Supervisor, Truck Operations - Canadian National Railway Company

The Supervisor Truck Operations is responsible for the management of Canadian National Trucking Limited (CNTL) Truck Owner Operators for the territory served by CN’s Intermodal Terminal. The role is critical to the success of CN’s domestic retail customers as the CNTL Owner Operators performs pick-up and delivery services to and from the respective Intermodal Terminals. The incumbent ensures sufficient trucks are available to meet customer demand, federal, provincial, state and local regulatory obligations, and maintains efficient system operation.   

Main Responsibilities 

Management of Truck Supply — 35% 

• Monitor business demand and collaborate with the Supervisor Road Operations to resolve truck requirements and adjustments in truck schedules to meet customer demand 

• Source additional trucks from motor carriers  

• Recruit new CNTL Owner Operators  

• Ensure new CNTL Owner Operators are thoroughly vetted through previous employment validations, Police Record check, Criminal Background check, road test, interview, online training and complete the CNTL orientation program 

• Make certain that other motor carriers closely observe regulatory compliance, insurance coverage, and drivers are familiar with CNTL processes as well as requirements  

• Ascertain Owner Operators make their trucks available on the scheduled days and report on time to meet customer demand 

• Confirm records for CNTL Owner Operators and other Motor Carriers are completed and remain updated with current information and documentation as required by Government regulations for that jurisdiction 

• Confirm compliance with the Standard contract and the Collective Agreement (CA) with UNIFOR in Canada 

• Hold Owner Operator accountable for performance through coaching and focusing steps outlined in the agreement  

• Respond to grievances through the Grievance Tracking System (GTS) and work to resolve issues where appropriate and practical according to the requirements of the CA 

Safety — 25% 

• Coach and train Owner Operators on correct safety behaviour 

• Investigate vehicle accidents, traffic violations, and Department of Transport violations 

• Document all accidents and violations on the CNTL Contractor Management System 

• Resolve the root cause of the incident and take corrective action with the contractors through remedial training 

• Analyze the safety data to identify trends and develop initiatives to reduce the frequency of violations 

• Conduct safety conferences for all contractors to increase awareness of           safety-related incidents, corrective actions, and prepare material to help contractor’s team improve the overall performance 

• Conduct efficiency testing of CNTL Owner Operators by evaluating their pre-trip inspections, on road behaviours, and compliance with CNTL’s operating processes 

Customer Service — 20%  

• Provide marketing expertise on ability to haul container shipments between jurisdictions with differing weight limit regulations 

• Support customers in proper weight distribution to maximize payload shipped 

• Develop operating plan to service new customers 

• Coordinate with Dispatch, Customer Service, and Cube Managers to plan workload, truck supply and process to maximize on time performance, and ensure customer expectations are met 

• Monitor local road network 

• Represent CNTL at Customer Meetings to respond or advise on operational questions 

• Propose potential operating efficiencies to improve CNTL’s customer service 

Cost Control — 20%  

• Maximize use of CNTL Owner Operators to minimize costs associated with utilization of other Motor Carriers 

• Identify opportunities to improve driver productivity 

• Coordinate with Supervisor Road Operationsto implement improved workflow and truck schedules 

• Investigate root cause of wait time, propose, and implement solutions to reduce related costs and wait time 

Working Conditions 

The role is performed in a combination of office and outdoor environment in various types of weather conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role requires being available on call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences.Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress.The role requires occasional travel (30%), up to 15 weeks per year to offer vacation coverage to various terminals. 

Requirements 

Experience 

Trucking or Carrier or Brokerage 

• Minimum 5 years of trucking or carrier or brokerage experience 

• Experience conducting investigation of incidents and violations on public roads, customer premises or CN terminals to resolve the root cause and implement preventative measures 

Education/Certification/Designation 

• College Diploma with preference given to Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain or Logistics 

• Valid Class 1A Driver’s License, preferably with ability to operate heavy commercial motor vehicles 

Competencies  

• Identifies potential safety and security risks  

• Leads by example for the safety and security of all 

• Considers ESG principles in all operations 

• Sets direction and inspires others  

• Communicates with impact 

• Delegates and empowers others to create accountability 

• Develops self and others 

• Demonstrates   agility and drives change 

• Innovates 

• Demonstrates active listening 

• Solves problems to create value 

• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs 

• Applies critical thinking 

Technical Skills/Knowledge 

• Knowledge of warehouse and distribution processes 

• Knowledge of trailer loading methods and weight distribution requirements 

• Knowledge of Federal, Provincial or State, and local trucking regulations for the jurisdictions where trucks travel 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) 

• Knowledge of the Standard Contract 

• Knowledge of Canadian CA  

• Knowledge of Project Management 

• Strong time management skills  

Organizational Impact 

Decision Making & Impacts 

The Supervisor Truck Operations impacts CNTL’s fundamental ability to meet customer demand and maintain the right number of trucks, operating at the right time and in a safe manner to maintain CNTL’s business model. The incumbent collaborates with CN employees and contractors as well as continuously evaluates customer demand and truck supply. The position requires anticipating adjustments together with ability to implement and meet demand cycle. The role requires decision-making on truck supply and schedule, hiring contractors, implementing corrective actions for Contractors and Motor Carriers.  

Level of Interaction/Influence 

The Supervisor Truck Operations interacts with individuals internal and external to CN. Within the organization, the incumbent liaises with unionized and non-unionized CNTL Contractors’ Management to guide Dispatchers on work distribution in regions where customers are located while optimizing service requirements. Outside of CN, the role communicates with local Law Enforcement and Transportation Officers, Department of Transport officials, and reviews representations at accident scenes, hearings, and seminars. The incumbent also liaises with other motor carriers. Additionally, the role attends Safety Councils, Association meetings, industry seminars, and developments.  

Employees Supervised/Organizational Structure 

The Supervisor Truck Operations reports to the Manager Truck Operations. The role requires direct supervision of 75 to 120 unionized and non-unionized CNTL Contractors, and 5 to 10 motor carriers that provide service to CNTL. The position works with the Supervisor of Road Operations to be the liaison between the Drivers and Dispatchers.  

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.