Summary
Skills
Work History
Overview
Additional Information
Accomplishments
TruckDriver

MELINDA LAUGHLIN

Logistics
Chattanooga,TN

Summary

Operations-focused, Freight Broker and Logistics Professional with 15 years of experience managing full-cycle supply chain operations across LTL, FTL, Reefer, Drayage, Ocean, and Air. Proven track record in optimizing logistics workflows, improving inventory accuracy, and reducing transportation costs through vendor partnerships and process improvements. Skilled in negotiating competitive contracts, managing multimillion-dollar accounts, and leveraging technology for real-time shipment tracking and inventory control. Recognized for driving operational excellence while maintaining strong client relationships.

Skills

  • Freight Brokerage
  • Rate & Contract Negotiations
  • Import/Export
  • Full-Cycle Supply Chain & Logistics Management
  • Billing, Invoicing & Compliance Management
  • Inventory Balancing & Control
  • Dispatch & Load Planning (TMS/SCM)
  • Vendor & Carrier Management
  • Transportation & Fleet Management (FTL/LTL, Reefer, Drayage, White Glove, Ocean/Air)

Work History

Freight Broker

Independent Contractor
09.2021 - Current
  • Manage end-to-end freight operations across LTL, FTL, Reefer, Drayage, White Glove, Ocean, and Air Shipments.
  • Achieved $3.5M+ in annual sales.
  • Develop and implement cost-saving logistics strategies, reducing client transportation spend by up to 15%.
  • Source and negotiate competitive freight rates; establish strategic carrier/vendor partnerships to maximize operational efficiency.
  • Oversee shipment tracking, dispatching, billing, and compliance, ensuring smooth execution and client satisfaction.

Outside Sales Account Manager

ArcBest
08.2017 - 09.2021
  • Increased territory revenue by $1M in the first year and maintained $1M+ annual growth.
  • Ranked in the top 5% of regional account managers for revenue and client retention.
  • Sold a broad suite of logistics services including truckload, LTL, trade show, time-critical, white glove, ocean, air, managed transportation, warehousing, and supply chain optimization.
  • Developed customized client supply chain solutions, improving efficiency and lowering freight spend.

Logistics Manager

Caesarstone
08.2014 - 08.2017
  • Balanced inventory across 11 distribution centers, improving stock availability by 12%.
  • Managed 150+ import containers monthly including air freight, imports, and exports.
  • Negotiated transportation and logistics contracts to reduce shipping costs.
  • Managed logistics team performance, stepping in for the Logistics Director as needed.

Logistics Specialist

JF Hillebrand USA
04.2013 - 05.2014
  • Coordinated delivery for 200+ monthly import containers for global wine and spirits clients.
  • Managed strategic accounts and implemented SCM system upgrades for real-time inventory updates.
  • Directed drayage/intermodal dispatching and KPI Tracking.
  • Vendor invoicing, customer billing, and drayage/intermodal dispatching.

Account Specialist/Dispatcher

Maritime Delivery Services/Sister Company OOCL
10.2011 - 12.2012
  • Directed dispatch operations for 31 drivers delivering up to 35 cargo containers daily.
  • Improved driver scheduling efficiency and reduced EDI rejections.
  • Built strong relationships with Fortune 500 and multinational manufacturing clients.

Receiving Representative

Terminal Warehouse
10.2009 - 10.2011
  • Oversaw receiving operations for a $28M inventory warehouse, reducing processing time and improving accuracy.
  • Scheduled inbound containers, processed receipts, and resolved shipment issues.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Additional Information

Long Term Rental Landlord - 2020 to Present

Short Term Rental: Airbnb/VRBO - 2020 to Present

Realtor, Golden Strip Real Estate/Prudential C Dan Joyner (2004 - 2011) - Sold 27 properties in the first 6 months, exceeding targets and building long-term client relationships.

Accomplishments

Rookie of the Year (2018) | (2018–2021) Cross-Selling Award | Prospector of the Year | International Top Sales | Shark Award | LTL Brokerage (2019–2021)

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MELINDA LAUGHLINLogistics