, coordination, and management of operational activities within an organization. Operations planning professionals play a crucial role in optimizing resources and ensuring efficient and effective operations. coordinating the movement of goods and materials throughout the supply chain, they plan and schedule transportation, coordinate with carriers and freight forwarders, and ensure timely delivery. They may also manage inventory levels, track shipments, and resolve any logistics-related issues or delays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Load Coordination: Plan and coordinate the movement of shipments to maximize truck utilization and minimize transportation costs.
• Route Optimization: Develop efficient and cost-effective load plans to ensure timely and safe delivery.
• Capacity Management: Monitor and manage available truck capacity to accommodate incoming orders and ensure optimal use of available resources.
• Communication: Liaise with dispatchers and customers to provide timely updates on shipment statuses, delivery schedules, and any potential delays or issues.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain accurate records of shipments, including load information, delivery schedules, and relevant documentation for regulatory and internal compliance.
• Problem Solving: Identify potential transportation issues and proactively develop solutions to ensure timely and efficient delivery while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies throughout the transportation process.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the agents, logistics center, and other relevant departments to streamline capacity and improve overall supply chain operations.
• Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service by addressing inquiries, concerns, and requests in a timely and professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in OTR trucking, preferably working with high-value freight and owner-operators.
• Ability to manage hundreds of emails daily in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Adaptable and able to respond quickly to changing priorities, challenges, and customer needs.
• Resilient professional who thrives in a results-driven environment with direct feedback and clear expectations.
• Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with Sales teams and customers to coordinate and book freight for owner-operators.
• Work directly with owner-operator dispatchers to plan and execute load movements efficiently.
• Manage primarily truckload shipments of high-value products, including dock-to-dock and liftgate-to-ground services.
• Oversee company trailer utilization, ensuring equipment is properly assigned, maintained, and serviced as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, owner-operators, dispatchers, and internal teams to ensure exceptional service and operational success.

Why CRST?

CRST is celebrating 70 years of grit, growth, and forward momentum — a legacy built on safety, integrity, and delivering on our commitments. Our Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring our operations stay strong, compliant, and ready to serve customers nationwide.

At CRST, you’ll make a direct impact on fleet performance and business results while working alongside leaders who value accountability and execution.

Core Values

• Safety at the Core of All We Do
• Integrity in Every Decision and Action
• Commitment to the Success of Employees, Customers, Agents, Contractors, and Communities

Equal Opportunity Employer

CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The Company prohibits unlawful discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, religious practices, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, reproductive health decision‑making, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and related conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.