Backhaul Coordinator

Backhaul Transportation Coordinator

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture - Where Innovation Meets Comfort

At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world's largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we're more than a business we're a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.

If you're ready to grow, you've come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.

If you are a current Ashley employee:

Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.

The Backhaul Transportation Coordinator is the linchpin in reducing empty miles and maximizing revenue by optimizing our transportation network and keeping freight moving seamlessly. This role partners with Assistant Fleet Managers to identify available drivers for backhauls, solicits freight from customers and brokers, and uses load boards to find optimal backhaul opportunities. The Backhaul Coordinator ensures system accuracy, negotiates rates, maintains excellent customer service with shippers and brokers, and analyzes lane reports to drive revenue growth. This position is ideal for someone passionate about logistics and transportation who thrives in a fast-paced environment where their efforts directly impact the bottom line.

Responsibilities:

Driver Coordination

• Partner with Assistant Fleet Managers to identify available drivers for backhaul opportunities and optimize driver utilization
• Coordinate driver schedules and availability to maximize backhaul capacity and minimize empty miles
• Communicate effectively with drivers regarding load assignments, pickup times, and delivery requirements
• Monitor driver hours of service (HOS) to ensure compliance with DOT regulations while maximizing backhaul opportunities
• Build strong working relationships with drivers and fleet management teams

Freight Acquisition

• Solicit daily, weekly, and monthly freight from customers, brokers, and shipping partners to secure backhaul loads
• Proactively develop and maintain relationships with customers and freight brokers to create consistent backhaul opportunities
• Use load boards including DAT, Internet Truckstop, and other platforms to find optimal backhaul opportunities that align with driver routes
• Identify and pursue new freight lanes and opportunities to expand backhaul revenue
• Monitor market rates and freight availability to capitalize on profitable opportunities

Load Matching & System Management

• Use load boards and transportation management systems to match available capacity with freight opportunities
• Ensure all load tenders are accurate and properly entered into the system with complete information
• Maintain accurate records of all backhaul loads including pickup/delivery times, rates, and customer information
• Update systems in real-time to reflect load status, changes, and completion
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with documentation requirements

Vendor & Customer Communication

• Confirm order numbers, set appointments, and manage vendor systems to ensure smooth pickup and delivery operations
• Maintain excellent communication with shippers and brokers about load status, pickup times, and delivery updates
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and resolve issues to maintain strong business relationships
• Coordinate with customers and brokers on scheduling, routing, and special requirements
• Provide proactive updates on load status and potential delays

Rate Negotiation

• Negotiate rates with customers and brokers to maximize profitability while remaining competitive
• Ensure negotiated rates are accurately reflected in the system and properly documented
• Analyze market rates and trends to inform negotiation strategies
• Balance revenue goals with relationship management and long-term customer partnerships
• Track rate performance and identify opportunities for rate improvements

Revenue Focus & Analysis

• Analyze lane reports and backhaul opportunities to drive revenue growth and identify profitable freight lanes
• Monitor backhaul performance metrics including revenue per mile, empty mile percentage, and load acceptance rates
• Identify trends and patterns in freight availability and pricing to optimize backhaul strategies
• Generate reports on backhaul performance and present findings to management
• Develop strategies to improve backhaul utilization and revenue contribution
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and work toward continuous improvement goals

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with all DOT regulations, safety requirements, and company policies
• Maintain organized records and documentation for all backhaul transactions
• Collaborate with dispatch, operations, and safety teams to ensure seamless coordination
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance backhaul processes and profitability
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for operational improvements

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Experience in transportation, logistics, freight brokerage, or similar field
• Familiarity with load boards such as DAT, Internet Truckstop, Truckstop.com, or similar platforms
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with ability to build relationships with customers and brokers
• Ability to analyze data and identify opportunities for improvement and revenue growth
• A proactive mindset and knack for problem-solving in fast-paced environments
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Understanding of transportation industry terminology, pricing, and operations
• Customer service orientation with professional phone and email communication skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions quickly

Additional Qualifications, Preferred:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in backhaul coordination, freight brokerage, or transportation logistics
• Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) or freight management software
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, hours of service (HOS), and transportation compliance requirements
• Understanding of trucking operations, routing, and logistics planning
• Experience in the furniture, retail, or distribution industry
• Familiarity with geographic regions, freight lanes, and major shipping markets
• Advanced Excel skills including data analysis and reporting
• Background in rate negotiation and contract management
• Understanding of fuel surcharges, accessorial charges, and freight pricing structures

Work Environment:

This position is located in a climate-controlled office environment with standard lighting and moderate noise levels typical of professional workspace settings. The role primarily involves sitting at a desk for extended periods while working with computers, phones, and other office equipment. The collaborative environment includes interaction with team members and may require attendance at meetings, conference calls, and cross-departmental communications during regular business hours.

Pay:

$21.52+ an hour

Schedule- Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:30pm

Benefits We Offer:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance

Our Core Values:

Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.

Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.

Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives