Early Career - Associate Carrier Operations Analyst

The Associate Carrier Operations Analyst, Outbound Logistics oversees and optimizes finished vehicle transportation across truck, rail, and ocean modes. Operating out of Normal, IL, this position ensures timely, efficient vehicle deliveries by coordinating with contracted and spot market carriers, managing data, tracking performance, planning capacity, and resolving operational issues. Key responsibilities include driving carrier relationship management, maintaining process standardization, and fostering clear cross-functional alignment across teams. You will tentatively be scheduled to work: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, with occasional Saturday requirements.

Oversee truck, rail, and ocean carriers to ensure high service standards and prompt delivery of finished vehicles, tendering freight to both contracted and spot market partners.

Maintain high data integrity by entering shipment details into the Transportation Management System (TMS), reconciling entries with Bills of Lading (BOLs), and auditing daily system reports.

Lead capacity planning initiatives in partnership with carriers, rail facilities, and service centers.

Review KPI metrics with carriers on a structured monthly basis, executing corrective action plans when performance targets are missed.

Analyze operational data to pinpoint inefficiencies and trends, applying root-cause analysis in cross-functional settings to implement solutions.

Design, document, and deploy standardized logistics workflows.

Establish and enforce safety guidelines to safeguard personnel and vehicles.

Partner with IT and Procurement teams to streamline new carrier onboarding.

Manage carrier damage claims in coordination with the internal OBL Claims Damage team to resolve issues promptly.

Schedule: Tentatively Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, with occasional Saturday requirements.

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, logistics, or a related field (or equivalent practical logistics experience).

Domain Knowledge: 0-2 years background in finished vehicle logistics and rail transport is preferred.

Technical Systems: Previous experience operating Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and/or yard management platforms.

Data Analysis Skills: Advanced proficiency in Google Sheets or MS Excel (e.g., VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, charting, shortcuts) with a proven track record of data-driven decision-making.

Communication & Presentation: Strong written and verbal communication abilities, experience creating presentation decks, and comfort presenting to groups.

Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with Google Workspace tools and Slack.

Problem-Solving Approach: Curious, structured, and continuous-improvement mindset focused on root-cause analysis.

Teamwork & Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functional teams, maintain strong operational execution, and flexibly assist in other team roles as required.