Load Planner
About this role
As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.
People • Customers • Trust
Primary Duties:
The Load Planner coordinates the efforts to operate a portion of our trucking fleet within a designated area/customer group. Provides customer service and handles day-to-day customer inquiries, customer demands and requirements to maintain a steady flow of freight. Serves as the point of contact for customer shipping requirements, compliance with rates, order entry and preplanning trucks/drivers. Coordinates with other departments to enhance customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities:
Manages designated customer account and their revenue base while coordinating traffic flows, freight allocations, quoting of rates and delivery/pick-up schedules.
Responsible for accuracy of electronic order entry, effective communication with drivers, and conflict resolution.
Controls the preplanning of trucks/drivers. Maximizes equipment utilization while ensuring customer shipping requirements are met.
Review and analyze financial reports and take corrective action.
Generate and communicate freight rates.
Assist other load planners/departments/management in the supporting the larger PCA effort to satisfy our customers.
Available all hours via cell phone (company phone provided).
Basic Qualifications:
1+ years of experience in the transportation field; preferably as a dispatcher
Knowledge of transportation industry laws, safety regulations, and general Trucking basics.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree related to transportation or business application.
Experience with TMW dispatch system & Omnitracs satellites.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
PC skills including Excel, Word and Outlook
Strong communication skills
Time management & analytical skills
Negotiation & decision making skills
PCA provides a competitive comprehensive benefits package.
#LI-VP1
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Starting salary range: $70,400-$80,000.
- Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
- Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
- Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.
Company at a glance
PCA is the third-largest producer of containerboard in the United States and a leading producer of uncoated freesheet in North America.
PCA’s net sales for 2025 were $9 billion. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Forest, Illinois. We have approximately 16,800 employees with operations throughout the United States including ten mills and 91 corrugated product plants & related facilities.
PCA’s Paper segment operates under the trade name Boise Paper, a Division of Packaging Corporation of America. We manufacture and sell white papers, including both commodity and specialty papers.
PCA combines great products with a creative and knowledgeable total-service team to provide ideas and solutions for any packaging need: "When you choose Packaging Corporation of America, you work with people who do the right things for each other and for our customers. We believe in utilizing the power of strong collaborative relationships, bound by the trust we have earned, to deliver innovative packaging solutions and an outstanding service experience."
Top Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life insurance
- AD&D
- Disability coverage
- 401k plan
- Employer matching contributions
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