Dedicated Backhaul Manager 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