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Load Planning Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

GTS Transportation

Load Planning Manager

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

Position Summary The Load Planning Manager is responsible for maximizing the revenue, profitability, and utilization of the companys asset-based fleet. This position oversees the strategic planning ...

CDN Logistics, Inc.

Load Planner

Northlake, IL · On-site

Minimum 2 years of experience in load planning, logistics or brokerage. * DAT experience is required. * Strong negotiation and communication skills. * Ability to multitask and make quick decisions.

THE KENAN ADVANTAGE GROUP

Load Planner I

Morton, IL · On-site

Position Summary The position is responsible for managing loads and route planning for customer orders. Essential Functions * Build loads and determine most effective route; dispatch drivers * Take ...

Kenan Advantage Group

Load Planner I

Morton, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Position Summary The position is responsible for managing loads and route planning for customer orders. Essential Functions * Build loads and determine most effective route; dispatch drivers * Take ...

Amazon

Ship Clerk

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Ship Clerks are responsible for daily management of department duties including planning loads around standard departure times, load flow control and ensuring proper trailer utilization. Ship Clerks ...

New

Hub Group, Inc

Capacity Planner

Oak Brook, IL

$50K - $55K/yr

Daily, complete and resolve all outstanding load planning issues, or pending concerns and effectively communicate to the afterhours team Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree from an accredited ...

Hub Group

Capacity Planner

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Daily, complete and resolve all outstanding load planning issues, or pending concerns and effectively communicate to the afterhours team Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree from an accredited ...

Quality Carriers

Planner - Intermodal

Chicago, IL · On-site

... load plan. Duties and Responsibilities: * Responsible for the proactive planning, oversight, and assignment of the intermodal equipment on all inbound and outbound moves. * Proactively monitors all ...

FARO Services Inc

Supervisor on Duty Needed!!

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

Oversee aircraft load planning activities and ensure compliance with weight and balance requirements. * Ensure adherence to all applicable security, customs, and regulatory requirements. * Respond ...

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Load Planning information

See Illinois salary details

$18.9K

$65K

$95.4K

How much do load planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for load planning in Illinois is $64,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,900.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is load planning?

Load planning is the process of organizing and optimizing the placement and scheduling of cargo, freight, or goods to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation. This involves determining the most effective way to load trucks, ships, airplanes, or trains by considering factors such as weight distribution, delivery schedules, and cargo compatibility. Load planners use specialized software and logistical strategies to maximize space utilization and minimize transportation costs while adhering to safety regulations. Effective load planning is essential for logistics companies, shippers, and carriers to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a load planner?

To thrive as a Load Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in logistics or supply chain management, often supported by relevant education or experience. Familiarity with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), route optimization software, and Excel is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, communication, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial for efficiently optimizing loads, minimizing costs, and ensuring timely deliveries in a fast-paced logistics environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in load planning, and how can they be effectively managed?

Load planning professionals often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes in shipment schedules, discrepancies in cargo weights, and the need to balance efficiency with safety regulations. To manage these issues, it's important to maintain clear communication with warehouse, transportation, and logistics teams, utilize specialized load planning software, and stay up-to-date with industry compliance standards. Proactively identifying bottlenecks and being adaptable to evolving circumstances can help ensure smooth and efficient load planning operations.

What is the difference between Load Planning vs Transportation Coordinator?

AspectLoad PlanningTransportation Coordinator
Primary RoleDevelops and organizes shipment loads to optimize efficiencyCoordinates transportation activities, schedules, and carrier relationships
CredentialsLogistics or supply chain certifications often preferredLogistics or transportation certifications common
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, working with logistics software and dataOffice and field, liaising with carriers and drivers
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, retail, and distribution sectorsCommon in supply chain and freight management

While Load Planning focuses on creating efficient shipment loads, Transportation Coordinators handle the overall scheduling and coordination of transportation services. Both roles are essential in supply chain operations but differ in scope and daily tasks.

How to become a load planner?

To become a load planner, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in logistics, transportation, or supply chain management. Developing skills in inventory management, route optimization, and using planning software like TMS or ERP systems is important; some roles may also require relevant certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

What does a load planning do?

A load planner is responsible for organizing and optimizing the loading of goods onto transportation vehicles to ensure efficient delivery. They analyze shipment requirements, coordinate with logistics teams, and use tools like transportation management systems (TMS) to maximize space and reduce costs. This role requires attention to detail and knowledge of safety regulations and industry standards.

What are popular job titles related to Load Planning jobs in Illinois?

For Load Planning jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Load Planning jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Load Planning jobs in Illinois are:

Load Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Load Planning job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,979 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Load Planning Manager

Burr Ridge, IL • On-site

GTS Transportation
See more jobs at GTS Transportationexternal

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Load Planning Manager is responsible for maximizing the revenue, profitability, and utilization of the
companys asset-based fleet. This position oversees the strategic planning of loads, equipment, and driver capacity to ensure trucks are consistently positioned for the most profitable freight while minimizing empty miles, downtime, and avoidable operational risk. This is not a traditional dispatch position. The Load Planning Manager is expected to think 24-72 hours ahead and determine the most profitable executable next move for every truck.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop daily and 24-72-hour load plans for the entire fleet.
• Ensure every truck has a planned next move whenever possible before completing its current load.
• Establish and maintain fleet preplanning standards, including the percentage of tractors preplanned before
delivery and average hours of forward planning visibility.
• Maximize revenue and contribution profit per tractor, per day, and per total mile.
• Reduce empty/deadhead miles and unnecessary repositioning while recognizing when strategic repositioning
creates a more profitable overall move.
• Identify and build continuous moves, reloads, round trips, backhauls, and other network-density opportunities.
• Position trucks strategically based on customer demand, freight availability, lane strength, seasonality,
historical performance, and current market conditions.
• Monitor spot-market and customer rate trends, inbound/outbound market balance, and lane performance to
support profitable planning decisions.
• Identify trucks at risk of sitting and develop immediate solutions before service or utilization is impacted.
• Analyze loads based on total profitability, including revenue, loaded miles, empty miles, fuel, driver cost, driver
hours, appointment requirements, and next-load opportunities.
• Ensure load plans are operationally executable within driver HOS, appointment requirements, home-time
commitments, equipment restrictions, and other known operational constraints.
• Balance the fleet network by identifying equipment surplus and deficit markets and developing repositioning
strategies that improve future freight opportunities.
• Continuously re-plan when disruptions occur, including breakdowns, delays, rejected loads, detention, missed
appointments, driver refusals, weather, customer cancellations, or other operational exceptions.
• Work closely with Dispatch to execute the daily plan and hold the operation accountable for results.
• Work with Sales to identify customers, lanes, and freight that improve network density and profitability.
• Work with Brokerage to determine when company assets should be utilized versus outside capacity.
• Identify underperforming customers, lanes, and freight and recommend corrective action.
• Analyze fleet performance and provide Senior Leadership with actionable recommendations and root-cause
analysis.
• Conduct daily fleet planning reviews and establish consistent planning standards across the operation.
Planning Authority & Accountability
The Load Planning Manager owns fleet planning strategy. Dispatch owns driver communication and execution.
Load Planning Manager | Asset-Based Trucking
Material deviations from the approved load plan should be communicated, documented, and justified. The Load
Planning Manager is responsible for evaluating the financial and network impact of significant deviations and
adjusting the forward plan accordingly.
Key Performance Indicators
The Load Planning Manager will be measured primarily on:
• Revenue per tractor per day
• Contribution profit per tractor per day
• Revenue per total mile, including deadhead
• Profit/contribution per total mile
• Empty-mile percentage
• Average deadhead miles per load
• Loaded-mile percentage
• Tractor utilization
• Trucks sitting without freight
• Percentage of tractors preplanned before delivery
• Average preplan lead time / forward planning visibility
• Reload / continuous-move percentage
• Planning adherence and execution against the approved plan
• On-time service performance
Qualifications
• 5+ years of transportation experience preferred.
• Strong asset-based trucking experience required.
• Load planning, dispatch, or fleet operations experience.
• Strong understanding of truckload lanes, rates, driver HOS, appointment requirements, equipment, and
market dynamics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Excel and TMS experience preferred.
• Ability to make quick, profitable decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and accountability skills.
• Ability to translate fleet data and market information into clear operational decisions.
What Success Looks Like
The successful Load Planning Manager will create a culture where the company does not simply ask, Can we
keep this truck moving?What is the most profitable next move for this truck? Success means higher revenue, higher contribution profit, greater fleet utilization, fewer empty miles, fewer trucks sitting, stronger forward planning, and better positioning of the entire fleet.
Every tractor. Every day. Every mile. Every load
WE ARE GTS
We're GTS Transportation, a growing, family-owned Chicagoland carrier, handling freight logistics for dry-van, refrigerated, flatbed, expedited, and oversize loads. The GTS leadership team brings over 70 years of practical transportation experience to the table, allowing us to cultivate long-lasting relationships with customers, vendors, and with our employees. Our company culture promotes the American dream, where hard work can equal success for everyone.

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