Transportation & Logistics Manager -Industrial Sand Operations

Occupational Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Logistics Manager to lead our industrial sand and aggregate logistics operations. This role requires expertise in material handling, fleet management, rail logistics, and multi-modal shipping coordination. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams, supply chain carriers, and customers to ensure the seamless and cost-effective transportation of materials.

This position is critical to our business success, responsible for optimizing the movement of sand products from quarries to project sites and customers. The ideal candidate will bring a proven ability to manage complex logistics, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold exceptional customer service standards while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout our distribution network.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Operations

- Develop and implement comprehensive logistics strategies and long-range plans (3-5 years) to support business growth and expansion.

- Oversee all daily operations, including scheduling and monitoring performance metrics such as tonnage moved, cost per ton-mile, and equipment utilization.

- Collaborate with mining, sales, and customer service teams to ensure optimal product availability and timely delivery.

Fleet & Rail Management

- Direct all fleet management activities for our specialized hauling fleet, including dump trucks, flatbeds, and pneumatic tankers.

- Oversee relationships with company drivers, truck brokers, and independent owner-operators.

- Manage rail operations, including building relationships with Class 1 Railroads, negotiating agreements, and railcar fleet management.

- Determine and manage freight costs across all transportation modes (truck, rail, barge).

- Handle all export operations, including vessel loading, terminal coordination, and international shipping documentation.

- Ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations, including DOT, ELD programs, weight restrictions, and rail loading schedules.

Shipping & Distribution

· Manage freight rates and costs across truck, rail, and barge modes.

· Coordinate deliveries to industrial customers and project sites.

· Oversee export operations including marine terminal coordination and international documentation.

· Handle shipment claims and maintain fuel surcharge and rate databases.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

· Optimize loading operations to reduce truck wait times and improve throughput.

· Coordinate seasonal demand planning and manage product specifications and handling requirements to ensure product quality during transit.

· Maintain environmental compliance and adhere to MSHA, DOT, and OSHA standards.

· Manage contractor compliance and customer-specific delivery requirements.

Leadership & Financial Oversight

- Lead the logistics team, providing training and conducting performance evaluations focused on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

- Foster a strong safety culture, ensuring adherence to unique operational hazards and compliance standards.

- Monitor all transportation costs against budget, implementing cost control measures as needed.

- Develop pricing models and provide financial analysis to support the development of new markets and infrastructure investments.

- Responsible for Profit & Loss (P&L) performance of the Logistics division.

Required Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Mining Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.

Experience

- Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in material logistics or construction materials transportation, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.

- Direct experience with the sand, aggregate, or mineral industry is strongly preferred.

- Experience with heavy-duty truck fleets and rail logistics is highly desired.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

- Advanced proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Microsoft Excel for cost modeling and performance analysis.

- Thorough understanding of the industrial sand and aggregate market dynamics, including seasonal demand patterns.

- Familiarity with all applicable compliance and reporting systems, including MSHA, DOT, and OSHA regulations.

- Strong knowledge of bulk material storage, handling, and quality preservation techniques.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

- Office-based position is primarily a desk job, requiring extended periods of computer work and sedentary activities. You will need strong visual acuity for detailed data analysis and document review. With frequent visits to mining operations, trans/loading facilities, project and customer sites

- The role requires clear hearing and speaking, as well as fine motor skills for typing. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be necessary.

- Up to 20% of travel is required to various industrial sites, including visits to mine sites, transloading facilities, projects, customer facilities, and transportation hubs. These locations can involve exposure to noise, dust, and heavy equipment operations.

- Availability for emergency respons,e including equipment failures, weather events, and urgent customer requirements.

- Ability to work extended hours during peak season and project deadlines

- Personal protective equipment will be provided and must be worn as required. The work environment alternates between a professional office and active industrial sites.