Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Transportation Coordinator

💰 $50,000 - $75,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Transportation Coordinator, you are the critical linchpin in our supply chain, orchestrating the seamless movement of goods from origin to final destination. You will be responsible for the daily execution of all transportation activities, acting as the primary interface between carriers, suppliers, internal departments, and customers. This role demands a master multitasker who can proactively solve logistical puzzles, negotiate effectively, and leverage technology to optimize routes, track shipments, and control costs. Your mission is to ensure our products are delivered safely, on time, and within budget, directly impacting customer satisfaction and our company's bottom line.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Assistant or Specialist
  • Dispatcher
  • Warehouse Associate or Lead
  • Customer Service Representative (Logistics/Manufacturing)

Advancement To:

  • Transportation Manager or Supervisor
  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Fleet Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Freight Broker or Agent

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and meticulously schedule all inbound and outbound shipments across various modes, including Full Truckload (FTL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), ocean, and air freight.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers, ensuring clear communication and timely execution of pickups and deliveries.
  • Proactively track and trace all active shipments from origin to destination, providing real-time status updates and estimated times of arrival (ETAs) to internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and other logistics software to efficiently plan loads, tender freight to carriers, and monitor transportation activities.
  • Negotiate freight rates and service terms with new and existing carriers to optimize transportation costs while upholding stringent performance and quality standards.
  • Prepare, verify, and distribute all required shipping documentation, such as Bills of Lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, and export/import paperwork.
  • Swiftly investigate and resolve any transportation-related disruptions, including delays, damages, or misroutes, by identifying the root cause and implementing effective corrective actions.
  • Meticulously audit and process carrier freight invoices for payment, ensuring accuracy of charges and resolving any billing discrepancies in a timely manner.
  • Maintain and update a comprehensive database of carrier compliance information, including insurance certificates, operating authorities, and safety ratings.
  • Analyze transportation data to identify cost-saving opportunities, measure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like on-time performance and cost-per-mile, and recommend process improvements.
  • Collaborate closely with warehouse, production planning, sales, and customer service teams to align transportation schedules with inventory availability and customer order deadlines.
  • Ensure all transportation activities are in strict compliance with company policies and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., DOT, FMCSA).
  • Source, vet, and onboard new carriers to expand the transportation network, enhance service flexibility, and improve overall cost-effectiveness.
  • Manage and optimize multi-stop delivery routes for both domestic and international shipments to achieve an ideal balance of cost, transit time, and reliability.
  • Generate and present regular, data-driven reports on transportation spend, carrier performance metrics, and overall operational efficiency to senior management.
  • Coordinate and manage all logistics for special shipping requirements, such as expedited, oversized, hazardous, or temperature-controlled freight, ensuring all specifications are precisely met.
  • Oversee the claims management process for in-transit loss or damage, from initial filing and documentation compilation through to final resolution and settlement.
  • Plan and execute shipment consolidation strategies to maximize container and/or truckload utilization and minimize freight expenses.
  • Manage the appointment scheduling process with various shipping and receiving facilities to prevent dock congestion and mitigate driver detention fees.
  • Communicate and enforce carrier performance expectations, conducting regular business reviews to address service levels, capacity, and partnership opportunities.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and perform exploratory analysis to answer critical business questions related to logistics and transportation.
  • Contribute valuable insights to the development and refinement of logistics strategies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Act as a key liaison between the logistics team and other business units, such as sales and customer service, to ensure a seamless and positive end-to-end customer experience.
  • Provide cross-functional backup and support for other members of the supply chain and logistics team during peak periods, projects, or absences.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using TMS platforms (e.g., MercuryGate, Oracle TM, SAP TM) for planning, execution, and tracking.
  • MS Office Suite Mastery: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, formulas) for data analysis and reporting, as well as proficiency in Word and Outlook.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of transportation regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and hours-of-service rules. Familiarity with customs and international shipping compliance is a plus.
  • ERP System Experience: Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics) and their integration with logistics functions.
  • Freight Quoting and Booking: Demonstrated ability to obtain freight quotes, tender loads to carriers, and manage the booking process efficiently.
  • Route Planning & Optimization: Experience with using software or manual methods to plan the most efficient routes for multi-stop deliveries.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills for clear and professional interaction with drivers, carriers, and internal teams.
  • Advanced Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and act decisively to resolve unexpected logistical challenges under pressure.
  • High Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy in handling documentation, tracking data, and auditing invoices to prevent errors.
  • Strong Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate rates and terms with carriers and other service providers to achieve favorable outcomes.
  • Time Management & Multitasking: Ability to prioritize a high volume of tasks in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing quality.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: A flexible mindset to adapt to changing priorities, shipment delays, and evolving customer needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent, coupled with relevant professional experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct experience in a transportation, logistics coordination, or dispatch role.

Preferred:

  • Experience working directly with a diverse network of carriers, brokers, and 3PL providers is highly desirable.
  • A background in a manufacturing, distribution, or retail logistics environment is strongly preferred.
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