Logistics Coordinator

Position Snapshot The Logistics Coordinator is responsible for coordinating domestic transportation activities to ensure safe, cost-effective, and on-time delivery of customer shipments while balancing plant capacity, carrier performance, customer requirements, and transportation costs. This position serves as the primary transportation contact for assigned manufacturing facilities and works closely with Sales, Manufacturing, Shipping, Customers, and Transportation Providers to proactively resolve issues, improve service, and support operational excellence. Success in this role requires sound judgment, initiative, accountability, excellent communication skills, and a strong customer-service mindset. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Transportation Planning Coordinate cost-effective transportation for outbound and inbound shipments while balancing service, freight cost, equipment availability, plant capacity, safety, and customer requirements. Evaluate transportation options and select carriers based on cost, service history, safety performance, transit requirements, equipment availability, and company policy. Schedule deliveries, pickups, multi-stop shipments, appointment times, and specialized loading or unloading equipment. Analyze customer delivery requirements and ensure all shipment specifications are communicated to carriers. Shipment Coordination Build shipments and Bills of Lading using Oracle ERP and other transportation systems. Maintain accurate transportation documentation and shipment records. Coordinate dedicated fleet operations and determine the most economical use of dedicated assets versus common carriers. Monitor shipments from planning through final delivery to ensure customer commitments are met. Customer Service & Communication Serve as the transportation liaison for assigned facilities while building strong relationships with Sales, Manufacturing, Shipping, Customers, and Transportation Providers. Communicate shipment delays, carrier issues, capacity constraints, and delivery exceptions proactively before they impact customers. Investigate and resolve service failures, missed appointments, damaged freight, misrouted shipments, and overdue deliveries. Maintain ownership of issues from identification through final resolution. Decision Making & Problem Solving Evaluate competing priorities and make sound transportation decisions based on customer requirements and operational needs. Escalate capacity concerns and collaborate with Sales and Operations to prevent service disruptions. Exercise sound judgment while balancing customer expectations, transportation costs, and operational priorities. Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to improve transportation service levels, reduce freight costs, and eliminate recurring process issues. Participate in process improvement initiatives that increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Support department goals and assist teammates during periods of high workload. Financial & Administrative Responsibilities Calculate freight charges for quotations and invoicing. Investigate and resolve freight billing discrepancies. Maintain carrier information and transportation records. Participate in the department's after-hours support rotation as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities None. Professional Qualifications Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities. Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple competing demands in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple departments. Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and follow-through. Customer-service mindset with the ability to balance operational requirements and transportation costs. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business software. Oracle ERP and Transportation Management System experience preferred. Knowledge of flatbed transportation, manufacturing logistics, carrier operations, or FMCSA/DOT regulations preferred. Education And Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field preferred. Three (3) or more years of experience in transportation, logistics, dispatching, brokerage, manufacturing logistics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Physical Demands The physical demands of this position are primarily those of a sedentary office environment. The role involves prolonged periods of sitting, computer work, and occasional standing, walking, and lifting of light office materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment This position is performed in a professional office environment using standard office equipment. Employees work in a climate-controlled setting while collaborating with multiple departments and manufacturing facilities. The campus is tobacco-free. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Benefits Opportunity for professional growth Paid time off including holidays and vacation Excellent benefits to include medical, dental, vision, company paid life/short-term disability/long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings account (HSA), 401(k) with match, company paid tele-health, stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement assistance, and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) INSTEEL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to consider applicants residing in locations outside the US requiring Visa sponsorship at this time. #J-18808-Ljbffr