Case Study: Director of Pricing (Asset-Based Carrier, Domestic)

Client:
A third-party logistics (3PL) company headquartered in Illinois, focused on domestic truckload transportation. The company was seeking a Director of Pricing to strengthen its pricing strategy and manage bids, data tools, and cross-department alignment.

The Challenge

The client needed to fill a Director of Pricing role reporting to the VP of Operations. While titled as a Director, the company required someone comfortable with hands-on pricing execution, strong analytical capabilities, and experience managing RFIs, RFPs, and pricing tools like McLeod, Project 44, and Four Kites.

Key requirements included:

  • Competency in truckload pricing and market trend analysis

  • Proven 3PL industry experience

  • Technical proficiency with pricing systems and data management

  • Local candidate preferred to reduce onboarding friction

  • Urgency: The hire needed to be made within a tight window of Q1 2025

Our Approach

To meet the client’s criteria and timeline, we launched a multi-pronged, hyper-targeted search using LinkedIn’s advanced filters and market research:

  • Built custom candidate lists based on competitor benchmarks (notably Uber Freight)

  • Focused outreach to candidates with both managerial pricing experience and hands-on bid execution

  • Shortlisted two finalists:

    • One candidate local to the client, eliminating relocation risk

    • One high-performing candidate who was open to relocation

We ensured alignment in compensation, role scope, and career trajectory before submission.

Results

  • Candidate submitted: January 31, 2025

  • Offer accepted: February 10, 2025

  • Start date: February 24, 2025

  • Turnaround time: 24 days from submission to start

Post-placement follow-up confirmed:

  • The candidate was fully integrated and contributing meaningfully after 45 days

  • They reported strong satisfaction with the team, role, and leadership

Key Takeaways

  • Industry Expertise: Candidate had direct experience in 3PL truckload pricing

  • Local Advantage: Candidate was based in Illinois, enabling fast onboarding

  • Strategic Sourcing: Candidate was sourced directly from a top competitor after market mapping

  • Efficient Process: End-to-end placement took under 25 days

  • Retention-Focused: Alignment on expectations ensured long-term potential

Alex Reynolds

Hippogriff Search Partner was founded by Alexander Reynolds, who leads the firm's client relationships and recruiting engagements. Alex works directly with transportation and logistics companies to understand their hiring needs and identify professionals across the U.S. market.

https://www.hippogriff.info
Previous
Previous

Case Study: Account Executive (Non-Asset Brokerage 3PL, Domestic)