Load Planner

LOAD PLANNER – OTR / REGIONAL FLATBED RCS Trucking, Inc. Position Summary RCS Trucking is looking for an experienced Load Planner to oversee and optimize freight for our OTR and Regional Flatbed operations. This position is responsible for keeping trucks loaded, maximizing revenue and equipment utilization, minimizing deadhead, and ensuring freight is planned around the needs of our customers and drivers. The ideal candidate understands the transportation business, can make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment, and understands that effective load planning directly impacts company profitability, driver earnings, and customer service. Essential Duties & Responsibilities · Plan and coordinate daily freight for assigned OTR and Regional Flatbed trucks. · Maximize revenue per truck while minimizing deadhead and unnecessary miles. · Review available freight and determine the best load options based on truck location, equipment, driver availability, customer requirements, and profitability. · Coordinate and plan loads to maximize equipment utilization and driver productivity. · Source freight through direct customers, brokers, and load boards when necessary. · Quote and negotiate rates on spot-market freight while maintaining company profitability. · Maintain strong relationships with direct customers, brokers, and drivers. · Communicate customer requirements and load details clearly to drivers and dispatch personnel. · Monitor loads from planning through delivery and address problems quickly as they arise. · Maintain accurate and timely information in the TMS. · Coordinate with dispatch, fleet management, safety, accounting, and other departments to keep operations moving efficiently. · Review load profitability, revenue, mileage, and deadhead to identify opportunities for improvement. · Assist with resolving breakdowns, scheduling issues, service failures, and other operational problems. · Ensure loads are planned in accordance with applicable DOT, FMCSA, and company safety requirements. · Coordinate permits and other requirements when necessary for specialized or oversized freight. · Help maintain high on-time delivery performance while balancing customer, driver, and company needs. · Develop positive working relationships with drivers and help resolve driver concerns related to freight, scheduling, and equipment utilization. · Identify opportunities to improve lanes, customers, equipment utilization, and overall fleet profitability. · Work closely with management to achieve company revenue, profitability, and operational goals. Qualifications & Experience · Previous experience in load planning, dispatch, or transportation operations. · Flatbed, heavy haul, or specialized transportation experience preferred. · Experience managing multiple trucks and prioritizing competing needs. · Strong understanding of freight planning, truck utilization, and mileage management. · Experience with direct customer freight, brokers, and load boards. · Strong rate negotiation and communication skills. · Ability to evaluate freight based on both revenue and profitability, not simply finding the next load. · Strong computer and organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate TMS information. · Working knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, HOS, permitting, and transportation safety requirements. · Ability to work independently and make decisions quickly. · Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. · Ability to communicate effectively with drivers, customers, brokers, and internal departments. Key Performance Expectations · Keep assigned trucks consistently loaded and productive. · Increase revenue per truck. · Reduce deadhead and unnecessary miles. · Improve equipment utilization. &middo…

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