Operations Specialist

At Rands Trucking, you're not just a number - you're part of the family! Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year We are looking for a dependable, driven, and organized Operations Specialist who takes pride in relationships, accountability, communication, and doing things the right way. This position plays an important role in the day-to-day operation of Rands Trucking by coordinating drivers, freight, customers, brokers, equipment, and internal teams. The Operations Specialist helps keep our operation moving safely and efficiently from pickup through delivery. This role requires strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions in a fast-paced transportation environment. In our family-owned operation, this position is about more than moving freight - it's about supporting our drivers, taking care of our customers, solving problems, and working together as a team. Because Rands Trucking operates across multiple locations, this position may be expected to travel between our Ladysmith, Chippewa Falls, and Medford terminals as business needs require. Travel between terminals will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy. Responsibilities Dispatch Operations Manage daily dispatch operations for assigned drivers, lanes, and customers. Communicate with drivers, coworkers, customers, brokers, and internal teams to coordinate trips. Build strong working relationships with drivers and support them throughout the day. Schedule and coordinate loads to ensure safe, on-time pickup and delivery. Assign loads to drivers based on availability, hours, preferences, capabilities, and operational needs. Utilize drivers effectively while considering requested time off, assigned schedules, and individual driver capabilities. Monitor trips from pickup through final delivery. Keep drivers informed of load details, changes, directions, appointments, and other important information. Serve as the primary point of contact between drivers and customers/brokers. Respond promptly to drivers, coworkers, customers, brokers, and potential customers. Respond to imperative emails within four business hours or within 24 hours if received outside of business hours. Maintain availability for driver emergencies and after-hours operational needs as required. Accurately and clearly communicate detailed information to all parties. Load Planning & Freight Coordination Accurately enter and maintain load information. Understand and approve load details. Book backhauls and additional freight for drivers. Communicate with brokers regarding rates, appointments, load details, and other requirements. Negotiate rates, appointments, and other load-related matters when appropriate. Inform drivers of load requirements and expectations. Coordinate freight from pickup through final delivery. Monitor freight movement and proactively address delays or issues. Ensure transportation regulations and company standards are followed. Route & Trip Management Collect and utilize operational information to make informed dispatch decisions, including: Out-of-route miles Deadhead percentage Cents per mile Driver hours Fuel/resource allocation Potential risks Identify and resolve routing issues, including: Truck routes Low bridges Elevation concerns Road and traffic conditions Customer-specific directions Provide drivers with accurate directions and information needed to safely reach customers. Make thoughtful, timely decisions when operational challenges arise. Monitor trip progress and proactively resolve issues with professionalism and sound judgment. Customer, Broker & Driver Relations Maintain professional and respectful communication with drivers, customers, brokers, and coworkers. Act as the communication link between drivers and shippers/receivers. Hear and address issues reported by drivers. Forward appropriate concerns to the shipper, broker, customer, or internal leadership. Communicate fees, deductions, accessorial charges, or other changes affecting a load. Maintain strong customer service standards. Help resolve customer and driver concerns promptly and professionally. Discipline or address driver performance concerns when necessary and within company procedures. Billing & Documentation Follow through on billing requirements. Inform brokers/shippers when unloading or other accessorial charges apply. Obtain reimbursement or documentation through Comcheck or other applicable processes. Enter data for proper accessorial charges. Inform drivers of required paperwork that must be signed and returned. Communicate with brokers/shippers regarding fees or deductions affecting the rate of a load. Complete required trip paperwork. Assist with Canadian paperwork when necessary. Sort and submit driver paperwork to the Ladysmith terminal for billing and payroll processing. Equipment & Maintenance Coordination Organize tractor and trailer maintenance as needed. Communicate with the Medford Terminal Manager regarding tractors and trailers requiring service or repair. Coordinate with off-site mechanics when necessary. Ensure trailers and equipment are properly serviced and prepared for their next load. Monitor equipment needs that could impact dispatch operations. Communicate with drivers, coworkers, customers, brokers, and internal teams to coordinate trips. Build strong working relationships with drivers and support them throughout the day. Schedule and coordinate loads to ensure safe, on-time pickup and delivery. Assign loads to drivers based on availability, hours, preferences, capabilities, and operational needs. Utilize drivers effectively while considering requested time off, assigned schedules, and individual driver capabilities. Monitor trips from pickup through final delivery. Keep drivers informed of load details, changes, directions, appointments, and other important information. Serve as the primary point of contact between drivers and customers/brokers. Respond promptly to drivers, coworkers, customers, brokers, and potential customers. Respond to imperative emails within four business hours or within 24 hours if received outside of business hours. Maintain availability for driver emergencies and after-hours operational needs as required. Accurately and clearly communicate detailed information to all parties. Knowledge & Qualifications Required High school diploma or equivalent. Strong communication and professional phone etiquette. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced transportation environment. Ability to communicate clearly with drivers, customers, coworkers, and business partners. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and make timely decisions. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Dependability, accountability, and professionalism. Preferred Experience in dispatching, scheduling, transportation planning, freight, or logistics. Understanding of freight and logistics operations. Experience with transportation management systems (TMS). Familiarity with TMW, PeopleNet , or other transportation software. Familiarity with shipping and receiving processes. Experience working directly with drivers, customers, brokers, or carriers. Travel Requirements Because Rands Trucking operates across multiple terminals, the Operations Specialist may be required to travel between: Ladysmith Terminal Chippewa Falls Terminal Medford Terminal Travel will be based on operational needs and may include meetings, training, supporting terminal operations, assisting with staffing or workflow needs, and other business-related activities. Mileage and/or other eligible travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Rands Trucking's travel reimbursement policy. We believe our people are what keep us moving. Family-owned culture where relationships come first Leadership that is accessible, supportive, and invested in your success A team that works hard, respects one another, and celebrates wins together A stable, growing company built on integrity and long-term partnerships An environment where accountability, communication, and doing the right thing matter Opportunities to learn and grow within the company Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance On-the-job training Paid parental leave Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance Work Location: In person About Rands Trucking Rands Trucking, Inc. is a logistics and transportation company handling inbound and outbound freight deliveries with one stop or multiple stops per route. Our experienced, dedicated drivers and logistics specialists will help you get your goods where they need to be – safely and on time, every time. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rands Trucking, Inc.