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What is a load planner and how to become one
The main job function of a load planner is to streamline every aspect of the freight transportation process. Their goal is to ensure the optimal use of resources and maximize the efficiency of the operation, all while complying with safety standards and applying best practices in logistics.
A load planner's duties generally involve planning routes, coordinating with dispatchers and fleet managers, addressing logistical concerns (emergencies, delays, etc.), ensuring compliance with safety rules, and generating daily reports to keep management informed.
The minimum requirement for this role is usually a high school diploma, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, or business. Without a degree, however, an applicant may need to have prior work experience in logistics or proven proficiency in logistics software. Moreover, an aspiring load planner must have outstanding skills in communication, organization, problem-solving, and coordination. On average, a load planner makes around $50,000, depending on their employer and level of experience.
Avg. Salary $40,526
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 28%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%
Asian 6.53%
Black or African American 11.87%
Hispanic or Latino 18.57%
Unknown 4.54%
White 57.63%
Genderfemale 36.13%
male 63.87%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Load planner career paths
Key steps to become a load planner
Explore load planner education requirements
Start to develop specific load planner skills
Skills Percentages Logistics 13.15% Hub 10.66% DOT 7.73% Safety Regulations 5.03% Freight Loads 4.61% Complete relevant load planner training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New load planners learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a load planner based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real load planner resumes.Research load planner duties and responsibilities
- Partner with planner to manage inventory levels to meet turnover and open-to-buy objectives.
- Charge with managing contracts for non-emergency and emergency transportation of Medicaid and Medicare members.
- Create new part numbers, BOM's and routings for all new hinges.
- Enter load information into TMW system.
Prepare your load planner resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your load planner resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a load planner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable load planner resume templates
Build a professional load planner resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your load planner resume.
Apply for load planner jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a load planner job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first load planner job
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Average load planner salary
The average load planner salary in the United States is $40,526 per year or $19 per hour. Load planner salaries range between $27,000 and $60,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do load planners rate their job?
Load planner reviews
Days when you have 100 % on time pick up and delivery and everyone is actually happy to talk to you. Days go fast.
You have to answer for everything. Everything falls back to the load planner. Managers want to know why this happened and truckers ask dispatch who then ask us why things are happening. You have to wear multiple hats. You are above dispatch. But still have to know how to dispatch in and out. AS400 and Excel are just as important to know inside and out. You also have to know your bosses job because when they are out you take their spot. It's high stress. Most planners get out within 3 years. Most go into management. You need to know everything about your trucking company. How each driver runs are they reliable can you trust them or are you going to burn at the stake for making a mistake. Do not start load planning on a dedicated accout say for Walmart or Target you will be in way over your head. It is much more fast paced and time sensitive than an OTR planner.
Everyday, even though it's the same thing over and over, brings different challenges. Drivers make this job either very easy or extremely stressfull.
High stress. High burnout rate. Long hours.
Updated January 8, 2025
