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Load Planning Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Working with Driver's Managers to load every truck in the planning zone * Teaming with Sales Department to create and maintain customer base within your planning zone * Working with all departments ...

Monitor status of contractors/drivers hours of service for the purpose of compliance with the hours of service regulations and the planning of efficient load movement. * Utilize the list of available ...

This role combines driver management, load planning, customer service, and backhaul development to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation operations. The ideal candidate is a ...

This role combines driver management, load planning, customer service, and backhaul development to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation operations. The ideal candidate is a ...

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Dispatcher

Salem, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Load planning * Customer service * Transportation Management Systems (TMS) * GPS and fleet tracking * DOT compliance * Hours of Service (HOS) * Problem solving * Time management * Multitasking

Dispatching Assistant

Richmond, VA

$17.50 - $23/hr

What You'll Be Doing Assist dispatchers with daily load planning, driver assignments, and route coordination Communicate with drivers throughout the day to monitor progress, address delays, and ...

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Load Planning information

See Virginia salary details

$19.3K

$66.5K

$97.7K

How much do load planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for load planning in Virginia is $66,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a load planner do?

A load planner is responsible for organizing and optimizing the loading of goods onto transportation vehicles to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. They analyze shipment requirements, use planning tools or software, and coordinate with logistics teams to create effective loading plans. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of transportation regulations are essential for this role.

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.

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 route optimization, inventory management, and using planning software such as TMS or ERP systems is important, and some roles may require relevant certifications like Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

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 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.

What job makes $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of load planning, high-level executives such as logistics directors or supply chain managers in large corporations can earn close to or exceeding $1,000,000 annually through base salary, bonuses, and profit sharing. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills, often working in complex, high-volume logistics environments.

How much does a planner get paid?

A load planning professional's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 annually. Entry-level planners may earn less, while experienced or specialized planners can earn higher wages, especially with certifications and advanced skills in logistics software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Load Planner, and why are they important?

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.
Infographic showing various Load Planning job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,481 per year, or $32 per hour.
Load Planner

Load Planner

PS Logistics

Emporia, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Founded in 2004, P&S Transportation is one of the fastest growing flatbed trucking operations with terminals nationwide.ย We are continuously expanding and improving our services through our commitment to hiring the best and brightest in the Logistics and Transportation field.ย By targeting experienced professionals, partnering with the best universities and recruiting straight from the top programs in logistics and operations, we support our vision to be on the cutting edge of transportation.ย Our goal is to stay ahead through our emphasis on driver satisfaction and retention, cutting edge technology, offering creative solutions, customer partnerships and smarter people than our competition.ย Our business is growing exponentially and we require the best to help us continue on our path of success.ย Join our team and be a part of the future of the industry.ย ย 

We are continuously expanding and improving our services through our commitment to hiring the best and brightest in the Logistics and Transportation field. By targeting experienced professionals, partnering with the best universities, and recruiting straight from the top programs in logistics and operations, we support our vision to be on the cutting edge of transportation.

Job Description

To be successful asย a Load Planner, one must be able to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining the responsibility for scheduling every inbound truck with an available load in your area. The Load Planner works to streamline all aspects of the freight transportation process by reducing shipping time, expediting routes and maximizing loads for all types of cargo transport.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Managing and expanding customer base
  • Communicating ETAs with Customers
  • Working with Driver's Managers to load every truck in the planning zone
  • Teaming with Sales Department to create and maintain customer base within your planning zone
  • Working with all departments to ensure a GREAT experience including tendering of the load to completion of accurate billing
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree from a 4 year accredited college or university (Preferred)
  • Microsoft Office knowledge
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Must be detail oriented, ability to multi-task, and have a great interpersonal skills
  • 1-3 years of experience in transportation, operations, or safety is a plus!
Additional Information

This job is a salary position with no guarantees for career progression.ย  This does not mean that you will not be considered for other positions or opportunities.ย 

PS Logistics complies with all applicable equal employment laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.ย  Qualified individuals with a disability may request reasonable accommodation from the company.