Merchandiser I - Overland Park, KS

Merchandiser I - Overland Park, KS

Position Summary
The Merchandiser I – FOB Trucking is responsible for learning and supporting the daily merchandising, buying, selling, and coordination of truck shipments on an FOB basis. This position assists with customer and carrier communication, freight coordination, market tracking, order entry, and shipment follow-up. The role is designed to develop the trainee’s knowledge of merchandising, logistics, pricing, customer service, and transportation operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist merchandisers with buying and selling commodities on a FOB truck basis.
• Communicate with customers, suppliers, carriers, and internal teams to coordinate truck shipments.
• Help arrange truck transportation, confirm pickup and delivery schedules, and track shipments.
• Enter and maintain accurate sales, purchase, freight, and shipment information in company systems.
• Monitor market conditions, freight rates, product availability, and customer demand.
• Support pricing efforts by gathering freight quotes and market information.
• Follow up on loads to ensure timely pickup, delivery, and proper documentation.
• Assist with resolving freight issues, late deliveries, shortages, overages, or quality concerns.
• Prepare and review bills of lading, purchase orders, sales confirmations, and freight documents.
• Build relationships with customers, vendors, truck brokers, and carriers.
• Learn company policies, procedures, contract terms, and industry standards.
• Provide administrative support to the merchandising and transportation teams as needed.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Customer service focused
• Strong follow-up skills
• Detail-oriented
• Reliable and self-motivated
• Good negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work well with drivers, dispatchers, customers, and internal staff
• Interest in trucking, logistics, merchandising, or commodity markets

Physical and Work Environment

• Primarily office-based position.
• May require occasional travel to customer locations, supplier facilities, terminals, or job sites.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods and use a computer and phone throughout the day.
• Occasional overtime may be required based on shipment schedules and business needs.

• The trainee will receive hands-on training in FOB trucking, freight coordination, customer communication, pricing, merchandising, and market analysis.
• Successful performance may lead to advancement into a Merchandiser, Logistics Coordinator, Transportation Specialist, or Account Manager role.