Transportation Coordinator

The Custom Companies, Inc.; Northlake (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Generous time off

Career growth opportunities

Mentorship

Job summary

The Custom Companies, Inc. is seeking a Transportation Coordinator to monitor shipments from pickup to delivery, ensuring on-time performance and proactive issue resolution. You will communicate with drivers, carriers, customers, and internal teams to keep everyone informed throughout the process.

This role requires strong organization, multitasking, and excellent communication skills. A high school diploma is required, with logistics education or experience considered a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, or a related field is a plus).
• Prior experience in shipment tracking, logistics coordination, dispatch, or customer service — transportation/freight industry experience preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and manage customer expectations in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including professional phone and email etiquette.
• Comfortable handling high call volume and working across multiple computer systems/tracking platforms at once.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word); TMS experience a plus.
• Customer-service mindset with strong problem-solving instincts and the composure to handle issues under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and track shipments from pickup through delivery using tracking systems and the transportation management system (TMS).
• Make proactive check calls to drivers and carriers; input updates into the dispatch/TMS system.
• Notify customers and internal teams of deviations from the run schedule.
• Handle high-volume calls and emails; resolve needs quickly and professionally.
• Identify and resolve shipment exceptions by coordinating corrective action.
• Communicate updates, delays, and exceptions to customers, drivers, carriers, and internal teams.
• Coordinate with Sales, Dispatch, and Operations to resolve issues and hand over shipment details.
• Maintain accurate records of shipment details and tracking activity.

Skills

Shipment tracking

Customer service

Dispatch coordination

Communication

Multitasking

TMS experience

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in logistics (plus)

Tools

TMS

MS Office

Job description

For nearly 40 years, The Custom Companies, Inc. has set the standard in full-service logistics, providing tailored solutions including Less Than Truckload (LTL), Ground & Air Expedited Services, Full/Partial Truckload, Specialized Services, and Warehousing. Backed by decades of experience and direct access to transportation assets, we deliver smarter, faster, and more reliable solutions, earning the trust of clients nationwide.

Shift: 9 am–7 pm or 10 am–8 pm

Job Overview

The Transportation Coordinator is a crucial role within Custom Companies, serving as the eyes and ears of every shipment. This position is responsible for monitoring and tracking freight from pickup through delivery to ensure timely, accurate service — proactively identifying delays or issues, keeping drivers on schedule, and keeping customers and internal teams informed every step of the way. Success in this role is measured by on-time performance, minimized delivery exceptions, and customer satisfaction, achieved through close collaboration with carriers, drivers, and internal stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and track shipments from pickup through delivery using tracking systems and the transportation management system (TMS), ensuring real-time visibility into shipment status.
• Make proactive check calls to drivers and carriers throughout the day; input accurate, timely updates into the dispatch/TMS system.
• Notify customers and internal teams of any deviation from the run schedule before it becomes a problem.
• Answer incoming driver and customer calls and emails, resolving needs quickly and professionally in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Identify and resolve shipment exceptions — missed pickups, delays, damaged goods — by coordinating appropriate corrective action.
• Communicate shipment updates, delays, and exceptions clearly to customers, drivers, carriers, and internal teams via phone, email, and messaging systems.
• Coordinate with Sales, Dispatch, and Operations to resolve issues quickly and ensure a seamless handover of shipment details.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of shipment details, tracking activity, and resolution steps.
• Set up and maintain new receivers, vendors, and customer/supplier locations within the TMS as needed.
• Correspond with customers and carriers on detention and other accessorial matters; assist in resolving billing or claims discrepancies.
• Monitor and analyze KPIs such as on-time performance and delivery exceptions, and take corrective action when targets are at risk.
• Continuously look for ways to improve tracking processes and tools for greater speed and accuracy.
• Stay current on transportation industry regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices related to tracking and delivery.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, or a related field is a plus).
• Prior experience in shipment tracking, logistics coordination, dispatch, or customer service — transportation/freight industry experience preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and manage customer expectations in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including professional phone and email etiquette.
• Comfortable handling high call volume and working across multiple computer systems/tracking platforms at once.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word); TMS experience a plus.
• Customer-service mindset with strong problem-solving instincts and the composure to handle issues under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

What We Offer

• Investment in Your Growth, Success & Career Advancement
• Industry-Leading Training & Direct Mentorship from Leadership
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: including health, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) & Company Match
• Generous Time Off: enjoy PTO, holidays, and an extra day off for your birthday — because your special day matters
• Proven Reputation & Legacy: join a trusted brand with 40 years of excellence, a leader in the logistics industry known for delivering quality and results
• Community Involvement: participate in charitable initiatives and give back to the communities we serve

Diversity & Inclusion

At The Custom Companies, Inc., diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. As a 100% Veteran-owned and Equal Opportunity Employer, we are proud to foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We believe that diverse backgrounds and perspectives drive innovation and excellence, and we welcome talented individuals from all walks of life to join our team.