Transportation Team Lead—On-Time Delivery & Carrier Negotiator

Customs Goods LLC; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Customs Goods LLC is seeking a Transportation Specialist Lead to guide the transportation team in a fast-paced 3PL setting. You will plan freight movements, mentor staff, and coordinate with carriers and internal teams to ensure on-time pickups and deliveries.

You will escalate shipment issues, optimize routing, and help enforce DOT safety standards while supporting customer requirements and service level agreements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the transportation/dispatch team, distributing workload and serving as the first point of escalation for shipment issues
• Plan, schedule, and oversee daily freight movements across the team to ensure on-time pickup and delivery
• Train, mentor, and support Transportation Specialists and Coordinators on processes, systems, and best practices
• Communicate with carriers, drivers, and internal teams to track shipment status and proactively resolve delays
• Source, negotiate rates, and secure capacity with carriers to meet customer service levels and cost targets
• Monitor load boards, tender freight, and confirm carrier compliance with insurance, authority, and safety requirements
• Review team work for accuracy and ensure records of shipments, rates, and carrier performance are properly maintained within the transportation management system (TMS)
• Ensure team-wide compliance with DOT regulations, hours-of-service rules, and company safety policies
• Troubleshoot service failures, delivery exceptions, and customer complaints, escalating to the Transportation Manager as needed
• Collaborate with warehouse, brokerage, and customer service teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment and on-time delivery
• Track and report on key performance metrics such as on-time delivery, cost per mile, and carrier scorecards, and share results with the team
• Serve as backup for the Transportation Manager and respond to after-hours or urgent transportation issues as needed to maintain uninterrupted service
• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce transportation costs
• Support special projects related to network optimization, mode conversion, or new customer implementations

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Project management

DOT regulations knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field

Tools

Transportation Management System (TMS)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Customs Goods LLC is seeking a Transportation Specialist Lead to guide the transportation team in a fast-paced 3PL setting. You will plan freight movements, mentor staff, and coordinate with carriers and internal teams to ensure on-time pickups and deliveries.

You will escalate shipment issues, optimize routing, and help enforce DOT safety standards while supporting customer requirements and service level agreements.