Management Trainees develop operational and leadership skills across LTL terminals and freight operations. Responsibilities include supporting dock and yard activities, loading and unloading freight, coordinating staffing and workflows, reviewing service metrics, assisting with safety and continuous improvement, and operating material-handling equipment and non-CDL vehicles. The role requires approximately 50% travel, physical freight-handling capabilities, a valid driver’s license, forklift and hazardous-material certification, drug screening, and a four-year college degree.
Overview
Dohrn is your complete Midwestern transportation partner. We offer less-than-truckload, truckload and value-added services throughout our 10-state service area. Our family operated company provides the attention and flexibility that only a regional carrier can, backed by excellence in service and powerful logistical tools.
Purpose
The Management Trainee will build operational knowledge, leadership capability, and practical experience
while supporting locations across the Dohrn network and preparing for future operations leadership
opportunities.
Responsibilities- Participate in structured training covering key areas of LTL terminal and freight operations.
- Travel throughout the Dohrn network, approximately 50% of the time, to support operational needs and gain experience across multiple terminal environments.
- Learn and support dock operations, including freight flow, load quality, cut times, workplace organization, dock setup, and yard checks.
- Assist with the accurate movement, loading, unloading, and verification of freight and related shipping documentation.
- Gain hands-on experience with forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment after required training and certification.
- Gain experience operating a non-CDL vehicle for pickups, deliveries, and other business needs as assigned.
- Assist with pre-shift meetings, daily projections, staffing and workflow coordination, and operational planning activities.
- Work alongside operations leaders to develop skills in employee communication, coaching, safety, service performance, and day-to-day leadership.
- Develop leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and business acumen through hands-on assignments and mentorship.
- Review operational and service metrics and assist in identifying opportunities for safety, service, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- A minimum age of 18
- 4-year College graduate in Supply Chain Management or other applicable field
- Valid Driver License
- Clean driving history
- Must pass a NON-Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and functional screen
- Must consent to a pre-employment drug screen; Dohrn Transfer must receive a negative result
- Must have the ability to read, write, and speak the English language and also perform simple
- mathematical calculations
- Must meet all physical requirements
- Must consent to a check on work history; Gaps of 30 days or more must be listed and explained;
- documentation may be requested; Discrepancies may prevent applications from being processed or
- withdrawal of the job offer
- Must pass certification in forklift safety and hazardous material handling
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
- Lifting various types of materials will be required: cartons, bags, cylinders, boxes, crates, drums, pipe, bars, rugs, etc.
- Common material handling tools will be used: forklifts, carts, dollies, banding machines, shrink wrap tubes, pallet jacks, and tow motors
- Standing, walking, squatting, pushing, pulling, twisting, carrying, bending at the waist, reaching, and lifting both above and below waist level will be required
- Must be physically capable of operating a forklift, pallet jack, load lock and two-wheel handcart
- Will be required to lift up, set down, slide or move weight unassisted that could exceed 80 pounds
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. on a frequent basis and 100+ lbs. on an infrequent basis
- Must be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time
- Must have the ability to safely enter and exit trailers, vans, flatbeds, forklifts and tractors
- Must have the ability to work around and operate motorized equipment
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job as specified in the job description
- May be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures and dusty conditions in the dock environment; must
- be able to perform essential functions in these conditions
Similar Jobs
Logistics • Transportation
A 24-week training program for recent or upcoming bachelor's graduates preparing for future sales leadership roles in the LTL transportation industry. Trainees learn freight operations, sales, leadership, and company practices while rotating across first, second, and third shifts. The role requires relocation to any service center and provides hands-on exposure to Dayton Freight operations, with advancement opportunities after program completion.
Logistics • Transportation
Participate in a 24-week sales management trainee program covering the LTL transportation industry, freight operations, leadership development, and sales knowledge. Trainees rotate through first, second, and third shifts, gain hands-on operational experience, and prepare for a future sales role with the company. Relocation to any service center is required.
Logistics • Transportation
Participate in a 24-week management trainee program focused on LTL transportation operations, leadership development, and hands-on experience across service center functions. Trainees learn the transportation industry, support office and dock operations, handle freight-related tasks, and prepare for future management positions. The role requires a bachelor's degree, relocation flexibility, and availability for rotating shifts.
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

