Transportation Assistant

The position is designed as an entry-level developmental role that provides exposure to transportation operations, logistics coordination, transportation systems, reporting, and vendor interaction within a manufacturing environment. The Transportation Assistant will work closely with Transportation, Shipping, Accounting, Sales, vendors, and carriers to support departmental objectives and operational continuity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist with daily transportation operations and workflow activities involving rail, truck, and other shipment modes as applicable.
• Support transportation billing activities and assist in resolving shipment or billing discrepancies.
• Assist with shipment scheduling, transportation documentation, manifests, bills of lading, and related records.
• Support tracking and tracing of railcars, inbound equipment, and outbound shipments.
• Assist with transportation reporting, KPI tracking, and daily operational analysis.
• Monitor transportation inboxes, communications, and escalation items as assigned.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external transportation providers to support shipment coordination and issue resolution.
• Assist with maintaining accurate transportation files, reports, carrier information, and operational documentation.
• Support transportation vendor activities including communication, onboard assistance, and insurance tracking.
• Learn transportation dispatching, billing systems, and operational processes to provide departmental support and coverage when needed.
• Observe and support transportation-related operational activities including loading, shipping, yard activity, and carrier interactions.
• Participate in transportation meetings, vendor calls, and cross-functional operational discussions as assigned.
• Assist with identifying and communicating transportation-related issues including delays, routing concerns, bad orders, no-bills, shipment discrepancies, or service interruptions.
• Support efforts to improve transportation efficiency, billing accuracy, communication, and operational performance.
• Adhere to all company safety procedures, policies, and training requirements.
• Provide departmental support during vacations, absences, high-volume periods, training events, or operational disruptions.
• Perform additional duties, reporting requests, and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Transportation, Logistics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1-3 years of experience in manufacturing, logistics, transportation, operations, customer service, or administrative support
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Current valid driver's license

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or related field
• Experience in manufacturing, steel, transportation, or industrial environments
• Exposure to rail and truck transportation operations
• Experience with transportation, shipping, dispatching, or reporting systems
• Experience interacting with carriers, vendors, or customers
• Tableau or reporting software experience

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES / DIRECT REPORTS

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position primarily operates in an office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment including computers, phones, scanners, and printers. Periodic work within operational or industrial environments may be required.

The role may require:

• Walking, standing, bending, kneeling, or climbing stairs
• Walking on uneven surfaces and throughout operational areas
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20-35 pounds
• Exposure to industrial environments including heat, cold, dust, noise, and required PPE
• Occasional driving for departmental needs, meetings, or operational support

The position requires:

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in group settings
• Near, mid-range, and distance vision capabilities.
• Regular and reliable attendance

POSITION TYPE - WORK HOURS - TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Position is full time, non-exempt
• Position works standard day shift, Monday through Friday - additional hours may be required based on operational needs
• Limited travel may be required for meetings, training, or company events.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.