Position Summary:
The Linehaul Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and continuous improvement of the Company’s linehaul network across Western Canada and interprovincial markets. This role oversees all aspects of linehaul operations, including network planning, fleet utilization, carrier management, scheduling, cost control, service performance, safety, and team leadership.
As a key member of the operations leadership team, the linehaul manager will work closely with terminal operations, dispatch, maintenance, human resources, safety, finance, and executive leadership to ensure the linehaul network operates efficiently, safely, and profitably while delivering high service standards to customers.
About Us:
Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. (Van Kam) is one of the largest regional carriers in Western Canada specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation. With 8 terminal locations across British Columbia, we fulfill shipments to communities within 1-3 days throughout BC and Alberta. Between our own resources and our partner network, our coverage extends beyond Western Canada into the U.S. and Eastern Canada.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership
- Lead and oversee all linehaul operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of freight throughout the network.
- Develop and execute linehaul strategies aligned with company growth objectives and operational goals.
- Optimize routes, schedules, trailer utilization, load factors, and network capacity to maximize efficiency and profitability.
- Monitor and improve key operational metrics including on-time performance, transit times, claims ratios, cube utilization, fuel efficiency, and driver productivity.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the linehaul network.
Network Planning & Optimization
- Analyze freight flows, lane profitability, and service requirements to support network planning and expansion.
- Collaborate with operations and sales leadership to align capacity with customer demand and growth opportunities.
- Evaluate opportunities for relay operations, backhaul optimization, and interline partnerships.
- Support peak season planning and contingency planning for service disruptions or volume fluctuations.
Financial & Cost Management
- Develop and manage the linehaul operating budget.
- Monitor and control transportation costs including labour, fuel, maintenance, purchased transportation, and equipment utilization.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings while maintaining service and safety standards.
- Review and approve carrier contracts, rates, and operational agreements as applicable.
Team Leadership
- Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to dispatch, planners, supervisors, and operational support teams.
- Build a culture focused on accountability, communication, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Support recruitment, succession planning, and employee development initiatives within the linehaul department.
- Foster strong collaboration between terminals and departments across the organization.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable transportation regulations, including NSC, CVSE, hours-of-service requirements, and safety standards.
- Partner with Safety and Maintenance teams to support fleet compliance and accident prevention initiatives.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to Company policies and procedures.
Reporting & Analytics
- Develop and maintain operational reporting and KPI dashboards.
- Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
- Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
Qualifications
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive transportation operations experience within the LTL, freight, or logistics industry.
- Minimum 3–5 years in a leadership role overseeing linehaul or network operations.
- Strong understanding of LTL transportation networks, dispatch operations, routing, fleet management, and linehaul optimization.
- Proven ability to lead large operational teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
- Proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS), routing software, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Knowledge of applicable transportation regulations and safety requirements across Canadian jurisdictions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing multi-terminal or multi-provincial transportation networks.
- Post-secondary education in transportation, logistics, supply chain, or business management.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience is considered an asset.
Working Conditions
- Availability outside regular business hours may occasionally be required to support operational needs.
- Occasional overnight travel required.
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