Heavy Haul Logistics Lead

Position Summary ThermalWorks is seeking a Heavy Haul Logistics Lead to own the movement of ThermalWorks equipment from the point of manufacture to the point of customer delivery. This role manages the full transportation lifecycle of chillers, cooling distribution units, coolant control units, and related heavy equipment, including carrier sourcing, schedule coordination, rigging verification, insurance adequacy, and permit management. The Heavy Haul Logistics Lead owns each shipment from factory pickup through customer receipt, at which point responsibility transfers to the ThermalWorks Project Management team for on-site coordination. This role is the operational connective tissue between manufacturing partners, transportation providers, and the customer-facing delivery function. Reliable and well-coordinated equipment delivery is essential to ThermalWorks' ability to meet customer commitments, and this role owns the accountability for that delivery. Key Responsibilities Carrier Sourcing and Management Identify, qualify, and maintain relationships with heavy haul carriers appropriate for the size, weight, and geographic requirements of ThermalWorks equipment shipments. Source competitive freight quotes for each shipment; balance cost, timing, carrier capability, and reliability in carrier selection. Verify carrier operating authority, safety ratings, and insurance coverage prior to engagement; maintain an active pool of qualified carriers for domestic and international shipments as required. Negotiate freight rates, terms, and service-level expectations with carriers; manage carrier performance and hold carriers accountable to committed schedules and service standards. Schedule Coordination and Delivery Management Coordinate pickup schedules with manufacturing partners (currently including Jabil and NPSG in the United States, and multiple manufacturing partners in Europe and Asia) based on production completion dates and customer required delivery dates. Build and maintain delivery schedules that reconcile factory ready dates with carrier availability, transit time, and customer site readiness. Monitor in-transit shipments and communicate proactively to internal stakeholders and to Project Management on shipment status, expected arrival, and any deviations from planned schedule. Coordinate with the Production Planner and the Procurement Manager on pickup timing so that production completion, materials availability, and outbound transportation are sequenced correctly. Rigging, Handling, and Equipment Preparation Confirm that rigging capabilities at pickup and drop-off locations are sufficient for the equipment being moved, including verification of crane capacity, forklift capability, staging area suitability, and rigging equipment on hand. Verify that carriers have the appropriate trailer type, tie-down equipment, protective materials, and handling capability for each shipment; ensure specialized equipment such as heavy haul trailers, flatbeds, step-decks, or drop-decks are procured as required by the shipment profile. Coordinate with manufacturing partners on equipment preparation for transport, including any protective measures required by product characteristics (such as nitrogen charge, plugged connections, or protective packaging for units with sensitive internal components). Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for rigging verification, load securement, and receipt handoff to ensure repeatable, predictable delivery outcomes across shipments. Insurance and Permits Verify that carrier insurance coverage is adequate for the value and characteristics of each shipment; secure supplemental coverage where required. Manage permits for oversize, overweight, and specialized transportation as required by shipment dimensions, weight, and routing; ensure permits are obtained in advance of shipment and are valid for the full transit route. Track and document insurance certificates, permit documentation, and other c…