How ITS Logistics Invests in Employee Training and Opportunity for Advancement Within
ITS puts a substantial amount of effort into preparing employees for their roles and ensuring they have opportunities for advancement. We start with a four-week logistics training program for new hires to gain experience in the industry, but the training does not stop here. The management team is constantly working on others’ professional development to prepare them to fill leadership roles and advance. ITS Logistics has a strong company culture that is contagious to the entire ITS family, and teamwork is vital in this kind of environment.
ITS University and Logistics Management Certification Program
The ITS University and Logistics Management Certification Program is essential for all incoming employees and is a great opportunity to learn and grow in the logistics industry. It is a four weeklong paid course for any Logistics Sales Executive (LSE), Logistics Associate (LA), Drayage Sales Executive (DSE), and Drayage Associate (DA), and two weeks for other non-LSE positions. The training material is updated every month by the training and development team based off the previous class’s feedback. Their goal is to prepare new employees by providing them the tools and knowledge needed to be successful at ITS. We are actively searching for team members who will add value to the business and strengthen our culture. Do you enjoy a strong atmosphere of teamwork, community, and career growth? Here are a few words directly from one of our training classes:
The amount of time and effort put into the training class has been remarkable. I’ve always been thrown into the fire and this training goes into not only how we do what we do, but why we do it. It is truly a breath of fresh air. ITS is a lifestyle and if you buy in, you can be very successful here.
ITS prepares you to succeed in your role through a very detailed training. They really take the time to ensure you’re getting the right kind of support in the industry, whereas other places only go over the basics, this is all-encompassing. Come try it out! Experience the culture and you will find a home here.
AAA (Developmental League)
AAA follows the base logistics training program and is a three-to-five-month process of fine tuning of skills. The goal in this stage is to practice day-to-day functions of the LSE/DSE role while also focusing on individual development. You learn how each unique team on the floor operates and multiple ways to be an effective professional in the supply chain industry. The associates in AAA assist different teams to get exposure and make a name for themselves in preparation for draft day. The draft is a fun, team-building exercise based around team members’ performance in AAA. This is a collaborative decision, where existing teams evaluate and choose who they will add to their team. The new trainees also get a chance to size up the teams and ensure they are a good cultural fit. Here are a few tips on what it takes to be successful throughout the process:
I have learned to be more independent. Managing time, tasks, and being able to prioritize communication with your team. I feel 100% ready to successfully book loads because I’ve been able to experiment, fail, and get the tools to overcome failure and succeed.
A challenge I have personally faced was adjusting to the fast pace of the floor. Training was a slower pace that really helped me learn the basics, but it is an adjustment learning how the different teams operate. After going through AAA, I have the tools that I need to successfully book loads at my fingertips, along with the extensive knowledge I gained from training.
Logistics Management Training Program (LMTP)
Logistics Sales Executives are responsible for developing and maintaining carrier relationships, and offering custom, sometimes out-of-the-box transportation solutions. ITS strives to exceed our customers’ needs, while delivering excellent service. The LSE’s responsibility is to work through any problems that may occur and always maintain communication with carriers. They must take accountability in ensuring jobs are completed thoroughly and facilitate any necessary tracking, tracing, or reporting. LSEs are also expected to negotiate rates and meet the established margin and budget targets. Our LSEs enjoy the “work hard, play hard” motto and have numerous opportunities for growth, while being provided the support to do so. You can check out our LMTP Job Description. See for yourself what a few of the LSE’s have to say about their position here at ITS!
My favorite part about being an LSE is that it is fast paced, which is important in the workplace, so you don’t get tired or bored of your environment. You have to be flexible because there is no predicting what will happen next, and it really surprised me to see just how crazy a day in the life of an LSE really is.
This job is much more than you’d expect, but once you are comfortable you feel empowered. I like that it’s fast paced and something new every day even if it is putting out fires. A job like this improves your multitasking and teamwork mentality, which is crucial when working with others. I have a really good team and everyone supports each other and is willing to take on responsibility.
Network Optimization Manager (NOM)
The Network Optimization Manager is responsible for the effective design of the ITS Logistics network. Through data analysis, modeling, collaboration with internal stakeholders and industry research, they design an optimal transportation network. This will maximize efficiency and improve ability to purchase capacity at the right cost in the industry for current and new carriers. It is essential for NOMs to have a passion for designing innovative solutions that continually improve the experiences for our carriers and team. They are always working to make recommendations for supply chain management, network utilization, process effectiveness, scalability, and automation, as well as technology improvement. Here are a few insights from some of our innovative NOMs.
I got drafted to the XPO team in March of last year and had the opportunity to advance in October. There is still room for growth and by getting my reps in, I will move up and others will move into my spot, there is constant opportunity for growth. It is important to be personable and have good communication skills to build relationships. My favorite part of my job is the energetic environment and the people. Even on bad days, the people I work with make coming to work worth it, because my team and everyone here is great.
I feel that I have ample opportunity for growth as a leader because everyone is supportive and always willing to help if I have questions. Being persistent is the most vital key to success in this industry because even though you’ll have ups and downs, you have to stick with it. I love the people that I work with and being around my friends all day.
Operations Manager (OM)
The Operations Manager (OM) plays a critical role in keeping ITS’ competitive advantage by providing the highest quality of service. The OM is a team leader who provides guidance on operational processes and works to develop and maintain the capacity team’s needs and monthly business planning. This position is ultimately responsible for the team’s overall operational performance and carrier growth. They proactively train and educate team members on culture, values and expectations and work to identify new supply chain opportunities for the company.
I started working here in February of 2022 and was able to be promoted before my 1-year anniversary. I feel that I’ve been able to succeed because the people above me are transparent and as the team grows, there’s more opportunity to move up. Everyone holds each other accountable, and it’s helpful learning from other people to grow through challenges and sometimes failures. I met two of my best friends which is cool and crazy, but we have personal and professional parts of life we get to share, and I love it!
After getting insight from some of the different positions, it is clear that the logistics industry is a fast-paced, everchanging environment. The rewards of working at ITS are much larger than the challenges, and you build long-lasting relationships with those around you. ITS continues to invest in the logistics training program through continuing education, employee feedback, and constant updates to our programs.
Do you want to be part of a driven, hardworking team? Join us today!
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