Carrier Sales Representative (Flatbed)
VP Logistics, Chicago, IL, United States
Job Title
Carrier Sales Representative (Flatbed)
Reports To Senior Operations Manager
Department Carrier Sales & Operations
Location Chicago and/or Waukegan, IL
All roles are 100% in office. 4:1 Hybrid schedule considered after six months of service.
FLSA Classification Full Time, Exempt
Effective Date March 2026
About Us VP Logistics is on a mission to provide an elite level of service to our customers while bringing them practical solutions to streamline their supply chain. Our team members must have a “whatever it takes” mindset, show up every day with a passion for excellence, and focus on building internal and external relationships. VP Logistics was originally founded in 2009 as an in-house transportation provider for Visual Pak, a leading contract manufacturing and packaging partner to multiple fortune 500 brands. VPL has since grown into a premier, national 3PL with capabilities across most transportation modes and industries. We take great pride in our obsession to be strategic partners with our customers and carriers, as well as our reputation and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our people are our greatest asset and the driving force behind our continuous growth.
Job Summary The Carrier Sales Representative (Flatbed) is responsible for the acquisition and retention of carriers to enable a network of qualified and dedicated providers to execute shipments managed by the company. This role will focus on but not be limited to helping VP Logistics develop a network of flatbed carriers to keep up with the current business growth. Representatives will be expected to bring existing knowledge of open-deck equipment types and their respective capabilities, build and maintain professional relationships with new and existing carrier partners to increase business opportunities, as well as operate shipments through delivery to ensure elite service to our customer partners.
Duties/Responsibilities
Research and continuously pursue new carrier acquisition through cold-calling, lead generation and social selling techniques.
Maintain and grow a portfolio of carriers to handle transactional and dedicated lane opportunities.
Bring existing flatbed carrier network and relationships to help cover and service new business at an Elite level.
Build strategic relationships with carriers and negotiate rates to optimize profits.
Understand varying open deck equipment types and their capabilities and limitations.
Become subject matter expert for the team on flatbed business including knowledge of market dynamics and pricing.
Position oneself to be the primary point of accountability for carriers ensuring there is proactive dialogue on operational issues and changes through exceptional communication.
Manage the life cycle of a shipment through booking, tracking, appointment communication, procurement, oversite, collection of shipment documents and problem resolution.
Ensure shipment details are accurately communicated and tracked in the TMS.
Expertly develop the carrier experience by engaging in strategic discussions and managing the quoting and proposal processes.
Understand and utilize company technology and resources to operate efficiently and drive wins.
Possess a deep understanding of transportation related market conditions, and how they correlate and impact buying behaviors and best practices.
Maintain openness to helping in the flatbed sales process to quote, service, and grow this business unit.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Loads Booked Monthly
Margin %
Managed Relationship Carrier/ Dedicated Lanes
New Qualified Carriers Sourced/Added to VPL Network
Electronic Tracking acceptance %
Unbilled Order %
Outbound Communication / Call Volume
Supervisor Responsibilities None
Required Education / Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or a related field is preferred.
Minimum of 2 years in a carrier sales role – flatbed experience and working knowledge, required.
Proven experience with sourcing capacity and rate negotiation with flatbed carriers, required.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.
Previous experience with McLeod, DAT, Truckstop, and Digital Freight Matching tools, a plus.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish a plus.
Required Skills / Abilities
Self-Driven and Competitive Natured.
Experienced in sales, negotiation, and relationship building.
Forward thinking mindset with focus on sales opportunities.
Ability to apply urgency and time critical action in a fast-paced and at times stressful environment to service the needs of customers and carriers.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experienced interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Alignment With VPL’s Core Values
#1: Create Raving Fans
– We are obsessed with Elite customer service and building long-term relationships.
#2: Glass Half Full Mentality
– We strive to see the bright side in all situations and bring the positive energy every day!
#3 Roller Coaster People
– We embrace the thrill of the logistics industry.
#4 GSD – Get Sh*t Done
– No excuses, results matter, and we aren’t done until THE job is done.
#5: Teamwork Always
– We row together as on. Collaboration. Commitment. Accountability.
#6: Do the Right Thing
– We conduct business with integrity and transparency.
Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to speak easily and communicate in writing and on a telephone for varying lengths of time and in random order.
Required Technology Smart Phone
Required Travel On demand with ability to commute to office locations independently, including Waukegan and Chicago, required.
Benefits
Competitive salary and company performance-based incentive compensation.
Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 + Monthly Incentive
Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA Med / FSA Dependent Care)
401K with Employer Match Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Time Off and Holiday pay
EEO Statement VP Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.
VP Logistics is an "at will employer".
How To Apply Interested candidates should submit their resume to the People Operations/Recruiting department.
Email: VPLCareers@vplogistics.com
Website: https://vplogistics.com/careers/ under “Open Positions”
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Reports To Senior Operations Manager
Department Carrier Sales & Operations
Location Chicago and/or Waukegan, IL
All roles are 100% in office. 4:1 Hybrid schedule considered after six months of service.
FLSA Classification Full Time, Exempt
Effective Date March 2026
About Us VP Logistics is on a mission to provide an elite level of service to our customers while bringing them practical solutions to streamline their supply chain. Our team members must have a “whatever it takes” mindset, show up every day with a passion for excellence, and focus on building internal and external relationships. VP Logistics was originally founded in 2009 as an in-house transportation provider for Visual Pak, a leading contract manufacturing and packaging partner to multiple fortune 500 brands. VPL has since grown into a premier, national 3PL with capabilities across most transportation modes and industries. We take great pride in our obsession to be strategic partners with our customers and carriers, as well as our reputation and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our people are our greatest asset and the driving force behind our continuous growth.
Job Summary The Carrier Sales Representative (Flatbed) is responsible for the acquisition and retention of carriers to enable a network of qualified and dedicated providers to execute shipments managed by the company. This role will focus on but not be limited to helping VP Logistics develop a network of flatbed carriers to keep up with the current business growth. Representatives will be expected to bring existing knowledge of open-deck equipment types and their respective capabilities, build and maintain professional relationships with new and existing carrier partners to increase business opportunities, as well as operate shipments through delivery to ensure elite service to our customer partners.
Duties/Responsibilities
Research and continuously pursue new carrier acquisition through cold-calling, lead generation and social selling techniques.
Maintain and grow a portfolio of carriers to handle transactional and dedicated lane opportunities.
Bring existing flatbed carrier network and relationships to help cover and service new business at an Elite level.
Build strategic relationships with carriers and negotiate rates to optimize profits.
Understand varying open deck equipment types and their capabilities and limitations.
Become subject matter expert for the team on flatbed business including knowledge of market dynamics and pricing.
Position oneself to be the primary point of accountability for carriers ensuring there is proactive dialogue on operational issues and changes through exceptional communication.
Manage the life cycle of a shipment through booking, tracking, appointment communication, procurement, oversite, collection of shipment documents and problem resolution.
Ensure shipment details are accurately communicated and tracked in the TMS.
Expertly develop the carrier experience by engaging in strategic discussions and managing the quoting and proposal processes.
Understand and utilize company technology and resources to operate efficiently and drive wins.
Possess a deep understanding of transportation related market conditions, and how they correlate and impact buying behaviors and best practices.
Maintain openness to helping in the flatbed sales process to quote, service, and grow this business unit.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Loads Booked Monthly
Margin %
Managed Relationship Carrier/ Dedicated Lanes
New Qualified Carriers Sourced/Added to VPL Network
Electronic Tracking acceptance %
Unbilled Order %
Outbound Communication / Call Volume
Supervisor Responsibilities None
Required Education / Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or a related field is preferred.
Minimum of 2 years in a carrier sales role – flatbed experience and working knowledge, required.
Proven experience with sourcing capacity and rate negotiation with flatbed carriers, required.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.
Previous experience with McLeod, DAT, Truckstop, and Digital Freight Matching tools, a plus.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish a plus.
Required Skills / Abilities
Self-Driven and Competitive Natured.
Experienced in sales, negotiation, and relationship building.
Forward thinking mindset with focus on sales opportunities.
Ability to apply urgency and time critical action in a fast-paced and at times stressful environment to service the needs of customers and carriers.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experienced interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Alignment With VPL’s Core Values
#1: Create Raving Fans
– We are obsessed with Elite customer service and building long-term relationships.
#2: Glass Half Full Mentality
– We strive to see the bright side in all situations and bring the positive energy every day!
#3 Roller Coaster People
– We embrace the thrill of the logistics industry.
#4 GSD – Get Sh*t Done
– No excuses, results matter, and we aren’t done until THE job is done.
#5: Teamwork Always
– We row together as on. Collaboration. Commitment. Accountability.
#6: Do the Right Thing
– We conduct business with integrity and transparency.
Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to speak easily and communicate in writing and on a telephone for varying lengths of time and in random order.
Required Technology Smart Phone
Required Travel On demand with ability to commute to office locations independently, including Waukegan and Chicago, required.
Benefits
Competitive salary and company performance-based incentive compensation.
Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 + Monthly Incentive
Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA Med / FSA Dependent Care)
401K with Employer Match Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Time Off and Holiday pay
EEO Statement VP Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.
VP Logistics is an "at will employer".
How To Apply Interested candidates should submit their resume to the People Operations/Recruiting department.
Email: VPLCareers@vplogistics.com
Website: https://vplogistics.com/careers/ under “Open Positions”
#J-18808-Ljbffr