Route Planning & Optimization Analyst

As one of the world’s largest food-grade logistics companies, McLane Global relies on the efficiency of its fulfillment centers. We consider all our warehouses to be systematic and operate with a customer-centric mentality. To deliver on our promise to customers, we rely on exceptionally talented, bright, and committed people. We cultivate and embrace a diverse employee population. We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our global culture. The Route Planning & Optimization Analyst at McLane Global will be responsible for designing and maintaining efficient transportation routes and freight lanes across the network. This role focuses on optimizing transportation modes (TL vs. LTL), creating multi-stop routing solutions, and minimizing out-of-route miles to reduce costs and improve service levels. The analyst also supports surge capacity planning and emergency routing to ensure business continuity and operational agility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Route & Lane Optimization

• Build and maintain cost-effective freight lanes and routing guides across regions and modes.
• Optimize mode selection decisions between Truckload (TL) and Less-than-Truckload (LTL) based on cost, service, and network demand.
• Develop and execute multi-stop routing strategies to improve truck utilization and reduce empty miles.
• Minimize out-of-route miles and monitor driver compliance with planned routes.
• Continuously evaluate carrier and route performance to identify improvement opportunities.

Operational Support

• Support surge and emergency routing during peak seasons, disruptions, or unplanned demand spikes.
• Collaborate with dispatchers, carriers, and warehouse teams to adjust routing plans in real-time as conditions change.
• Ensure all routing adheres to service-level commitments, DOT regulations, and company policies.

Analytics & Reporting

• Analyze transportation performance data (cost per mile, on-time delivery, route compliance, equipment utilization).
• Build dashboards and reports to track route efficiency, mode mix, and cost trends.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to management to improve route design and transportation network strategy.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in network modeling and optimization initiatives to drive cost savings and service improvements.
• Work with IT, data, and operations teams to enhance routing algorithms and integrate new optimization tools.
• Benchmark performance against industry standards and internal KPIs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in transportation planning, route optimization, or network design (TL/LTL environment preferred).
• Hands-on experience with route optimization or TMS tools
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, SQL, and visualization tools.
• Knowledge of freight transportation operations, routing principles, and carrier management.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Competitive base compensation  
• Full Benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision effective on the first day of employment
• 401(k) with Employer Match (quarterly enrollment)
• Paid Holidays (no waiting period to receive holiday pay)
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick days effective on first day of employment
• All offers are contingent upon passing a background check and drug screening  
• No company visa sponsorships    
• No phone call or walk in inquiries for this position, apply online to be considered  

DISCLAIMER     

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and if requested, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.    

Furthermore, job descriptions typically change over time as requirements and employee skill levels change. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.