Logistics Specialist (East Chicago)

The Logistics Specialist coordinates the day-to-day execution of inbound and outbound transportation activities supporting Harvest Food Group's manufacturing, warehouse, and customer fulfillment operations. This role tenders loads, monitors logistics communications, tracks shipments, coordinates appointments, maintains accurate transportation records, and proactively addresses exceptions that could affect service.

The Logistics Specialist works closely with carriers, Customer Service, Shipping, Warehouse, Production, Planning, and the SR Warehouse Manager to provide timely, factual updates and keep freight moving safely and efficiently. The ideal candidate is highly organized, professional, calm under pressure, open to change, and focused on solutions and follow-through.

This position is on-site every day at our East Chicago, IN plant.

Please note - this role is not eligible for a visa transfer or sponsorship, now, or in the future.

Key Responsibilities

• The following are essential job duties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on business needs.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is required to effectively perform the responsibilities of this role.

Load Tendering & Daily Transportation Coordination

• Tender loads to approved carriers in accordance with shipment requirements, routing guidance, pickup and delivery dates, and established cost and service expectations.
• Confirm carrier acceptance and capacity, follow up on unaccepted or at-risk loads, and escalate issues promptly to the SR Warehouse Manager.
• Coordinate day-to-day shipment requirements with Customer Service, Shipping, Warehouse, Production, Planning, and other internal partners.
• Ensure load details, carrier assignments, rates, dates, shipment requirements, and status information are entered accurately and updated timely in MercuryGate, MercuryGate Edge, and other designated systems.

Shipment Tracking & Exception Management

• Track shipments from tender through pickup, transit, delivery, and closeout; confirm milestones and follow up when information is missing or inconsistent.
• Monitor logistics email accounts, system alerts, and carrier communications throughout the workday and respond within established service expectations.
• Identify potential delays, missed pickups, appointment conflicts, capacity issues, and delivery failures; investigate facts, seek solutions, and escalate significant risks promptly.
• Provide timely and accurate status updates to the Logistics Supervisor, Customer Service, Shipping, Warehouse, and other affected stakeholders.
• Maintain ownership of open issues through resolution and document the actions taken, final outcome, and any required follow-up.

Appointments, Warehouse & Shipping Support

• Schedule and maintain inbound and outbound appointments at Harvest Food Group warehouses and communicate confirmations or changes to carriers and internal teams.
• Coordinate with Shipping and Warehouse teams regarding load readiness, dock availability, loading priorities, late arrivals, rescheduling, and special handling requirements.
• Help resolve operational issues affecting pickups or deliveries and communicate the next practical steps to all appropriate parties.
• Support warehouse and shipping activities related to logistics coordination as assigned.

Carrier, Customer Service & Cross-Functional Communication

• Communicate professionally and respectfully with carriers, Customer Service, Shipping, other departments, the Logistics Supervisor, and team members.
• Keep the Logistics Supervisor included in material carrier and Customer Service communications and promptly escalate cost, service, capacity, or customer-impacting concerns.
• Focus communications on verified facts, ownership, solutions, and next steps; remain calm during difficult conversations and avoid blame-based responses.
• Support a customer-first environment by providing clear, responsive, and consistent service to internal and external partners.

Rates, Documentation & Administrative Accuracy

• Request and compare carrier rates for routine shipments within established guidelines and obtain Logistics Supervisor approval for special shipments or exceptions.
• Maintain accurate shipment, carrier, appointment, rate, and service documentation in the appropriate systems and shared records.
• Review open loads and exception reports for completeness and follow up on missing status updates and delivery confirmation.
• Provide data and administrative support for carrier reviews, freight analysis, cost-savings initiatives, audits, and logistics projects.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One to three years of experience in logistics, transportation, shipping, distribution, customer service, or a related operational role.
• Experience coordinating multiple time-sensitive tasks and communicating with carriers, customers, or cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel, and the ability to learn transportation management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• Experience with MercuryGate, MercuryGate Edge, or another transportation management system.
• Experience in food manufacturing, refrigerated transportation, or temperature-controlled distribution.
• Experience with load tendering, shipment tracking, warehouse appointments, and carrier rate requests.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Benefits

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in supporting a responsive, reliable, and cost-conscious supply chain.
• Work with a collaborative team focused on customer service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Help deliver high-quality, safe, and delicious food products to customers and consumers.
• Contribute to the future of food manufacturing through technology, innovation, and sustainability.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Life and AD&D Insurance, Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance, 401(k) matching, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.