Manager of Outbound Freight

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New Brighton, MN, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

As the Manager of Outbound Freight, you will:

• Oversee daily dispatch operations for truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, ensuring efficient routing, load consolidation, and equipment availability.
• Direct outbound rail shipping strategies, fleet/car management, rail spot placement, and transload facility operations to streamline wood and steel pole freight movement.
• Oversee cross-border and international shipments (ocean, air, and international rail/trucking), ensuring compliance with customs regulations, export documentation (Incoterms, Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices), and port/terminal workflows.
• Manage carrier negotiations, spot market bidding, and contracted rate structures to maintain and grow positive freight margins.
• Analyze freight costs, accessorial fees, detention/demurrage charges, and fuel surcharges to identify cost-saving initiatives and protect overall profitability.
• Work with finance to review and approve freight invoices, ensuring strict adherence to contracted rates and prompt dispute resolution.
• Serve as the primary logistics point of contact for key client accounts, conducting regular reviews and aligning freight strategies with client service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Customer Service teams to provide clear shipping visibility, proactive updates, and swift problem resolution.
• Act as an escalation point for delivery delays, freight damage claims, rerouting requests, or customs holds.
• Monitor, track, and drive improvement in OTD scores across all transport modes through root-cause analysis of delays and carrier score carding.
• Establish, track, and report on key operational metrics, including carrier acceptance rates, transit times, freight cost per unit/ton, and customer satisfaction scores.
• Identify bottlenecks in dispatch, transloading, or documentation processes and implement lean standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain target gross freight margins and achieve cost reduction targets annually.
• Maintain secondary/primary carrier tender acceptance rates and minimize spot market reliance.
• Meet or exceed key customer shipping and communication SLAs.
• Minimize non-standard logistics charges across rail, ocean, and motor carriers.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee may be required to perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as needed or requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant operational experience.

Experience:

5+ years of progressive experience in freight management, dispatch, or outbound logistics.

Other Requirements:

• Proficiency in Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and routing/dispatch tools.
• Solid understanding of international shipping regulations, Incoterms 2020, customs compliance, and export procedures.
• Advanced Excel / analytical skills for data modeling, carrier score carding, and cost reporting.
• Preferred Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD), or Customs Specialist certification.
• Direct experience in bulk/industrial commodities or multi-modal timber/wood/heavy freight handling.
• Strong negotiation and carrier management capabilities.
• Outstanding communication and key account management skills.
• High crisis-management capabilities and agility in fast-paced operational environments.
• In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (with HRA and FSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off
• Employee assistance and employee/community hardship programs

Bell Lumber & Pole is an equal opportunity employer.

Bell Lumber & Pole is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status,…