Matthew Placek

• Oversaw logistics, fleet management, and compliance to ensure seamless operations for mid-size over-the-road trucking company.
• Analyzed dispatch metrics and executed process improvements, successfully decreasing empty miles from 26% to 17%.
• Achieved significant improvements in driver retention through strategic oversight of human resources functions, including hiring and employee relations. Monitored market indicators to inform retention strategies targeting 40-50% success. Cultivated a purposeful hiring approach to enhance workforce quality.
• Safety – Working with department to ensure all equipment is FMCSA compliant, HOS is accurate and legal, develop safety plans and driver meetings to ensure safety messages are relayed accordingly. Reduced Safety Score from by 30 points by implementing new safety standards such as month meetings, random checks, and log monitoring.
• Achieved timely repairs by coordinating effectively with garage on maintenance schedules. Enhanced operational efficiency through proactive communication with dispatch and drivers regarding work-in requests.
• Track Service, P&L, operating ratio and developing forecasts for rolling 6–12-month periods. Increased revenue by 30-40% by reducing lanes with minimal or no margin, and concentrating bid freight to stick to core geographical location.
• Conducted detailed shipper rate negotiations, ensuring competitive bid cycle engagement.

• Transportation Management for Inbound, Outbound, Outlet, Ocean, Dray, and Direct Store Delivery
• Responsible for a team of Coordinators and Leads that led the work on the day to day operations which included, tendering loads, service tracking, DC monitoring /support, as well as cross department support.

Metrics

• Service of 92% On-time: Service expectations were always met each year. This was done through constant carrier/vendor engagement, Strict carrier routing guide, competitive bid cycles, and highly productive team work.
• Pieces Per Load 120 - Increased pieces per load to 142. The increase in was due to strict requirement from my team to the DCs that loads will not be closed until all the freight was loaded and reviewed.
• Cost Per Piece $3.10 - Reduction of cost per piece from 3.10 down to $1.65. This was achieved by reducing multi stop lanes and developing more direct lanes from the DCs. Using a waterfall system with low cost carriers for Vendors, Holding coordinators accountable for strict use of carriers on routing guide, and multi round bid strategy when bidding freight out.

Inbound Cost Saving Initiatives

• Inbound vendor Cross border mode conversion 3PL TL to Direct Intermodal. $1.5 million in initial savings and improved Service
• Third Party managed LTL to Direct relationship managed LTL. $750,000 in Savings and improved service for inbound shipments

Outbound / Inbound Transportation Management

• Up to 650 outbound shipments per week. Responsible for Nationwide DC network for Furniture shipments. DCs include CA, TX, NJ, GA, NC and MS
• Up to 12,000 LTL shipments per year from inbound Vendors.
• Over 3,000 Inbound Manufacturing shipments per year needed for production runs.
• Carrier Relationships, Onboarding, accountability, and contracts

Ocean Drayage

• Manufacturing Inbound Ocean Drayage for 2 plants, Mississippi and North Carolina.
• Owned the relationship with carrier that I brought in to do the drayage. Improved service from 72% to 90% on time. Streamlined appointment process with warehouse and cross trained lead to backfill.

Inbound Mexico Vendors

• Responsible for 2 Major inbound vendors. Kuka and Halo
• Learned cross border and customs and developed relationships with multiple 3rd parties
• Improved Service and cost by identified multiple process breakdowns. Worked with vendor to correct and streamline process effectively.
• Brought in Additional carriers and eventually went away from TL to Intermodal.

Team Building

• Responsible for developing, training, retaining, cross training, and reviewing all my coordinators.
• Daily Meetings (Teams) for Inbound and outbound, along with one on ones.
• Cross training to fill gaps and make sure everything was covered
• Trips into Memphis TN from Claremont NC to work with team in person, discuss reviews and next steps for employment paths

• Oversaw daily terminal operations, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Provided service at 93% on time to our customers
• Managed team schedules, optimizing workforce efficiency and productivity. Improved productivity by reducing routes and increasing stops
• Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback to drive employee engagement and accountability.
• Oversaw maintenance activities, ensuring equipment reliability and minimal downtime due to repairs or malfunctions.
• Fielded customer complaints and comments and rectified issues.
• Promoted safety programs throughout terminal by conducting meetings and communicating safety program messages.
• Top 8 terminals in the company for size and service numbers.

• Coordinated material flow for Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee assembly lines, ensuring timely availability and compliance with production schedules.
• Administered inventory control for over 3000 parts valued at $2 million, optimizing stock levels and availability.
• Achieved high levels of employee engagement by effectively managing 5 salaried employees and 200 hourly employees. Enhanced operational workflows through strategic scheduling and resource allocation. Cultivated a positive workplace culture that promoted teamwork and productivity.
• Facilitated training sessions on world-class manufacturing methodologies to drive continuous improvement.
• Gained Silver status for WCM plant audit for Toledo Assembly
• Facilitated logistics and customer service instruction, ensuring alignment with plant operational standards.
• Selected for Pilot program to roll out 2018 Jeep Wrangler redesign.
• Managed safety assessments and incident investigations to ensure a secure working environment.
• Continuous Improvement

• Directed all freight and sales operations for small LTL freight terminal in Asheville, North Carolina.
• Achieved timely deliveries by optimizing driver routes and schedules. Enhanced safety protocols, resulting in improved compliance among drivers. Fostered a collaborative environment that increased team performance and morale.
• Assisted in onboarding and training new employees. Supported ongoing development through mentorship and feedback. Facilitated skill-building workshops to enhance team capabilities.
• Executed business-to-business freight sales strategies to enhance client relationships.
• Executed project management strategies and corporate maintenance to optimize terminal operations for future growth.
• Assisted customers with inquiries and issues to enhance satisfaction. Provided support in resolving product-related concerns. Facilitated communication between customers and service teams.
• Assisted in routine inspections and repairs of fleet vehicles. Supported maintenance teams in executing scheduled service tasks. Contributed to maintaining vehicle safety and performance standards.
• Achieved compliance with OSHA, FMCSA, and DOT regulations through proactive management of safety initiatives. Enhanced team performance by implementing effective training programs on regulatory standards. Improved operational safety by fostering a culture of compliance and accountability.

• Directed freight management processes for inbound and outbound shipments at Flint and Port Huron, Michigan LTL terminals, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with regulations.
• Oversaw a team of 12 drivers in Flint and 4 drivers in Port Huron. Coordinated remote operations to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Developed strategies to improve driver engagement and operational effectiveness.
• Oversaw account management for Chrysler and General Motors, ensuring alignment with client objectives.
• Led initiatives to enhance driver retention by analyzing feedback and implementing targeted improvements. Oversaw the development of programs aimed at increasing driver satisfaction and loyalty. Championed cross-departmental collaboration to drive retention efforts.
• Assisted in planning routes and scheduling deliveries to optimize efficiency. Helped coordinate logistics to meet project timelines. Supported team members in executing daily operational tasks.
• Assisted in loading and building projects to meet quality standards. Support teams in maintaining quality throughout the build process. Collaborated with colleagues to ensure successful project completion.
• Conducted thorough investigations into overages, shortages, and damages (OS&D) to ensure accurate inventory management.
• Assisted customers with inquiries and issues to enhance satisfaction. Provided support in resolving product-related concerns. Facilitated communication between customers and service teams.
• Oversaw terminal operations to ensure efficient service delivery and compliance with safety standards.

• Oversee inbound and outbound package sorts for the Livonia, Michigan satellite.
• Manage load and unload side of facility.
• 20,000+ packages per sort
• 150+ hourly
• Largest manual sort facility
• Selected for VISION scan system rollout
• Developed and implemented damage reduction initiative.