Katherine Gray
Gainesville,TX
Summary
Dynamic logistics professional with extensive experience at Watco, excelling in freight pricing and shipment tracking. Proven ability to negotiate favorable rates, enhancing profitability while fostering strong client relationships. Skilled in TMS software and Excel for financial tracking, demonstrating exceptional communication and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Remote Freight Broker Agent, Logistic Specialist
Watco
09.2023 - Current
- Coordinated freight shipments, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with regulations.
- Negotiated rates with carriers to optimize transportation costs and improve service levels.
- Developed and maintained relationships with clients, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Utilized freight management software to track shipments and communicate updates efficiently.
- Utilize DAT, Truckstop boards to identify and secure profitable loads for a network of trusted carriers.
- Manage all freight brokering activities from initial load booking to final delivery ensuring transparent communication.
- Leveraged Excel for detailed finical tracking. Managing accounts and ensuring compliance with necessary documentation.
- Negotiated favorable rates with shipper and carriers, consistently protecting and maintaining profitable margins
- .Post complex loads on Sylectus/Alliance to optimize profitability.
- Home-Based Remotely dispatch, plan and build loads using TMS software.
- Maintain open communication with drivers, providing support and clear instructions to optimize performance.
- Maintaining digital and physical records of all dispatched shipments using Excel and Outlook software.
- Operated under pressure during peak seasons while effectively balancing competing demands to maintain excellent service levels.
- Managed high-volume accounts, providing personalized service to meet specific client needs and preferences.
- Negotiated competitive rates with carriers for cost savings and increased profitability for clients.
- Reduced company risk exposure by thoroughly vetting all carriers before entering into contractual agreements.
- Developed strong relationships with carriers, ensuring timely deliveries and optimizing shipping costs.
- Secured repeat business through proactive follow-ups after successful deliveries, fostering ongoing relationships with key clients.
- Prepared hazardous material shipments in compliance with safe handling practices.
- Utilized computer systems to manage cargo shipments and accurately track goods.
- Implemented and maintained security protocols to safeguard cargo shipments.
Dispatcher
Swift Transportation
06.2021 - 09.2023
- Coordinated daily dispatch operations ensuring timely resolutions to customer inquiries.
- Managed communication between drivers and customers, optimizing delivery routes and schedules.
- Developed and maintained efficient tracking systems for real-time shipment updates.
- Maintain open communication with drivers, providing support and clear instruction to optimize performance.
- Plan, build and dispatch loads using Swift Transportation built-in software.
- Maintain fueling locations with lowest prices to ensure our team has the best compliance records,
- Monitored drivers status and vehicle location in real time using Swift tracking software. Proactively addressing potential delays or issues and ensuring compliance.
- Oversaw incident resolution processes, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and company policies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline logistics operations and improve service delivery outcomes.
- Managed high-stress situations calmly and effectively, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.
- Communicated with drivers and personnel to coordinate timely delivery of goods and materials.
- Directed dispatching, routing, and tracking of 32 fleet vehicles.
- Provided exceptional customer service to callers, remaining empathetic and patient during emergencies.
- Tracked delivery progress to identify possible delays and provide real-time updates to customers.
- Promoted teamwork among colleagues by proactively assisting others when needed.
OTR Truckdriver
Swift Transportation
01.2007 - 06.2021
- Operated and maintained tractor-trailer equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Planned and executed efficient routes to optimize delivery timelines and minimize fuel consumption.
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles to ensure operational readiness and safety compliance.
- Delivered freight across multiple states while maintaining accurate logs of driving hours and vehicle maintenance.
- Maintained a clean driving record and adhered strictly to all hours of service and DOT
- Provide reliable and on on-time delivery service, building a reputation for for professionalism and efficiency.
- Communicated effectively with dispatchers to provide updates on delivery status and address any route changes.
- Managed cargo loading and unloading processes, ensuring secure transport of goods to prevent damage during transit.
- Made sure that deliveries were on time for scheduled appointments.
- Finalized daily logs on schedule to update internal records and uphold DOT requirements.
- Increased on-time deliveries by planning efficient routes and maintaining regular communication with dispatch teams.
- Inspected vehicles and completed routine maintenance to keep equipment in good working order.
- Safely navigated challenging weather conditions, utilizing defensive driving techniques to ensure timely delivery without compromising safety.
- Charted out upcoming routes with GPS technology and maps.
- Recorded trip details on ELD to provide complete accounts of miles traveled, rest times and expenses.
- Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
- Secured freight during stops and rest periods to prevent theft.
- Completed specialized training courses to expand skill set, including hazardous materials transportation certification for additional route options.
- Completed average of 701 miles per day in 14-hour shifts to maintain delivery schedules.
Education
High School Diploma -
Newnan High School
Newnan, GANo Degree -
West Georgia College
Carrollton, GASkills
- Transportation regulations
- Shipment tracking
- Supply chain coordination
- Logistics management
- Freight pricing
- Shipping documents preparation
- Logistics planning
- Cargo shipment weighing
- Logistics and Operation
- Technology and Software
- Load boards, DAT and Trucktop
- TMS software
- EXCEL for carrier tracking
- Carrier411, RMIS and HIGHWAY platforms
- Financial and Negotiations
Accomplishments
360 understanding of the freight industry. Transitioned from a successful commercial truck driver to a dispatcher to a broker agent and finally a logistics specialist.
Seamlessly blending operation knowledge with strategic planning and client management. Ability to negotiate profitable rates. Self motivated with ambition and goals.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Timeline
Remote Freight Broker Agent, Logistic Specialist
Watco
09.2023 - Current
Dispatcher
Swift Transportation
06.2021 - 09.2023
OTR Truckdriver
Swift Transportation
01.2007 - 06.2021
High School Diploma -
Newnan High School
No Degree -
West Georgia College