Strategic Capacity Architect - Flatbed & High‑Value Freight

Forward Air Corp.; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Paid time off

Job summary

Forward Air Corp. seeks a Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist (Flatbed) in Des Plaines, IL. You will build and manage a strategic network of flatbed and high-value carriers, source specialized capacity, and negotiate rates to support our specialized freight growth.

You will own carrier relationships, ensure secure execution, and collaborate across Brokerage to deliver reliable, complex transportation solutions. This is an on-site, full-time role with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Undergraduate degree preferred.
• 5+ years of direct freight brokerage and truckload experience required.
• Specialized freight experience with flatbed/open-deck or high-value shipments preferred.
• Strong negotiation, pricing, and carrier relationship-building skills.
• Rigorous risk awareness and ability to address complex capacity challenges.

Responsibilities

• Build Strategic Carrier Networks with flatbed, step deck, and high-value transportation carriers.
• Source specialized capacity using internal tools, market data, and direct outreach.
• Negotiate spot and contractual rates while balancing service and margins.
• Coordinate capacity for high-value shipments with qualification and secure execution.
• Match freight with equipment, considering dimensions, weight, and security requirements.
• Oversee the load lifecycle from booking to delivery and address service exceptions.
• Develop long-term carrier partnerships and repeatable capacity for key customers.
• Collaborate with Customer Account Managers, Tracking, and leadership on capacity strategies.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Carrier sales

Specialized freight

Negotiation

Risk awareness

Market agility

Ownership & accountability

Team mentality

Strategic thinking

Persuasive communication

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Undergraduate degree preferred

Tools

Transportation Management Systems

McLeod

AS400

World-trak

SMC3

MS Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Forward Air Corp. seeks a Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist (Flatbed) in Des Plaines, IL. You will build and manage a strategic network of flatbed and high-value carriers, source specialized capacity, and negotiate rates to support our specialized freight growth.

You will own carrier relationships, ensure secure execution, and collaborate across Brokerage to deliver reliable, complex transportation solutions. This is an on-site, full-time role with growth opportunities.