Logistics Specialist

Logistics Specialist

The Logistics Specialist is responsible for supporting the execution and continuous improvement of the company's transportation network, with an initial emphasis on full truckload freight management. The role is designed to develop into a multimodal transportation expert through progressive responsibility in truckload, LTL, rail, ocean, warehousing, and other logistics functions unique to the business.

Working closely with the Logistics Manager and Supply Chain leadership, the position will develop expertise in carrier management, transportation procurement, transportation systems, rail fleet operations, transportation analytics, and cross-functional supply chain coordination. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to assume increasing levels of responsibility.

Transportation Operations

• Coordinate domestic and international freight movements utilizing truckload, LTL, rail, ocean, warehouse service providers, and third-party logistics providers.
• Coordinate carrier capacity and transportation schedules to meet customer delivery requirements while balancing service, cost, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor shipments and proactively resolve transportation disruptions, delays, and service issues.
• Coordinate expedited shipments when required.
• Bid and coordinate truckload, LTL, rail, and ocean shipments as appropriate.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound freight movements with manufacturing, warehouses, suppliers, customers, and other internal and external partners.
• Coordinate equipment movements, including shipments involving customs and cross-border transportation.
• Assist with maintaining an appropriately sized and cost-effective rail fleet to support customer demand and operational requirements.

Carrier & Transportation Management

• Maintain strong working relationships with transportation providers and logistics partners.
• Manage day-to-day carrier sourcing, qualification, onboarding, performance evaluation, and ongoing relationship management, escalating significant issues to the Logistics Manager as appropriate.
• Identify and communicate carrier opportunities and provide recommendations based on service, safety, capacity, cost, and strategic fit.
• Maintain carrier contracts, insurance documentation, certifications, rate agreements, and other required records in accordance with company policies.
• Manage carrier rates and transportation master data within ERP, TMS, and other transportation systems ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Coordinate transportation carrier RFP development, bid evaluation, carrier selection, negotiations, and implementation activities.
• Analyze carrier proposals and make sourcing recommendations based on service, cost, capacity, and strategic fit.

Transportation Analytics & Systems

• Serve as a primary user of the Transportation Management System (TMS), ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and effective utilization of system capabilities.
• Work with TMS providers and internal stakeholders to improve system functionality, reporting, rate management, and transportation processes.
• Own assigned transportation reporting and logistics KPIs and dashboards, identifying trends and communicating areas requiring attention or improvement.
• Analyze transportation costs, identify trends, and investigate freight-related P&L anomalies.
• Monitor carrier performance metrics, including on-time pickup, on-time delivery, transit times, claims, and service reliability.
• Identify opportunities to improve transportation processes, system utilization, service levels, and cost performance.

Financial & Claims Administration

• Investigate freight invoice discrepancies, accessorial charges, and payment issues.
• Support freight accruals, transportation budget planning, and cost forecasting activities.
• Ensure transportation costs are accurately recorded and reconciled.
• File and assist in resolving transportation damage, shortage, and quality claims.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Warehousing, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to support customer service and operational objectives.
• Provide analysis and recommendations to the Logistics Manager and Supply Chain leadership in support of transportation planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as backup for the Logistics Manager, Rail Coordinator, Warehouse Coordinator, or other Supply Chain positions as assigned.
• Lead or independently execute assigned transportation process improvement projects and other special initiatives.
• Support company safety objectives and regulatory compliance.

Job Specifications

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required.
• 35 years of experience in transportation, logistics, or supply chain operations, with an emphasis on truckload and LTL transportation.
• Experience using a Transportation Management System (TMS) is required.
• Experience in manufacturing, mining, industrial, or heavy materials environments is preferred.
• Experience coordinating multimodal transportation, including truckload, LTL, rail, ocean, and warehouse logistics, is preferred.
• Experience participating in or leading transportation sourcing events, carrier procurement, or Requests for Proposal (RFPs) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Required

• Strong understanding of transportation operations, carrier management, and freight procurement.
• Experience coordinating multiple transportation modes, including truckload, LTL, rail, ocean, and warehouse logistics.
• Knowledge of transportation regulations and industry best practices.
• Experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and ERP systems.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret transportation data, KPIs, costs, and financial information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Basic financial knowledge, including freight costing, budgeting, and P&L analysis.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

Preferred

• Experience with rail transportation or rail fleet management.
• Experience with ocean freight or international logistics.
• Experience with transportation sourcing, carrier negotiations, and contract management.
• Leadership or supervisory experience, including leading projects, mentoring team members, or coordinating cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience with Microsoft IFS or comparable ERP systems.

Note: The requirements and responsibilities contained in this job description do not create a contract of employment and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may be modified, expanded, or reassigned by management as business needs require.