Freight Broker

SUMMARY:

The Freight Broker is responsible for managing high-volume freight movements across produce, refrigerated, and dry van lanes. This role requires strong logistics expertise, market-driven pricing and negotiation skills, and the ability to build and maintain high-performing carrier relationships. The Freight Broker serves as a key point of contact for both customers and carriers, ensuring reliable service, competitive pricing, and timely resolution of issues throughout the shipment lifecycle.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage high-volume freight across produce, refrigerated, and dry van operations.


• Quote freight lanes and adjust pricing based on market conditions, capacity, and demand.


• Negotiate rates and contracts with carriers to secure reliable capacity.


• Build, maintain, and grow strong carrier relationships to support long-term network stability.


• Communicate proactively with carriers and customers throughout the shipment lifecycle, from pickup through delivery.


• Monitor loads in real time and resolve service issues quickly and professionally.


• Work across multiple transportation and brokerage systems while handling inbound and outbound calls and emails.


• Collaborate internally to resolve complex operational, pricing, or service-related challenges.


• Performs all other duties as assigned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent


• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation & Logistics or similar preferred.

Experience

• Prior freight brokerage experience, preferably within produce, refrigerated, or dry van markets.


• Strong negotiation and rate management skills.


• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple active shipments simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.


• High level of computer proficiency and comfort working across multiple systems.


• Strong multitasking and organizational skills.

• Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Skills

• Logistics Expertise: Deep understanding of supply chain, freight brokerage, and transportation management principles.


• Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate rates, contracts, and service expectations in competitive markets.


• Leadership: Ability to build, support, and contribute to high-performance, innovative, and productive teams.


• Problem-Solving: Skilled at navigating complex issues with customers, carriers, and internal stakeholders.


• Data Analysis: Ability to use market data, trends, and performance metrics to inform pricing and strategic decisions.


• Ability to make independent decisions with minimal oversight

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience starting carrier connections for a new brokerage.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Typical office environment with computer equipment, overhead shelves, filing cabinets.


• Sitting standing 85% of time, walking, filing, stooping, bending 15% of time.


• Ability to walk and coordinate in a warehouse and trucking environment to meet employees in their space.


• Regular interaction with carriers, customers, and internal teams throughout the business day via written and verbal communication methods.


• Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT UPPER LAKES FOODS

Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is the largest independent, wholesale food distributor in Minnesota.  The company has three facilities located in Cloquet, MN, Northfield, MN and Janesville, WI.  We distribute food throughout the Upper Midwest.  Upper Lakes Foods specializes in serving foodservice operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional foodservice chain accounts with a strong focus on customer service. Simply put, the mission is to build value for each customer, employee, supplier and community we serve by bringing the best; the best products, best people and best ideas.

CORE VALUES

• Strong Work Ethic – We believe in the value of hard work, perseverance and consistency of character.


• Positive Attitude – We believe in encouraging a flexible, agreeable and well-adjusted work existence that promotes successful outcomes.


• Integrity – We believe in honesty, truthfulness and consistency of our actions.


• Team Work – We believe that work done by several individuals combined insures excellence of quality, safety and service.


• Professional Appearance – We believe in maintaining an appearance that promotes good hygiene, neatness and appropriate business dress.


• Respectful Interaction – We believe in creating a workplace where employees are treated fairly in a safe and positive environment.

“We are an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.”