Transportation Assistant

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Aid 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.
• Aid with shipment scheduling, transportation documentation, manifests, bills of lading, and related records.
• Support tracking and tracing of railcars, inbound equipment, and outbound shipments.
• Aid with transportation reporting, KPI tracking, and daily operational analysis.
• Maintain oversight of transportation inboxes, communications, and escalation items as assigned.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external transportation providers to support shipment coordination and issue resolution.
• Aid in 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.
• Identify and communicate 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

• 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