Manager Fleet

Be 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  Application Deadline: January 28, 2026.Please note that the position may be filled before or after the listed application deadline. Applications will only be accepted while the posting remains active.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 at the employer’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential job duties and satisfy job requirements either with or without a reasonable accommodation.Our HistoryBorder States is a leader in the electrical supply distribution industry with approximately 130 locations in 31 states. Our employee-owners are second to none in delivering top-notch customer service and in demonstrating extra-ordinary people skills. We are one of the largest independent electrical distributors in the United States providing products and services to the construction, industrial and utility industries. Border States has a competitive benefit package and is a 100 percent employee-owned company. Employee-ownership is a significant part of our culture and our success stems from the dedication of our employee-owners. We practice open-book management and our employee-owners are empowered with clearly defined levels of authority to be innovative and decisive, allowing us to respond quickly to the needs of customers. Employee-owners understand their roles in the success of the company and care about customers’ needs, which drives our focus on adding value to everything we do. We recognize that not all customers are the same and each has specific requirements. Our employee-owners understand these diverse needs and have the commitment, resourcefulness and flexibility to outperform all others.ValuesAs a Border States employee-owner, you’re responsible for living our mission, service philosophy and service standards.Our PurposeWe believe unstoppable businesses shouldn't go it alone. We are owners - of relationships, of outcomes, of every moment these unstoppable businesses need to deliver.Service PhilosophyWe earn customer loyalty and confidence by caring about their needs and adding value to everything we do.Service StandardsBorder States employee-owners are competent, accurate, responsive, and engaged .Your careerJoin an experienced team at one of the largest electrical distributors in the United States. What are you waiting for? Border States has a competitive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:Health, Dental and Vision BenefitsAccident, Critical Illness, Hospital IndemnityFSA & HSAEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Disability Benefits401(k) Retirement PlanLife InsuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramPaid HolidaysPaid Volunteer TimePersonal Leave time and moreBorder States provides bonuses to their employee-owners upon the achievement of branch and company goals. Equal Opportunity For AllIt’s not just the law.  It’s something  we’ve believed in since our founding.  We value the diversity of all of our employee-owners and will always be an equal opportunity employer. Drug Free/Smoke Free workplaceEmployment may be contingent on the offered candidate successfully passing one or more of the following pre-employment screenings:Criminal background check (required for all positions)Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check (required for positions involving driving)Drug testingThe MVR check and drug testing vary by role and will be communicated to the offered candidate during the onboarding process and as applicable.