Strategic Capacity Broker for High-Value Freight

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

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation is seeking a Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist to build and manage a network of qualified carriers for flatbed and high-value freight. The role focuses on sourcing specialized capacity, negotiating rates, and coordinating end-to-end execution for demanding shipments.

The candidate will own carrier relationships, evaluate market conditions, and drive capacity strategies across lanes while ensuring service expectations and margins are maintained.

Qualifications

• Five (5)+ years of direct experience in freight brokerage and truckload transportation.
• Direct experience with high-value, specialized, or operationally complex freight preferred.
• Strong negotiation and sales ability to secure capacity in competitive markets.
• Persuasive communication and relationship-building skills to prospect new carriers and strengthen partnerships.
• Market awareness and ability to adapt to capacity, rate changes, and equipment availability.

Responsibilities

• Build strategic carrier networks with flatbed, specialized/open-deck and high-value transportation expertise.
• Source specialized capacity using internal tools, industry data, and direct carrier outreach.
• Negotiate competitive spot and contractual rates balancing service, carrier quality, customer requirements, and margins.
• Coordinate capacity for high-value shipments with carrier qualification and secure execution.
• Match freight with appropriate equipment considering dimensions, securement, permits, and special requirements.
• Coordinate carrier booking, dispatch, pickup, transit, and delivery with tracking/ops teams.
• Address capacity disruptions and last-minute shipment needs with practical transportation solutions.
• Develop long-term carrier partnerships and maintain clear communication and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Customer Account Managers, Carrier Sales, and leadership to align capacity strategies with customer growth.

Skills

Negotiation

Sales experience

Carrier sales

Risk management

Analytical thinking

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Undergraduate degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

TMS McLeod

AS400

World-trak

SMC3

Job description

Forward Air Corporation is seeking a Strategic Capacity Brokerage Specialist to build and manage a network of qualified carriers for flatbed and high-value freight. The role focuses on sourcing specialized capacity, negotiating rates, and coordinating end-to-end execution for demanding shipments.

The candidate will own carrier relationships, evaluate market conditions, and drive capacity strategies across lanes while ensuring service expectations and margins are maintained.