Proficient Auto Logistics (PAL) is a leading specialized freight company focused on providing auto transportation and logistics services. Formed via IPO in May 2024, PAL combined five industry-leading operating companies and has since acquired a sixth. As a combined entity, we operate one of the largest auto transportation fleets in North America with over 1200 trucks, 50 terminal locations and 700 employees, a majority of whom are drivers.
We offer a broad range of auto transportation and logistics services, primarily focused on transporting finished vehicles from automotive production facilities, marine ports of entry, or regional rail yards to auto dealerships around the country. We have developed a differentiated business model due to our scale, breadth of geographic coverage, and embedded customer relationships with leading auto original equipment manufacturing companies (OEMs).
About the Role
Reporting to the President and Chief Operating Officer, this position is responsible for leading one of the Company's three operating regions, comprised of terminals that span multiple operating companies across several states. With a focus on safety culture and service performance, this role oversees all aspects of auto haul transportation operations, including fleet management, dispatching, routing and delivery. As the Company grows (both organically and through acquisition), the individual will steer integration and change management in the areas of related systems, processes, and operating practices to optimize freight flows, drive efficiencies, extend best practices across the team, and develop talent.
In partnership with the other regions' Vice Presidents, these roles help to grow Proficient Auto Logistics' market share and deliver our value proposition to customers with consistent, reliable, high-quality operations execution.
Responsibilities
Planning:
Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives, including, for example, reduction of empty miles (i.e., developing backhaul freight flows).
Forecast equipment and driver capacity needs and secure transportation capacity in advance of / in alignment with growth.
Develop and maintain flex capacity to accommodate market shifts and short-term spikes.
Support budgeting and forecasting for business plan as needed.
Establish processes and procedures for business continuity, specifically around weather, labor, or other disruptions.
Play an integral role in the growth and development of the team, key talent within the group, and succession plans for key roles.
Operational Management:
Oversee vehicle logistics from port, Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs), and rail heads and manage vehicle transport to ensure contract compliance with customers.
Oversee all aspects of transportation operations, including dispatching, routing and delivery.
Collaborate with sales and brokerage teams to ensure available and forthcoming freight have capacity coverage.
Implement best practices and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency, service and productivity.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators to ensure operational targets are met or exceeded.
Team Leadership:
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team across multiple locations.
Establish performance metrics and conduct regular evaluations to promote accountability and growth.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and development, and maintain strong relationships/engagement with the driver community.
Collaborate with peers and executive team to drive consistency and best-in-class performance across the network and company.
Compliance and Safety:
Ensure all operations comply with DOT and industry regulations, safety standards and company policies.
Collaborate closely with Safety, Training, and Claims departments to champion health and safety of the workforce and risk mitigation.
Customer Relations:
Lead process to solicit and grow business in the region through bid responses and proactive customer pursuit; negotiate rates with new and current customers to secure advantageous terms.
Proactive customer relationship management to earn new business opportunities and get ahead of potential operational challenges that may impact customers.
Enforce service level agreements to ensure high-quality delivery service.
Address customer feedback proactively to improve satisfaction and retention.
Technology integration:
Leverage technology solutions, particularly TMS and E-log tools, to standardize and improve operational processes and data analytics.
Reporting:
Provide regular updates to the executive team on operational performance, challenges and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree, preferably in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Logistics or related field; equivalent work experience is acceptable; advanced degree a plus
Required Skills
Minimum of 5 years in automobile logistics operations preferred, though equivalent, hands-on transportation operations experience in another mode acceptable; minimum of 7 years people management
Experience with transportation management systems (preferably Magnus) and Elog systems (preferably Motive); sound MS Office skills; a systems-centric leader required
In-depth knowledge of transportation contracts, broad understanding of transportation law and carrier operations
Experience managing geographically disperse staff
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Financial acumen that underscores portfolio analysis and pricing efforts, paired with cost control skills, to drive P&L and optimize network profitability
Broad range of written and verbal communication skills, from executive level presentations to driver interactions
Strong negotiation skills, including successful negotiated outcomes working through large procurement organizations
M&A integration experience
High performance orientation with developed customer relationship skills and a desire to grow business
Agile and proactive, with the ability to execute projects effectively
Demonstrated success in leading teams to meet financial, service and developmental goals
Ability to analyze data from multiple sources and translate insights into actionable improvement strategies
High level of organizational skills
Ability to multi-task and remain calm in high stress/high volume environment
Must be willing to travel up to 50% and comfortable communicating outside of standard business hours, as required
Preferred Skills
Trucking and port experience in the Northeastern United States, particularly Tri-state area
Bi-lingual English/Spanish
Equal Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.