Carrier Sales Assistant Job Chicago area,Illinois USA,Transportation

OTR Transportation sets itself apart as more than just a logistics company; we're a dedicated team committed to providing customized over-the-road shipping solutions, with a special focus on temperature-controlled and time sensitive freight. Our expertise allows clients to concentrate on their core business, while we ensure their shipping needs are met with precision

.Our strength lies in our skilled professionals, who bring innovation and excellence to every aspect of our services. This dedication makes us a trusted partner in the logistics industry, adept at meeting the unique challenges of temperature-controlled transportation. We help our clients achieve their objectives by delivering flexible, reliable, and specialized shipping solutions.

The Role:

In this role, you'll support OTR's weekend operations team by monitoring shipments, communicating with customers and carriers, assisting with issue resolution, and helping maintain service levels across OTR's transportation network. You'll gain exposure to all aspects of freight brokerage operations while developing the skills necessary for long-term growth within the organization.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is organized, coachable, and eager to build a career in transportation and logistics.

What You’ll Do:

Maintain ongoing communication with assigned carriers, reps, dispatchers, and drivers to support load coverage and build long-term loyalty.
Track carrier utilization and performance, flagging trends to the carrier sales rep.
Assist in prospecting and onboarding new carriers, including verifying insurance, authority, and safety ratings.
Monitor active shipments from inception to delivery, proactively communicating status updates to the carrier sales rep.
Identify and resolve shipment issues with urgency and professionalism, escalating to the Carrier Sales Rep or operations leadership as needed.
Coordinate pickup and delivery details with drivers and dispatchers to ensure on-time, temperature-compliant execution.
Ensure accurate and timely data entry into the TMS, including load details, rate confirmations, and tracking updates.
Prepare loads for accounting and flag any billing or follow-up issues.
Maintain carrier profiles, report cards, and performance documentation.
Develop working knowledge of the reefer capacity market to support rate discussions and carrier negotiations.
Prioritize daily workload in alignment with the carrier sales rep's active freight and coverage needs.

Experience/

Qualifications:

0–2 years of experience in logistics, transportation, customer service, or a related field.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Self-motivated and able to manage competing priorities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Preferred:

Experience in freight brokerage or transportation.
Familiarity with TMS platforms.
Understanding of truckload transportation operationsa plus.

Benefits at OTR:

Full benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision
PTO
401(k) with company match
On-site parking
Office happy hours and Friday lunches
A growing team where strong performers move up

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