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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Shipping Planner

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

Supply ChainLogisticsPlanningTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

As a Shipping Planner, you will be the logistical linchpin of our supply chain, responsible for orchestrating the seamless movement of our products from warehouse to customer. You will be tasked with developing efficient shipping schedules, selecting the best carriers, and managing all associated documentation and systems. This role is critical for ensuring we meet our customer commitments while controlling transportation costs and maintaining operational excellence. This role requires a strategic thinker with a knack for problem-solving and a passion for logistics optimization.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Shipping Clerk
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Shipping Planner
  • Logistics Manager
  • Transportation Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Planner
  • Demand Planner
  • Procurement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly shipping plans to meet customer delivery requirements and optimize transportation costs.
  • Coordinate and schedule all outbound domestic and international freight, ensuring alignment with customer order dates and warehouse processing capacity.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to plan loads, tender shipments to carriers, and track freight from origin to final destination.
  • Serve as the primary operational point of contact for freight carriers, building strong relationships to negotiate rates, resolve service issues, and monitor performance against key metrics.
  • Analyze and optimize shipping routes and carrier selection to minimize costs, reduce transit times, and improve on-time delivery performance.
  • Prepare, verify, and manage all necessary shipping documentation, including bills of lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, and customs paperwork for international shipments.
  • Proactively communicate shipment status, delays, and potential issues to internal stakeholders, including customer service, sales, and warehouse teams.
  • Monitor freight carrier performance, conducting regular reviews and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time pickup/delivery, cost per shipment, and tender acceptance rates.
  • Investigate and resolve shipping discrepancies, freight claims, and billing errors in a timely and professional manner.
  • Ensure all shipping activities comply with company policies and legal regulations, including DOT, IATA, and IMO standards for hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
  • Collaborate with the warehouse team to coordinate order picking, packing, and staging to ensure shipments are ready for carrier pickup according to the schedule.
  • Manage and maintain accurate data within the TMS and ERP systems, including carrier rates, transit times, and customer shipping requirements.
  • Identify and implement process improvements within the shipping and logistics function to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase accuracy.
  • Conduct freight cost analysis and modeling to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
  • Coordinate special shipping requests, including expedited freight, white-glove services, and project-based shipments, ensuring all requirements are met.
  • Evaluate and onboard new carriers to expand our logistics network and improve service options and cost-competitiveness.
  • Participate in cross-functional team meetings to provide insights on logistics constraints and opportunities that may impact sales, production, or inventory planning.
  • Generate and distribute regular reports on shipping volumes, costs, service levels, and other relevant logistics metrics to management.
  • Act as a subject matter expert on transportation and logistics, providing guidance and support to other departments.
  • Stay current with industry trends, market conditions, and new technologies in transportation and logistics to drive continuous improvement.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover logistics trends.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate customer needs into logistical and shipping requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if working within a data-focused logistics team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency with platforms like Oracle TM, Blue Yonder, or MercuryGate.
  • ERP Systems: Experience with SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
  • Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis functions.
  • Freight Rate Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to negotiate favorable terms and rates with carriers.
  • Logistics Regulations: Strong knowledge of shipping regulations (DOT, IATA, IMO) and trade compliance.
  • Bill of Lading (BOL) Management: Expertise in creating and managing freight documentation accurately.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to analyze logistics data and present findings clearly.
  • Route & Load Optimization: Skill in planning efficient routes and consolidating shipments to reduce costs.
  • Carrier Performance Management: Experience tracking and evaluating carrier KPIs.
  • Customs Documentation: Familiarity with preparing paperwork for international shipments.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Proactively identifies and resolves logistical challenges under pressure.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with carriers and internal teams.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in managing documentation, data entry, and shipment tracking.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to advocate for the company's best interests with service providers.
  • Analytical Thinking: Capable of interpreting complex data to make informed decisions.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with cross-functional teams like warehousing and customer service.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to respond quickly to changing priorities and unexpected delays.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of direct experience in logistics planning, transportation coordination, or a closely related supply chain role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume manufacturing, distribution, or e-commerce environment is highly desirable.
  • Proven track record of cost savings and process improvements in a logistics function.
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