Dedicated Backhaul Manager

Dedicated Backhaul Manager 2.9 2.9 out of 5 stars Cedar Rapids, IA CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc 1,860 reviews Drive the Dedicated Difference in Cedar Rapids CRST The Transportation Solution is looking for a Dedicated Backhaul Manager to own the identification, procurement, and execution of backhaul freight for CRST's Dedicated fleet, minimizing empty miles and maximizing asset utilization.

How You'll Work Location:

Onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA or Remote within reason

Compensation:

Competitive compensation package. Additional details will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process

Benefits:

Comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; prescription drug and telemedicine services; company-paid life and disability insurance; retirement savings with company match; paid time off, holidays, and parental leave; plus additional voluntary benefits and employee discounts. About the Role The Dedicated Backhaul Manager owns the identification, procurement, and execution of backhaul freight for CRST's Dedicated fleet, minimizing empty miles and maximizing asset utilization. This role applies deep freight market knowledge, negotiation skill, and operational judgment to secure return-trip loads that reduce costs, strengthen customer partnerships, and drive backhaul revenue performance.

What You'll Do Backhaul Planning and Execution:

Own end-to-end backhaul planning and execution for Dedicated fleet assets, coordinating freight opportunities between customers, brokers, and carriers to minimize deadhead miles and maximize revenue

Freight Procurement and Pricing:

Source and secure backhaul loads using lane-rate insights and market data; make independent pricing and procurement decisions that balance cost efficiency with service requirements

Network Optimization:

Continuously refine backhaul routes so that they do not sub-optimize the fleets they support from a financial or service performance standpoint

Market Intelligence:

Monitor freight market conditions, lane-specific rate trends, and capacity signals to inform routing, procurement, and pricing decisions

Customer and Partner Collaboration:

Partner with Dedicated customers, operations leaders, and third-party brokers and carriers to align backhaul opportunities with fleet capacity and service commitments

Cross-Functional Alignment:

Work closely with Dedicated Operations, Planning, and Finance teams to ensure backhaul activity supports service, utilization, and profitability goals

Performance Reporting:

Track and report key metrics including backhaul revenue, empty miles, utilization, and on-time performance; identify trends and implement improvements to drive continuous results

Service Issue Resolution:

Proactively identify and resolve service failures including tender issues, appointment conflicts, tracking gaps, detention, and carrier performance concerns

Compliance and Safety:

Maintain awareness of DOT and HOS regulations and ensure backhaul operations adhere to company safety and compliance standards

Accountability and Reliability:

Maintain regular and reliable attendance while performing other duties as assigned to support team and business needs

What You Bring Education:

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in freight procurement, backhaul operations, or transportation logistics with a track record of driving measurable results

Freight Market Knowledge:

Strong understanding of headhaul and backhaul markets, lane-rate dynamics, and capacity trends within dedicated or truckload freight environments

Negotiation:

Proven ability to negotiate freight rates and terms with brokers, carriers, and customers to achieve cost-effective outcomes

Analytical Skills:

Ability to interpret market data, performance metrics, and operational information to make sound, independent decisions

Communication:

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively across internal teams and external partners

Technical Skills:

Proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS) and load planning or visibility tools

Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an office environment. Activities include sitting, standing, walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, using standard office equipment, and communicating with colleagues or customers. Reasonable accommodations may be provided

Preferred Qualifications Education:

A four-year degree or applicable work experience with demonstrated success

Industry Experience:

Background supporting a dedicated fleet operation with direct responsibility for backhaul revenue or empty mile reduction

Systems:

Experience with McLeod or comparable TMS platforms

Broker and Carrier Relationships:

Established network of freight broker and carrier contacts in relevant lanes and markets Why CRST? CRST is celebrating 70 years of grit, growth, and forward momentum — built on safety, integrity, and delivering on our commitments. Our Dedicated division is one of the most important parts of how we serve our customers, and the people who run it are critical to that success. At CRST, you'll have real ownership, real impact, and the backing of a company that's been doing this for seven decades. Core Values Safety at the Core of All We Do Integrity in Every Decision and Action Commitment to the Success of Employees, Customers, Agents, Contractors, and Communities Equal Opportunity Employer CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.