Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Freight Technician

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationWarehousing

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a detail-oriented and highly organized Freight Technician to join our dynamic logistics team. This role is the backbone of our supply chain, responsible for the hands-on coordination, management, and execution of all freight-related activities. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment, ensuring the seamless flow of goods from origin to destination. As a Freight Technician, you will manage everything from documentation and system updates to physical cargo handling and carrier communication, playing a vital part in our operational success and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Logistics Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Freight Technician / Team Lead
  • Logistics Coordinator / Specialist
  • Supply Chain Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Dispatch Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and monitor the complete lifecycle of domestic and international shipments, from initial booking and pickup to final delivery, ensuring on-time performance and adherence to service level agreements.
  • Prepare, verify, and meticulously manage all necessary shipping and receiving documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOL), packing slips, commercial invoices, and customs paperwork.
  • Safely and proficiently operate material handling equipment, such as sit-down/stand-up forklifts, pallet jacks, and dollies, to load, unload, move, and stack freight within the warehouse and on trailers.
  • Perform detailed physical inspections of all incoming and outgoing freight to verify quantities, assess for damages, and ensure all shipments align with accompanying documentation.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to accurately enter data, track shipments in real-time, generate reports, and maintain system integrity.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact, communicating proactively with carriers, drivers, customers, and internal departments to provide status updates, schedule appointments, and resolve potential transit issues.
  • Investigate and facilitate the resolution of shipment discrepancies, including overages, shortages, and damages (OS&D), by documenting issues, filing claims, and coordinating with relevant parties.
  • Classify freight according to National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) standards and determine the most appropriate and cost-effective shipping methods (LTL, FTL, air, parcel).
  • Build, wrap, and stage pallets securely, ensuring freight stability and compliance with carrier and customer specifications to prevent damage during transit.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment within the warehouse, dock, and yard, strictly adhering to all company safety protocols and OSHA regulations.
  • Obtain and negotiate freight quotes from various carriers to secure cost-effective transportation solutions without compromising service quality or delivery timelines.
  • Schedule pickup and delivery appointments with carriers and consignees, optimizing routes and timelines to enhance efficiency and meet customer requirements.
  • Use RF scanning equipment to accurately track inventory movement, pick orders, manage warehouse stock levels, and perform system-based transactions.
  • Ensure full compliance with all relevant transportation regulations, including DOT, IATA, and IMO standards, particularly for the handling and documentation of hazardous materials.

Secondary Functions

  • Audit and approve freight invoices for payment, verifying charges against quoted rates and contracted terms to ensure billing accuracy.
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and assist with large-scale physical inventory audits to ensure data accuracy within the inventory management system.
  • Generate and analyze key performance indicator (KPI) reports related to on-time performance, carrier reliability, freight spend, and operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with the logistics team to identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and enhanced operational workflows.
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members on standard operating procedures, safety guidelines, and the use of logistics software and equipment.
  • Manage the reverse logistics process, including inspecting returned goods, processing return authorizations (RMAs), and coordinating their disposition or restocking.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to provide insights into shipping patterns and logistics challenges.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance checks on material handling equipment to ensure operational readiness and report any malfunctions for repair.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Forklift Operation: Certified and experienced in operating various types of forklifts (e.g., sit-down, stand-up, reach truck).
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using TMS platforms for booking, tracking, and managing freight.
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Experience with WMS software for inventory control and order fulfillment.
  • RF Scanner Usage: Skilled in using radio frequency (RF) scanning devices for accurate data capture.
  • Shipping Documentation: Deep understanding of Bills of Lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, and customs forms.
  • Freight Classification: Knowledge of NMFC codes and freight classes for LTL shipping.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with DOT, OSHA, and hazmat (IATA/IMO) shipping regulations.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in using Excel for data tracking, Word for documentation, and Outlook for communication.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in handling documentation, inspecting freight, and entering data to prevent errors.
  • Effective Communication: Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills for interacting with internal teams, drivers, and customers.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions in a time-sensitive environment.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize urgencies, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced logistics setting.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a team to achieve common goals.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities, shipment volumes, and operational challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or professional certification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of direct experience in a logistics, warehouse, or transportation environment, with hands-on involvement in shipping and receiving.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of experience in a role with direct responsibility for LTL/FTL freight coordination, carrier communication, and use of a Transportation Management System (TMS). Experience in a cross-dock or high-volume distribution center is a significant plus.
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