Paul Vandenbush
St. Louis
Summary
Visionary logistics leader with 20+ years directing multimodal transportation networks. Proven success in crafting long-range strategies, deploying enterprise TMS platforms, and steering freight operations that cut costs, elevate service, and ensure flawless compliance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Transportation
Big Leap Transport Solutions/Coppice Commodities
04.2020 - 01.2025
- Lead 90+ associates (160 CDL drivers, safety, dispatch, maintenance) across five Midwest terminals.
- Designed a three-year domestic line-haul strategy that trimmed empty miles 11%, saving $1.2 M annually.
- Implemented MercuryGate TMS enterprise-wide; automated tendering and load-matching, raising on-time performance by 7.8% and cutting manual planning hours 35%.
- Negotiated new 3PL and broker contracts, reducing spot-rate spend 14% while expanding surge capacity by 20%.
- Championed Lean Kaizen events that shortened dock-to-door cycle time 15% and eliminated 10K driver idle hours.
- Achieved zero DOT out-of-service findings for two consecutive audits; introduced driver scorecards tied to safety incentives.
Senior Transportation Manager
Woods Distribution Solutions
03.2018 - 04.2020
- Led a 10-state, asset and non-asset final-mile and pool-point network (11,000K annual shipments; $180 M budget).
- Spearheaded SAP TM implementation, integrating WMS and ERP data and launching mobile visibility tools used by 200 plus customers.
- Created carrier performance KPIs and quarterly business reviews that improved tender acceptance from 82% to 96%.
- Slashed claim costs 18% by deploying predictive analytics that flagged high-risk lanes and drivers.
- Managed cross-functional crisis cell during 2021 port congestion; secured expedited rail capacity that protected $12 M in revenue.
Vice President of Transportation and Traffic
Texpac Hide & Skin
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Increased logistics efficiency, resulting in cost savings of $2.5 million annually.
- Managed a fleet of 150 vehicles, overseeing an annual operational budget of $50 million.
- Increased operational efficiency by 30% by implementing a cross-functional team for logistics optimization.
- Achieved a 20% reduction in delivery times by adopting advanced route planning technologies.
- Improved delivery times by 20% by optimizing the supply chain management software infrastructure.
- Reduced operational errors by 25% by developing and adhering to new standard operating procedures.
Transportation Operations Executive
LP Nationwide Carriers
01.2000 - 01.2014
- Directed fleet routing, dispatch, and brokerage for a 150-truck over-the-road and regional network.
- Instituted dynamic routing model that increased trailer utilization 12% and cut fuel spend $1.1 M.
- Formalized driver training and retention program that reduced annual turnover from 38% to 19% in two years.
- Earlier Roles: Logistics Analyst, Dispatch Supervisor — Various national 3PLs (2004 – 2012)
Education
Bachelor - Business
WCTC
Waukesha, WISkills
- MercuryGate
- Oracle TM
- SAP TM
- Manhattan WMS
- SAP S/4HANA
- Power BI
- Tableau, MS Office 365
- Supply chain optimization
- Freight management
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma
- DOT / FMCSA Safety & Compliance training
- Project Management Professional
Affiliations
- Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
- National Private Truck Council (NPTC)
Timeline
Director of Transportation
Big Leap Transport Solutions/Coppice Commodities
04.2020 - 01.2025
Senior Transportation Manager
Woods Distribution Solutions
03.2018 - 04.2020
Vice President of Transportation and Traffic
Texpac Hide & Skin
01.2014 - 01.2018
Transportation Operations Executive
LP Nationwide Carriers
01.2000 - 01.2014
Bachelor - Business
WCTC