Director of Drayage Operations & Automation

Description

About the Role

UNIS Transportation & Logistics is seeking a highly driven VP/Director of Drayage Operations & Automation to lead and scale our port and rail drayage operations while driving the adoption of AI-powered automation across the business.

This executive-level role owns the full drayage lifecycle—from container availability, chassis management, and appointment scheduling to dispatch, visibility, and final delivery. The ideal candidate combines deep drayage expertise with a passion for building systems, automating workflows, and leading high-performance teams.

What You'll Do

• Lead end-to-end drayage operations across major port and rail networks 

• Drive on-time pickup and delivery performance while minimizing demurrage and detention exposure 

• Oversee chassis management, appointment coordination, dispatch, and exception resolution 

• Design and implement AI-powered operational workflows that improve efficiency and visibility 

• Build automated reporting, dashboards, alerts, and performance metrics 

• Lead, coach, and develop dispatch, operations, and support teams 

• Manage customer escalations and ensure proactive communication and service excellence 

• Own operational KPIs, margin performance, and continuous improvement initiatives 

Requirements

  What We're Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive drayage, intermodal, or transportation operations leadership experience 

• Strong expertise in LA/LB port operations, terminal systems, chassis pools, and appointment management 

• Proven experience leading multi-team transportation operations 

• Hands-on experience with automation, workflow optimization, AI tools, or transportation technology platforms 

• Strong analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills 

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with TMS platforms, visibility solutions, and port systems such as eModal, One Stop, and PortCheck 

• Demonstrated success implementing AI, automation, or operational technology initiatives 

• Ability to build scalable processes while maintaining high accountability and execution standards 

Why Join UNIS?

• Lead a critical growth division with executive-level visibility 

• Drive real-world AI and automation initiatives in transportation operations 

• Build scalable systems that directly impact customer experience and profitability 

• Join a fast-paced, high-performance organization focused on innovation and operational excellence 

Ready to lead the future of drayage operations? Apply today and help transform transportation through automation, accountability, and operational excellence.

BENEFITS

• Medical insurance 
• Dental insurance 
• Vision insurance 
• Paid Time Off

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DISCLAIMER: EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

Unis provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits historically or culturally associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion (including religious dress and religious grooming), color, age (40 and over), genetic information, disability (mental and physical), medical condition (as defined under state law), national origin (including language use restrictions and possession of a driver’s license issued under section 12801.9 of the California Vehicle Code), ancestry, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression), sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, parental status, domestic partner status, citizenship status, pregnancy (including perceived pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or pregnancy-related conditions), military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Unis complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Unis expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment or discrimination based on any of these protected categories. The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned. The scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.