Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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Joshua Akers

Ashland City,TN

Summary

Logical Transportation Manager with nearly 18-year background overseeing dispatch operations. Adept at reducing fleet and staff turnover, increasing efficiency and productivity, as well as implementing safety regulations. Assigns tasks to drivers and directs superior customer service. Excellent multitasking, time management and verbal communication talents.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Independent Contractor Advisor and Planner

Ascend Transport
10.2022 - Current
  • Oversaw team of 40+ Independent Contracted Drivers by reviewing performance to promote timely and efficient deliveries and operations.
  • Created SOPs for Fleet Managers and Regional Planners.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality and proactive communication.
  • Developed and maintained strong working relationships with independent contractors.
  • Oversaw driver onboarding, and orientation processes that helped reduce the turnover rate of drivers within the company.
  • Planned and supervised 60-70 shipments from production to end-user and scheduled 10-20 daily and weekly routes.
  • Met transportation service targets and delivered loads on time.
  • Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.

Fleet Operations Manager

Knight Transportation
06.2019 - 10.2022
  • Maintained 7% empty miles across fleet.
  • Worked with dispatch team to streamline computer work.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and minimize incidents within the fleet operation.
  • Facilitated open lines of communication between drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, and leadership to foster a collaborative work environment.
  • Achieved 90% productions for all drivers based on mile goals and HOS usage.
  • Improved driver retention rates through effective employee engagement initiatives like incentive programs or recognition awards ceremonies.
  • Maintained $1000 daily revenue per truck.

Fleet Operations Manager

Mesilla Valley Transportation
01.2017 - 06.2019
  • Managed 65-70 drivers of varying skill levels to obtain 455 mi daily average.
  • Worked with drivers to establish a strong emphasis on development and motivation rather than punishment and dismissal.
  • Tracked production and quality control systems to proactively identify deficiencies.
  • Balanced driver personnel needs such as vacation and 36-48 hours home time while maintaining mileage and fuel quotas. 96%+ service to varying customers by monitoring and tracking individual tractors and freight.
  • Created and enforced detailed organization processes to increase quality and service standards.
  • Led improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies and increase revenue.
  • Reduced worker accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.

Extended Coverage Operations Manager

Big G Express
07.2016 - 01.2017
  • Managed team of 13 after hour/weekend operations personnel along with a fleet of 500 OTR drivers.
  • Monitored movement of Top 10 customers, $7.9M/wk revenue.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Development of operations staff to further promotions to day-time operations team.
  • Assisted in development of training manual for AS400 dispatch software.
  • Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational shift changes.
  • Audited and processed hourly staff payroll.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.

Pilot Car Dispatch Manager

Comdata
11.2013 - 07.2016
  • Managed 500+ pilot car companies across US and Canada, 1900+ pilot car drivers.
  • Increased team productivity by streamlining communication and implementing effective project management strategies.
  • Managed dispatch team totaling $17M annually.
  • Cold called customer base to perpetuate incoming business, monitor department performance against goals.
  • Negotiated rates with customers and pilot car service providers, maintaining 22% margin on all dispatches.
  • Analyzed data trends to inform decision making processes, leading to more informed choices for future actions.
  • Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
  • Trained employees on Pilot Car Services and other services provided by the company.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and partners, securing favorable terms that aligned with business requirements.
  • Oversaw day-to-day activities of 7 employees in a third-party service environment, fostering inspiring atmosphere to optimize employee experiences.
  • Supported office business development and customer service.
  • Solicited customer feedback to identify and improve on areas of weakness.
  • Managed all customer escalations involving dispatch services and billing.

Dedicated Fleet Operations Manager

Mesilla Valley Transportation
08.2011 - 11.2013
  • Managed fleet of 56 dedicated OTR drivers, $11M annually.
  • Scheduled daily backhauls, generated $150K/mo above dedicated customer revenue.
  • Enhanced fleet efficiency by implementing advanced tracking and monitoring systems.
  • Maintained sub-8% deadhead on all backhaul orders across the fleet.
  • Tracked production and quality control systems to proactively identify deficiencies.
  • Coordinated driver dispatch to accomplish 35-40 daily delivery requirements.
  • Increased productivity and overall output by 36 % through managing dispatch and planning of deliveries.
  • Trained drivers to manage time effectively, improving overall mileage performance.
  • Provided all drivers with pertinent safety materials regarding rules and regulations.
  • Positively interacted with drivers, upper management and shop department, which helped improve overall communication.

Network Freight Manager and Planner

Western Express Inc.
06.2006 - 08.2011
  • Fulfilled the needs of 40+ customers in book of business, $21M+ annually.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
  • Scheduled and planned 120-150 trucks daily.
  • Developed accurate demand forecasts with the use of advanced analytics tools, resulting in better fleet planning.
  • Managed 450-600 loads in transit daily, load count totaling 1,000+ daily.
  • Enhanced training efficiency by developing and implementing well-structured lesson plans.
  • Scheduled incoming and outgoing shipments for both internal and external suppliers, supporting comprehensive freight management and product processing.
  • Accepted 100+ loads from customer base daily.
  • Improved trainee performance with regular evaluations and constructive feedback.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align supply chain strategies with customer needs and expectations.
  • Oversaw demand planning and logistics.

Skills

  • Route Optimization
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Customer Service
  • Freight Rate Analysis
  • Excellent Communication
  • Decision Making
  • Logistics Coordination
  • Geographical Knowledge
  • Dispatch Software Familiarity
  • Route Planning
  • Hours of Service Enforcement
  • Pricing Strategy

Timeline

Independent Contractor Advisor and Planner

Ascend Transport
10.2022 - Current

Fleet Operations Manager

Knight Transportation
06.2019 - 10.2022

Fleet Operations Manager

Mesilla Valley Transportation
01.2017 - 06.2019

Extended Coverage Operations Manager

Big G Express
07.2016 - 01.2017

Pilot Car Dispatch Manager

Comdata
11.2013 - 07.2016

Dedicated Fleet Operations Manager

Mesilla Valley Transportation
08.2011 - 11.2013

Network Freight Manager and Planner

Western Express Inc.
06.2006 - 08.2011

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Joshua Akers