Overview
Transportation Manager Jobs in Minneapolis, MN at Dash Express
About the Role
Dash Express, LLC is a final-mile delivery and logistics company operating three terminals across the Upper Midwest — Minneapolis, MN, Milwaukee, WI, and Duluth, MN. We’re looking for a Transportation Manager to own day-to-day transportation operations across all three sites: routing and dispatch, fleet and driver management, safety and DOT compliance, and the on-time delivery performance our customers count on. This role is based out of our Minneapolis terminal but travels regularly to Milwaukee and Duluth to manage operations, coach on-site teams, and keep all three terminals running to the same standard.
This is a hands-on operations role at a growing company — you’ll be close to the routes, the drivers, and the numbers, with real ownership over how transportation performs across the network.
What Success Looks Like in Year One
- On-time delivery performance is consistently tracked and improving at all three terminals.
- Driver compliance is at an all-time high, trucks display Dash Express signage, drivers are in uniform, SOP’s are being followed resulting in diminished freight claims.
- Driver and dispatch turnover has stabilized, with clear training and safety practices in place at every site.
- You’ve built a reliable operating rhythm across Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Duluth — regular site visits, consistent reporting, and no terminal left to run on its own.
Key Responsibilities
- Multi-terminal operations — Assist/manage dispatchers with planning and optimizing delivery routes and dispatch schedules across Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Duluth terminals to meet service-level commitments.
- Driver Compliance — manage vehicle inspection reports, follow up on safety violations, ensure drivers are wearing uniforms, monitor insurance, MVR’s, SOP training and Safety training.
- People management — hire,train, advise, schedule, and supervise drivers, recruiters and dispatch staff at each terminal; monitor performance and address issues directly, including during on-site visits.
- Safety & compliance — ensure every terminal driver complies with DOT regulations, hours-of-service rules, and other federal and state transportation safety requirements; lead incident investigations when they occur.
- Performance management — track KPIs (on-time delivery rate, cost per stop, delivery density, safety incidents) by terminal, and use the data to identify and fix inefficiencies before they compound.
- Exception handling — resolve missed deliveries, damaged goods, weather disruptions, and customer escalations quickly, regardless of which terminal they originate from.
- Vendor & carrier relationships — manage relationships with any outsourced carriers or gig-economy drivers used to supplement terminal capacity during peak periods.
- Forecasting —Forecast seasonal capacity needs (e.g., holiday peak) across all three sites making sure we have enough drivers to cover the increased demand.
- Cross-functional coordination — serve as the primary link between terminal operations and company leadership, and coordinate with warehouse/fulfillment and customer service teams.
Travel Requirements
This role requires regular travel between our three terminals — Minneapolis, MN; Milwaukee, WI; and Duluth, MN — estimated at 25–40% of working time. Travel typically includes routine site visits (driving, with occasional overnight stays) rather than air travel. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required. Travel frequency to each terminal will be set collaboratively based on operational needs, with the expectation that all three sites receive consistent, hands-on attention.
Required Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of experience in transportation, fleet, or logistics management — final-mile, parcel, or last-mile delivery experience strongly preferred.
- Experience managing operations across more than one site, or a clear track record of managing distributed teams.
- Working knowledge of DOT regulations, hours-of-service rules, and transportation safety compliance.
- Proven experience directly supervising drivers and/or dispatch staff, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
- Comfort working with data — able to track KPIs (on-time %, cost per stop, safety incidents) and translate them into operational decisions.
- Proficiency with routing/dispatch or transportation management software, plus standard office tools (Microsoft Office or Google Workspace).
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel regularly between Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Duluth.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience specifically in final-mile, e-commerce, or cartage delivery operations.
- Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) and route optimization software.
- Experience opening, stabilizing, or turning around an underperforming terminal or site.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range: $65,000–$74,000 per year, depending on experience.
Target annual bonus: 12% of base salary, weighted across four KPIs —
1. Safety, TSA & DOT Compliance (40%) – CSA Score, Accidents, Violations, Freight Claims
2. On-time delivery performance (30%) – KPI’s, Delivery Windows, MobileTek accuracy, Paperwork
3. Driver compliance (20%) – Insurance, Uniforms, Signage, Complaints, Inspection reports, SOP’s
4. Driver retention (10%) – Equipment breakdowns, Attendance issues, Dependability
Benefits: health/dental insurance, paid time off, company matching retirement plan, vehicle allowance & cell phone reimbursement.
Pay: $65,000.00 – $74,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of DOT/FMCSA regulatory experience do you have?
- How many years of transportation and logistics experience do you have?
Education:
- Bachelor’s (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Title: Transportation Manager
Company: Dash Express
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Category:
