The Cross-Border Carrier Procurement and Operations Manager is responsible for sourcing and managing carriers that operate across the 33 U.S.–Mexico border crossing points. This role serves as the single subject matter expert (SME) for all carriers providing cross-border drayage services between the two countries.

The primary goal is to ensure timely delivery of shipments while improving efficiency, reducing transportation costs, and maintaining high customer satisfaction. The position involves continuous acquisition and onboarding of qualified carriers, conducting performance assessments, negotiating rates, and maintaining detailed knowledge of operational costs—including per-crossing rates, tolls for southbound (SB) and northbound (NB) movements, and required audits such as CTPAT, OEA, and safety certifications.

Key Responsibilities

Carrier Sourcing:

Secure at least ten qualified carriers per border crossing. Personally validate carrier capabilities through on-site visits and audits to ensure compliance with service level and certification requirements.

Daily Operations Oversight:

Manage day-to-day carrier operations by maintaining strong relationships, conducting evaluations, and providing operational feedback. Ensure the availability of transportation capacity and maintain current rate agreements to support customer demands.

Customer Satisfaction Management:

Maintain regular communication with carriers to ensure timely payments, follow up on service requirements, and help sustain a high level of satisfaction with combined logistics services.

Cost Control and Efficiency:

Stay informed on toll costs, border crossing times, available equipment and drivers, and other key variables to maintain competitive and optimized rate structures.

Reporting and Documentation:Ensure real-time visibility through EDI, with full transparency. Track and report metrics such as average wait times at border crossings, customs system outages, inspections, and traffic closures. Collect accurate data from customs brokers or relevant sources.

Issue Resolution:Address operational issues such as delays, unexpected disruptions, or inefficiencies. Collaborate with internal teams, carriers, clients, and government entities to ensure timely resolution.

Compliance and Risk Management:

Ensure all carriers are certified or in compliance with CTPAT (CBP), OEA (Mexico), and Transporte Limpio. Confirm that all shipments are executed in line with contractual and compliance standards, resolving any errors or delays quickly to avoid penalties or added costs.

Tools and Software

• Logistics Systems: McLeod, WMS, YMS, TMS
• Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, email, phone systems, WhatsApp, text messaging
• Border Monitoring: Access to government cameras and direct communication with carriers and regulatory agencies at border crossing points

Education and Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, logistics, or a related field (preferred). Knowledge of carrier safety operations and audits under CTPAT, OEA, and Transporte Limpio.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years in carrier operations, procurement, cross-border transportation, and customs management. 1 year of project management experience preferred.
• Technical Skills: Experience using TMS, YMS, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), online tracking tools, and other logistics software.

Leadership Competencies

Strong leadership in procurement and carrier operations, including mentoring, team coordination, performance evaluation, and managing RFQ responses for cross-border logistics.

Communication Skills

Fluent in English and Spanish, with strong verbal and written communication abilities to coordinate with internal teams, clients, and external carriers.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Ability to make data-driven decisions, resolve discrepancies, and implement solutions to improve logistics performance and process efficiency.

Working Conditions

• Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with 24/7 availability for logistics-related emergencies. Occasional weekend work may be required.
• Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to carrier sites, clients, or government entities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cost per northbound (NB) and southbound (SB) border crossing
• On-time delivery performance (NB/SB)
• Utilization and efficiency of carriers and border points
• Client satisfaction and service feedback
• Reduction in operational costs (carrier rates, working hours, secure routes)