Dray Carrier Buyer 2.7 2.7 out of 5 stars Chicago, IL 60617 $50,000
- $80,000 a year
- Full-time DRT Transportation 9 reviews $50,000
- $80,000 a year
- Full-time About DRT DRT is a leader in intermodal and ocean drayage, delivering integrated logistics solutions across freight brokerage, asset-based trucking, and temperature-controlled warehousing.
With deep carrier networks and a strong operational presence in the Midwest and major port corridors, DRT moves freight efficiently and reliably for some of the country's most demanding shippers. Our Orland Park, IL office is a hub for our growing intermodal division — and we're building the team to match our ambitions. Position Summary The Dray Carrier Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing relationships with drayage carriers to ensure cost-effective and timely movement of import and export freight. Reporting to the Manager of Intermodal, Terry Armstrong, this role sits at the center of DRT's drayage operations — balancing rate competitiveness, capacity reliability, and service quality across key lanes. The right candidate brings hands-on drayage experience, strong carrier relationships, and the drive to grow within a company that is scaling fast. Key Responsibilities Identify, qualify, and onboard reliable drayage carriers to support import/export transportation needs across DRT's active lanes. Negotiate competitive rates and contract terms while maintaining service quality, compliance, and carrier accountability. Build and sustain strong carrier relationships to ensure capacity availability, especially during peak demand periods. Monitor carrier performance against KPIs including on-time delivery, safety standards, and regulatory compliance. Collaborate daily with operations, dispatch, and customer service teams to align carrier capacity with customer commitments. Analyze freight market trends and spot/contract rate data to optimize carrier selection and cost efficiency. Resolve carrier performance issues, pricing disputes, and service disruptions promptly and professionally. Maintain accurate records of carrier agreements, rate sheets, and performance metrics in DRT's TMS. Stay current on FMCSA, DOT, and port authority requirements to ensure carrier compliance. Utilize transportation management systems and other tools to track shipments and manage carrier activity. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field (preferred). 2+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, or carrier procurement with a focus on drayage or intermodal. Import/export experience required; familiarity with port operations and ocean container drayage a strong plus. Proven negotiation skills and a track record of building productive carrier partnerships. Knowledge of drayage operations, intermodal transportation, and port/rail logistics. Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) and industry software. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for carrier and cross-functional collaboration. Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret rate data and make cost-effective decisions. Detail-oriented, highly organized, and effective in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Working knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, and related transportation regulations. Preferred Skills Existing carrier relationships in the Chicago market or major port regions (Los Angeles, Savannah, NY/NJ, Houston). Experience with drayage operations at Class I rail ramps (BNSF, UP, CN, NS). Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for rate analysis and reporting. Established carrier network or prior role in a drayage brokerage or 3PL environment. Benefits Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with company match. Paid time off and company holidays. Real opportunities for career growth within a scaling intermodal division.pply chain management.
Pay:
$50,000.00
00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance
Work Location:
In person
