Manager Fleet

Manager Fleet & Transportation StrategyBe part of a growing, successful company in an exciting and challenging field. Border States is 100% employee-owned, which means you're empowered to make decisions, find solutions and receive rewards for your hard work. This position will be located in Fargo, ND.Job SummaryThe Manager Fleet & Transportation Strategy provides strategic leadership for national fleet and transportation operations, overseeing a significant asset base of power units and forklifts. This role is responsible for optimizing the entire logistics network, integrating advanced freight strategy, robust carrier performance management, and comprehensive asset lifecycle planning to deliver efficient, compliant, and world-class order fulfillment. This position is key to driving service level improvements, substantial cost optimization, and supply chain resiliency while ensuring rigorous compliance with DOT, Hazmat, and international trade regulations.ResponsibilitiesEssential FunctionsDevelops and executes high-impact transportation and freight strategies across all modes (parcel, LTL, TL, dedicated fleet), focusing on maximizing service levels (NPS) while driving down cost-per-mile.Manages the entire fleet asset lifecycle for power units and forklifts and trailers plus containers, including data-driven specification, acquisition/lease, utilization optimization, preventive maintenance program oversight, warranty/repairs, and timely remarketing.Leads high-stakes carrier sourcing and contract negotiations; proactively manage vendor performance to enforce rigorous service level agreements (SLAs), claims processes, and cost control.Leverages advanced Transportation Management Systems (TMS), telematics, and Business Intelligence (BI) tools to optimize network design, routing, and load planning, improving on-time delivery metrics.Directs maintenance programs, fuel management, and actively pilot alternative-fuel (Alt-Fuel) and Electric Vehicle (EV) strategies to meet corporate sustainability goals. Leads compliance efforts for all DOT and Hazmat regulations in close partnership with the Safety and the Legal teams.Defines, publishes, and drives improvement against critical operational and carrier performance KPIs, including uptime, cost/mile, MPG, on-time delivery percentage, and claims ratio analysis.Develops and manages the transportation and fleet budgets, supports the claims process as needed, and supports the audit freight invoices to ensure financial accuracy and control.Collaborates strategically with Operations, Sales, Finance, and Compliance teams to align logistics performance with overall business objectives and customer delivery expectations.Other duties as assigned by supervisor or other designate.Non-essential FunctionsCoordinates ACE eManifest readiness and customs documentation with carriers and brokers for border compliance, as needed.Supports trade compliance initiatives (USMCA, CTPAT) in partnership with compliance leadership.QualificationsBachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field. Master's degree or relevant certification (e.g., CTP, CSCP) preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.7+ years of progressive experience in fleet operations and freight management, preferably in a national B2B or wholesale distribution environment.Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage a team of direct or functional reports/analysts.Expert-level negotiation, vendor management, and data-driven analytical skills required.Deep knowledge of transportation regulations (DOT, FMCSA) and compliance fundamentals, particularly Hazmat and general knowledge about international trade compliance (CTPAT, ACE).Expert proficiency in Microsoft 365, Enterprise-level TMS (Transportation Management System), telematics platforms, SAP or similar ERP, and BI tools (Tableau/Power BI).Skills and AbilitiesStrategic LeadershipOperational ExcellenceVendor & Carrier ManagementAnalytical Problem SolvingCompliance & Safety MindsetCustomer FocusPhysical RequirementsFrequency at which you would carry/lift in a typical day: Occasionally 0 33% Frequently 34 66% Continuously: 67 100%Lift from Waist: < than 10 lbs. - Not at all10 to 25 lbs. - Not at all26 to 50 lbs. - Not at all51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all100+ lbs. - Not at allLift from Floor: < than 10 lbs. - Frequently10 to 25 lbs. - Frequently26 to 50 lbs. - Occasionally51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all100+ lbs. - Not at allCarried for Distance: < than 10 lbs. - Not at all10 to 25 lbs. - Not at all26 to 50 lbs. - Not at all51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all100+ lbs. - Not at allPhysical ActivityFrequency at which you would do the following in a typical day:Sitting (a continuous period of being seated) - ContinuouslyStanding (for sustained periods of time) - FrequentlyWalking (moving about on foot to accomplish tasks) - FrequentlyBending/stooping (downward and forward) - OccasionallyCrawling (moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet) - Not at allClimbing/Walking Stairs (ascending or descending) - FrequentlyReaching (extending arms in any direction) - FrequentlyCrouching/squatting (bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine) - OccasionallyKneeling (bending legs at knee to come to rest on knee(s)) - OccasionallyBalancing (maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling) - OccasionallyRepetitive motion (substantial movement (motions) or the wrists, hands, and/or fingers) - ContinuouslyPivoting (movement in any direction with one foot, keeping the other in contact with the floor) - OccasionallyPushing/Pulling (using upper extremities to press against or draw or tug) - OccasionallyGrasping (Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm) - ContinuouslyFingering (picking, pinching, typing; working with primarily fingers and not whole hand) - ContinuouslyTalking (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word) - FrequentlyDriving (the control and operation of a motor vehicle) - OccasionallyDesk work (work usually performed at a desk) - ContinuouslyUse of a computer - ContinuouslyUse of a telephone - FrequentlyHearing (Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels) - ContinuouslyExposure (to adverse weather & temperature conditions) - Not at allTravel (travel needed to perform job duties) - FrequentlyAdditional InformationThis job description is a summary of the job duties and responsibilities and is not intended to cover all possible job duties and is subject to change