Transportation Manager - Corporate

National Trench Safety; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

National Trench Safety is seeking a Transportation Manager to lead transportation operations across its branch network in Houston, Texas. This role focuses on optimizing logistics processes while driving reductions in transportation costs through effective fleet management and third-party logistics partnerships.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in transportation management, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role. Knowledge of DOT regulations and proficiency with transportation management systems are essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in transportation or logistics management.
• 3 years in a Director or Manager-level role.
• Deep understanding of DOT regulations and transportation compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize transportation operations across branch network.
• Develop and execute transportation strategy reducing freight spending.
• Oversee management of company-owned truck and trailer fleet.

Skills

Transportation operations

Fleet management

Logistics networks

Freight optimization

Distribution strategies

Financial and analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field

Tools

Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

ERP platforms

Dispatch software

Job description

Job Summary

The Transportation Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing transportation operations across the company's branch network, overseeing a combined fleet model consisting of company-owned trucks and trailer assets and third-party logistics providers to move, deliver and reposition rental assets between branch locations and customer job sites. The role drives measurable reductions in total transportation spend through carrier optimization, route efficiency, load consolidation, and full deployment of a Transportation Management System (TMS). The Manager establishes enterprise-wide transportation standards, manages key logistics partnerships, and collaborates closely with operations, sales, and supply chain leadership to ensure efficient asset flow throughout the network. The role is also responsible for developing long-haul transportation strategies, optimizing internal and external fleet capacity, supporting network expansion initiatives, and driving continuous improvement in transportation performance, safety, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a companywide transportation strategy focused on reducing total freight spending, targeting both owned fleet and third-party logistics costs
• Establish and track KPIs including cost-per-mile, cost-per-load, on-time delivery rate, asset utilization, and third-party logistics spend variance
• Identify and implement load consolidation, backhaul, and zone-skipping opportunities across the branch network
• Lead regular freight spend reviews with operations and finance leadership, providing variance analysis and corrective action plans
• Benchmark carrier rates and service levels against market standards; renegotiate contracts as needed
• Own the operational deployment, user adoption, and performance optimization of the enterprise TMS platform. Define standard operating procedures for TMS usage across dispatch, carrier management, load tendering, and freight audit functions
• Lead the integration and optimization of the ERP-based dispatch solution to maximize utilization of internal fleet capacity before routing loads to third-party logistics carriers
• Work with IT to configure system functionality, synchronize data across platforms, and automate reporting and freight audit workflows
• Drive continuous improvement of TMS and ERP capabilities to support advanced load planning, carrier scorecarding, and predictive analytics
• Maintain oversight for all company owned rolling stock assets (trucks and trailers), ensuring condition standards, availability, and asset lifecycle management.
• Oversee management of company-owned truck and trailer fleet, including utilization, capacity, preventive maintenance programs, regulatory compliance, and utilization tracking
• Partner with fleet management, sourcing and 3 rd party management companies (ie Samsara and Holman) to manage lifecycle replacement planning, asset uptime, and fleet right-sizing across the branch network
• Analyze driver workforce planning to align staffing with market demand in partnership with HR and field operations
• Source, evaluate, and manage a portfolio of third-party logistics carriers, freight brokers, and specialized transport providers aligned with equipment rental requirements
• Establish carrier qualification and performance standards process and programs, including score carding, capacity planning and cost mitigation.
• Negotiate master transportation agreements, accessorial schedules, and spot market protocols to ensure competitive and consistent pricing
• Develop and maintain a negotiated long-haul carrier program with committed lane pricing and capacity guarantees, leveraging high volume throughways to optimize total capacity (internal and external).
• Use branch network and historical transportation trends to enable volume commitments that support more favorable third-party logistics contract terms
• Serve as the SME for transportation across all domestic branches, providing guidance on freight decisions, carrier selection, and load planning
• Collaborate with branch managers and fleet directors to understand equipment movement demand, seasonal patterns, and help minimize inter-branch transfer needs
• Support new branch openings, relocations, and acquisitions with transportation planning and carrier onboarding
• Partner with Operations, Sales, Finance, and Procurement to align transportation capabilities with business growth objectives
• Support the sales team with transportation cost modeling for large project quotes and long-term customer contracts
• Participate in S&OP processes to align fleet capacity and third-party logistics commitments with equipment deployment forecasts
• Other responsibilities

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep understanding of transportation operations, fleet management, logistics networks, freight optimization, and distribution strategies.
• Strong understanding of third-party logistics management, carrier procurement, contract negotiation, freight pricing structures, and transportation market dynamics.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, FMCSA requirements, hours-of-service regulations, fleet safety programs, and transportation compliance requirements.
• Experience managing company-owned truck and trailer fleets, including utilization planning, preventive maintenance programs, asset lifecycle management, and fleet replacement strategies.
• Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), ERP platforms, dispatch software, telematics systems, and transportation analytics tools.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, cost management, freight audit review, ROI analysis, and transportation cost modeling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive transportation or logistics management experience, with at least 3 years in a Director/Manager-level or senior leadership role
• 3+ years leading complex sourcing initiatives, enterprise negotiations, and supplier management programs.