Intern - Intermodal Operations

Forward Air

Posted about 2 months ago

Internship

Oak Brook, Illinois

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The intern will assist the operations team with daily intermodal shipment coordination, tracking, and documentation. They will also support communication between customers, carriers, and internal stakeholders while helping to resolve service issues.

Qualifications

You are currently pursuing a degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, Business, or a related field. You possess strong written and verbal communication skills, are highly organized with attention to detail, and can manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Microsoft O365

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Zoom

Webex

Job Description

Position:  Intermodal Operations Intern

Pay Rate: $20 per hour

The Intermodal Operations Intern is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast‑paced transportation and logistics environment while supporting the day‑to‑day execution of intermodal freight operations. The Intern will work closely with the Operations Manager and team to learn about and execute shipment coordination, customer communication, and operational problem-solving. They will be exposed to the full lifecycle of intermodal freight movement, including carrier coordination, terminal interaction, and service recovery. In addition to core operations work, the intern may partner with Sales and Safety teams to gain broader insight into how cross‑functional collaboration drives business success.  

This paid internship provides practical experience with systems, reporting, and documentation used in transportation operations. It is an ideal opportunity for individuals interested in building a strong foundation in logistics and supply chain operations. 

Responsibilities 

  • Assist the Operations team with daily intermodal shipment coordination, execution, and tracking 

  • Support communication between customers, carriers, terminals, and internal stakeholders 

  • Monitor freight movement and proactively identify potential service disruptions 

  • Help resolve service issues and exceptions in a timely and professional manner 

  • Learn and utilize operational systems, tools, and reporting platforms 

  • Assist with shipment documentation, data entry, and record maintenance 

  • Observe and support process improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and efficiency 

  • Gain exposure to carrier relations and customer communication best practices 

  • Learn basic transportation safety principles and compliance considerations 

  • Collaborate with Operations, Sales, and Safety teams on special projects and daily support needs 

  • Develop an understanding of intermodal transportation workflows and industry terminology 

  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs 

Qualifications 

  • Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university. 

  • Demonstrated interest in logistics, transportation, supply chain, or operations management 

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 

  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail 

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment 

  • Proactive, curious, and eager to learn through hands-on experience 

  • Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information 

  • Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.) 

  • Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on-site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events. 

Forward Air

Forward Air has been a leader in the expedited ground transportation industry for over 40 years. Our portfolio of services has evolved to meet each customer’s unique shipping needs, including expedited linehaul (TL & LTL), pick-up and delivery, intermodal drayage, pool distribution, and specialized temperature-controlled logistics services. At Forward, we drive industry innovation and continuously strive to develop better technologies, systems, and tools for our customers throughout North America – to keep your business moving forward. We are more than a transportation company. As a single resource for your shipping needs, we are your supply chain partner.
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