Operations Manager
South Bay DrayageAbout South Bay Drayage South Bay Drayage is a family-run transportation company headquartered in Los Angeles, with operations in Houston and Manzanillo, Mexico. We provide port and rail drayage, transloading, warehousing, container storage, and air freight transportation. We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Terminal / Operations Manager to lead our Los Angeles operation. This position requires someone who can manage people, solve operational problems, maintain customer service standards, and improve profitability in a fast-paced trucking environment. Position Overview The Terminal / Operations Manager will oversee daily dispatch, driver performance, yard activity, equipment utilization, and coordination between operations and customer service. This leader will establish clear expectations, hold employees accountable, and ensure freight moves safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Key Responsibilities Daily Operations Lead dispatchers, customer service staff, drivers, and yard personnel to ensure daily pickup and delivery commitments are met. Plan staffing, driver assignments, and equipment capacity based on workload and customer requirements. Oversee container moves from pickup through empty return, including appointments, pre-pulls, last free days, and return deadlines. Minimize preventable demurrage, detention, chassis charges, empty miles, and driver downtime. Coordinate drayage, transloading, container storage, and air freight activities with the appropriate teams. Establish and enforce standard operating procedures, clear shift handoffs, and timely escalation of service issues. Team Leadership Set measurable expectations for productivity, communication, attendance, and service. Coach and develop employees, address performance issues promptly, and build accountability across the operation. Support hiring, onboarding, training, and staffing coverage. Maintain professional, respectful communication with drivers and office personnel. Financial Performance Take ownership of terminal operating performance, cost control, and profitability. Monitor revenue, labor costs, driver productivity, equipment utilization, and operating expenses. Identify unprofitable activity and implement corrective actions. Ensure completed loads, supporting documents, and accessorial charges are submitted accurately and promptly for billing. Report operational results, challenges, and improvement plans to company leadership. Customer Service Work closely with customer service and sales to maintain reliable service and support new business. Resolve operational issues quickly and communicate accurate updates. Investigate recurring service failures and implement lasting improvements. Safety, Equipment & Yard Management Partner with safety and maintenance personnel to address compliance concerns, equipment defects, and repairs. Reinforce safe driving, freight handling, and yard procedures. Maintain accurate visibility of trucks, chassis, trailers, and containers. Ensure an organized yard, effective gate procedures, and equipment readiness. Qualifications At least 5 years of trucking or transportation operations experience , including 3 years in a leadership role . Direct experience managing port drayage operations , preferably serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Strong understanding of terminal appointments, container availability, chassis management, empty returns, and port-related charges. Proven ability to lead dispatchers, drivers, and support staff. Experience managing operating costs, productivity metrics, and terminal financial performance. Working knowledge of DOT requirements, hours of service, and transportation safety practices. Proficiency with transportation management systems, Excel, and operational reporting. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Availability to address urgent operational issues outside regular business hours when necessary. Preferred: Experience with transloading, warehousing, , …