Transportation & Logistics COO Executive Search
Retained Search for Experienced Operations Leaders
For transportation companies, 3PLs, and private fleets, the Chief Operating Officer is the tactical engine of your business. While the CEO defines the strategy, the COO must execute it, ensuring assets are utilized, shipments move on time, and margins are protected. We source the exact operational leaders who can structure the daily chaos of logistics into a highly productive, repeatable system.
Schedule confidential consultationWhen does your transportation & logistics company need a COO?
Most of our clients explicitly list the need for a COO or VP of Operations during one of three critical business phases:
Founder Redirection
The CEO is completely bogged down in daily terminal, dispatch, or driver management issues. We place a COO to handle the operational fires so the founder can refocus on long-term strategy and business relationships.
Scaling & Network Expansion
Your business is transitioning from a regional provider to a national network. We find operators who can manage sophisticated multi-facility operations, terminal expansions, and complex 3PL integrations.
Standardization & Profit Improvement
Operating margins are tight. You need a metrics-driven operator who can analyze costs, implement technology, and streamline terminal-to-terminal efficiency.
How Robins Consulting Vets Operations Executives
If a recruiter cannot fluently discuss Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, driver retention metrics, hours-of-service rules, or the nuances of the operating ratio, they will be immediately dismissed by top candidates.
Asset & Network Optimization
We evaluate candidates on how they actively manage asset utilization, tractor-to-trailer ratios, lane yields, and warehouse space optimization.
Workforce & Retention Leadership
We require seasoned leaders who can instantly command the respect of a legacy blue-collar workforce and drive measurable performance improvements.
Technology & Process Integration
We look for leaders who have successfully deployed Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and modern telematics to drive margin improvements.
Safety & Regulatory Oversight
We vet for a deep commitment to DOT compliance, hours-of-service rules, and fleet safety cultures, ensuring your business is protected from escalating risk.
Other positions we have helped fill
Using our premier network of supply chain headhunters, we have helped our clients find ideal candidates for the following roles. If you do not find the role you are looking for to hire, don’t worry, we can still help you.
Trusted by leaders across the industry
Robins Consulting has an impeccable track record with clients ranging from Transport Topics 100 Carriers to Fortune 500 Companies. They work with us because we’ve proven our commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Fast, efficient, and easy to work with. Robins Consulting is my preferred search firm. They keep me on top.
I have worked with Robins Consulting since 2012. They save me time by quickly delivering top talent for my hard to fill positions. They are my competitive edge.
I had the pleasure of working with Craig during my recent career transition. Craig worked tirelessly on my behalf and due to his unwavering focus; "we" successfully landed a life-changing position. Thanks for your guidance, coaching and steady-hand, Craig. I appreciate all your help!
Craig served as the executive recruiter who helped successfully lead me through the recruitment process leading to an executive position at Swift Transportation. Craig was honest, direct, well organized, and followed through on commitments he made to me. He helped me understand the requirements and skills neccessary to succeed in the role he was recruiting to fill, provided exposure to key leaders, and helped me understand the culture of the company.
I reached out to Craig to gain insight on a project I was working on. Craig was a great resource and most willing to help me understand a market I was just discovering. Craig helped me recruit an experienced trucking executive to assume the President role of Chesapeake Energy’s new Trucking Division. I really appreciate the help Craig provided and would recommend him without hesitation.
I worked with Craig on a daily basis for over a decade at Stevens Transport. He was my Vice President of Human Resources. He helped me grow my company by recruiting experienced candidates for every department. We called him again in mid-2016 to recruit an experienced Vice President of Administration, Director of Maintenance and a Director of Safety. Craig continues to deliver solid results for us.
Hands down, the best Executive Recruiter I've ever worked with. Craig is driven, well connected, and extremely experienced at what he does. I highly recommend working with him
Thank you Craig, for identifying and successfully recruiting our Executive Vice President of Intermodal. He’s been a fantastic addition to our Executive Team!
We back our recruitment partnerships with straightforward, metrics-driven commitments to keep your search on track and lower your hiring risk:
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