Careers w/ Stukel Mountain

Client Acquisition & Retention Executive

At Stukel Mountain, we are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Client Acquisition & Retention Executive to join our team. In this key role, you will be responsible for identifying and securing new shipping customers while ensuring that our existing clients continue to receive exceptional service and support.

Key Responsibilities:

Key Qualifications:

Why Join Us:

If you’re a proactive, results-driven professional with a passion for client relationships and business growth, we invite you to apply and help us continue to deliver exceptional shipping services to our valued customers.

 

The scope of work for a freight broker is extensive and involves multiple responsibilities to ensure the smooth transportation of goods from one point to another. A freight broker acts as an intermediary between shippers (companies or individuals needing to transport goods) and carriers (transportation providers).

Here’s an overview of their key responsibilities:

1. Identifying and Connecting Shippers with Carriers

• Shipper Acquisition: Freight brokers identify businesses that require freight services and build relationships with them to secure transportation contracts.
• Carrier Network Management: They establish and maintain a network of reliable and qualified carriers (trucking companies, freight companies, etc.) capable of transporting various types of goods.
• Matching Loads with Carriers: Brokers match the needs of the shipper (cargo type, size, and delivery timeline) with available carriers that can fulfill those needs.

2. Negotiating Rates and Terms

• Rate Negotiation: Freight brokers negotiate pricing with both shippers and carriers to ensure competitive, profitable, and fair rates.
• Service Level Agreement (SLA) Creation: They help define the terms of service, including timelines, service quality, and payment terms.

3. Coordinating Shipments

• Shipment Planning: Freight brokers plan the logistics of shipments, including routes, schedules, and transport modes (truck, rail, air, or sea).
• Load Booking: Once rates are agreed upon, the broker books the shipment with the appropriate carrier, ensuring all necessary documentation is in place.
• Tracking and Monitoring: Brokers track shipments in real-time, providing status updates to shippers and resolving issues if there are delays or problems during transit.

4. Managing Documentation and Compliance

• Paperwork and Documentation: Freight brokers handle all necessary shipping documentation, including bills of lading, invoices, and customs paperwork (for international shipments).
• Compliance and Regulations: They ensure that all shipments comply with industry regulations, including safety standards, environmental laws, and transportation regulations. They may also ensure the carrier has the appropriate licenses and insurance.

5. Problem-Solving and Issue Resolution

• Troubleshooting: In case of shipping disruptions (delays, damage, or missing goods), freight brokers are responsible for troubleshooting, working with the carrier and shipper to resolve the issues, and minimizing the impact.
• Claims Management: They assist in filing and managing insurance claims when goods are damaged or lost in transit.

6. Building and Maintaining Relationships

• Client Relationship Management: Freight brokers must maintain strong relationships with both shippers and carriers. This helps ensure repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is crucial to the success of a freight broker’s business, whether it's addressing customer inquiries, providing shipment updates, or resolving concerns.

7. Market Research and Continuous Improvement

• Market Analysis: Freight brokers stay informed about market trends, freight pricing, and changes in regulations. This helps them offer the most competitive rates and find innovative solutions for clients.
• Improvement of Processes: Brokers are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction by optimizing routes, transportation modes, and carrier options.

8. Invoicing and Payment

• Billing: Freight brokers manage the invoicing process, ensuring that shippers are billed accurately for services rendered and that carriers are paid promptly.
• Payment Management: They may also handle payments, ensuring that all transactions go smoothly and that payment terms are met.

Key Skills & Qualities for a Freight Broker:

• Strong Communication: The ability to effectively communicate with both shippers and carriers to negotiate terms and resolve issues.
• Negotiation Skills: To secure the best rates and terms for both parties.
• Problem-Solving Ability: To quickly address shipping issues and minimize disruptions.
• Organizational Skills: Freight brokers must manage multiple shipments, deadlines, and documents simultaneously.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of logistics, transportation modes, and regulatory compliance is essential.
• Sales and Marketing: To acquire new clients and grow their network of carriers.

In summary, a freight broker plays a critical role in the logistics chain by connecting shippers with transportation providers, managing shipments, ensuring compliance, and resolving issues. Their work is focused on facilitating smooth, efficient, and cost-effective transportation while building strong relationships with both clients and carriers.

A dispatcher plays a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industry by coordinating the movement of goods and vehicles. While their responsibilities can overlap with those of a freight broker, their primary focus is on managing day-to-day operations related to vehicle scheduling, route planning, and communication between drivers and clients. Here's an overview of the scope of work for a dispatcher:

1. Coordinating Shipments and Driver Schedules

• Assigning Loads: Dispatchers assign loads to drivers based on available routes, vehicle capacity, and customer needs.
• Scheduling Deliveries and Pickups: They create efficient schedules for drivers, ensuring that all shipments are picked up and delivered on time. This involves organizing pick-up times, drop-off locations, and managing any changes in the schedule.
• Route Planning: Dispatchers plan optimal routes for drivers, considering factors like traffic, road conditions, delivery windows, and fuel efficiency. They may also adjust routes as needed during transit.

2. Communicating with Drivers

• Driver Support and Communication: Dispatchers maintain constant communication with drivers, providing them with essential information such as changes to their routes, load details, or any issues that may arise.
• Monitoring Driver Progress: They track drivers’ progress to ensure timely deliveries and pickups. If there are delays or issues (e.g., traffic, weather), the dispatcher will communicate with drivers and clients to manage expectations.
• Problem Solving: If any problems arise, such as breakdowns, delays, or safety concerns, dispatchers act quickly to find solutions, coordinating with mechanics, emergency services, or alternative transport if needed.

3. Managing Logistics Operations

• Load Optimization: Dispatchers ensure that shipments are efficiently loaded into vehicles, maximizing space and minimizing costs while adhering to regulations regarding weight limits and cargo safety.
• Compliance and Safety: They ensure that drivers comply with legal regulations, such as hours of service (HOS) limits, safety standards, and other industry-specific laws.
• Documentation: Dispatchers ensure all necessary shipping paperwork (e.g., bills of lading, delivery receipts) is prepared and transmitted correctly to drivers, clients, and other parties involved.

4. Monitoring and Tracking Shipments

• Real-Time Tracking: Dispatchers use GPS systems or tracking software to monitor the location and status of shipments in real-time, providing updates to clients and managing delays or changes to the original plan.
• Status Updates: They relay shipment status to clients, informing them of delivery or pickup times, and providing timely alerts in case of delays or issues.

5. Problem Resolution and Escalation

• Managing Disruptions: Dispatchers are the first point of contact for resolving any issues that arise during transport, such as accidents, equipment malfunctions, or delays. They communicate with both drivers and clients to ensure minimal disruption.
• Escalating Issues: If issues cannot be resolved at the dispatcher level, they escalate them to higher management or specialized teams (e.g., mechanics, customer service) for further support.

6. Client Interaction and Customer Service

• Coordinating with Clients: Dispatchers often communicate with clients, providing updates on shipment progress and ensuring that customer expectations are met regarding delivery windows and service quality.
• Client Problem Resolution: If there are service complaints or issues, dispatchers work to resolve them promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain positive business relationships.

7. Managing Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance

• Vehicle Scheduling: Dispatchers ensure that vehicles are scheduled for routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs, coordinating with maintenance teams to minimize downtime.
• Monitoring Fleet Performance: They keep track of vehicle performance and availability, ensuring that the fleet is operating efficiently and that any maintenance needs are addressed promptly to avoid delays.

8. Record Keeping and Reporting

• Logistics and Delivery Records: Dispatchers maintain detailed records of deliveries, vehicle performance, and driver hours, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
• Reporting and Analysis: They may also generate reports on delivery efficiency, driver performance, and operational costs to help management optimize logistics and improve service quality.

9. Handling Emergency Situations

• Crisis Management: In case of an emergency, such as accidents, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances, dispatchers are responsible for quickly finding alternative solutions, ensuring the safety of the driver, and minimizing any impact on the delivery schedule.

Key Skills & Qualities for a Dispatcher:

• Strong Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for coordinating between drivers, clients, and other departments.
• Problem-Solving: Dispatchers must be quick thinkers who can address issues on the fly and find solutions to challenges that arise.
• Attention to Detail: They must pay attention to the specifics of routes, schedules, regulations, and paperwork to ensure smooth operations.
• Multitasking: Dispatchers need to juggle multiple shipments, drivers, and tasks simultaneously, requiring excellent organizational skills.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with tracking systems, dispatch software, GPS, and communication tools is essential.
• Customer Service: Being able to interact with clients professionally and address their needs is critical for maintaining strong customer relationships.

In short:

A dispatcher ensures the smooth execution of transportation operations by managing driver schedules, optimizing routes, communicating with drivers, and addressing any operational or logistical challenges that arise. They play a central role in maintaining the efficiency of the supply chain and ensuring timely, safe, and cost-effective deliveries. While freight brokers focus on acquiring and managing customers, dispatchers handle the real-time management and coordination of shipments on the operational side.