Shipping Coordinator

POSITION PURPOSE

The Shipping Coordinator will collaborate on the daily execution of receiving, planning, and shipping of goods by utilizing the appropriate mode of transport for various internal and external customers. They will work cross-functionally with other departments and facilities with an emphasis on load tendering by truck.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Daily

• Schedule transportation for all accepted orders to ensure efficient equipment and facility utilization to maximize on-time deliveries, minimize inventory, and meet customer loading requirements.
• Schedule truck loads with common carriers based on equipment availability and the most consistent, cost-effective companies. Notify sales about customers with will call orders when their material is ready for pick up.
• Set and maintain a shipping truck appointment schedule to ensure a smooth, continuous traffic flow through the facility. Work with other shipping personnel, operations employees, and shift/production coordinator to optimize shipping output based on facility, production, and staffing limitations.
• Develop and maintain a close working relationship with all departments and carriers to identify potential issues, develop action plans, and implement changes in a timely fashion.
• Ensure accurate information across all paperwork and documentation including, but not limited to, pick tickets, billing, certifications, swapping bundles, etc.
• Verify critical loads meet customer requirements as needed with respect to material identification, piece counts, lift and truck weight limits, cribbing/dunnage instructions, etc.
• Expedite shipments at the request of sales and/or customers.
• Determine staffing levels and capabilities of local drivers and schedule accordingly with SSAB’s contracted carriers. Assess poor performance or unreasonable rates on regular lanes and investigate alternative carriers (approved by Transportation Coordinators in Iowa).
• Communicate SSAB’s safety policy with truck drivers and instruct them to follow all rules and regulations while inside the facility.
• Prepare and forward customs paperwork for loads crossing international borders.
• Review material availability and production performance to identify and help resolve any issues that would inhibit effective and efficient delivery.
• Document and relay transportation loss/damage claims with Transportation Coordinators in Iowa as necessary.
• Perform additional duties/projects in support of the Shipping Department as assigned.

Additional duties:

Assist and serve as back-up to office staff in all other receiving, scheduling, and billing responsibilities relating to Special Steels, rail, and 3rd Party shipments to cover personnel shortages or as otherwise needed (these functions are primarily the responsibility of the 2nd Shift Shipping Coordinator and/or Production Assistant/Associate):

• Receiving coil and discrete plate into inventory, including the creation of coil/plate tags.
• Investigate in transit shipments via rail to identify problems such as bad orders, incorrect routings, switch errors, waybill issues, no-bills, etc., and follow up with the applicable railroad for problem resolution.
• Coordinate with the local rail transfer company to facilitate efficient scheduling of rail cars into and out of the facility to minimize demurrage cost.
• Compare daily reports against railroads data to ensure railcar billing was properly processed and is currently active.
• Review car flows and on-site loading/unloading in relation to equipment requirements and demurrage.
• Forecast and maintain applicable equipment needs and procurement of rail cars.
• Coordinate all shipping/receiving functions involving Special Steels product
• Review incoming 3rd party material and ensures corresponding paperwork is accurate for its receipt (BOLs, Mill Certs, etc).
• Implements continual improvement initiatives as directed by the Operations Manager.
• Investigate discrepancies with either the vendor or appropriate internal department to ensure correct payment and processing within financial systems.
• Investigate customer concerns or complaints regarding load and paperwork discrepancies to determine possible load errors, identify a root cause, and initiate corrective actions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies and Experience

Required:

• 2+ years of experience with administrative/clerical positions, preferably in a logistical capacity supporting or coordinating dispatch, shipping, receiving, supply chain, etc.
• Onsite presence with regular and reliable attendance.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, analytical capabilities, and attention to detail.
• Quick decision making and flexibility in stressful situations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Self-starter with excellent time management skills, a strong sense of ownership, and the ability to multitask effectively.
• Must be able to work independently and with a team.
• Proficient general computer skills (Excel) and ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Ability to navigate difficult conversations and communicate effectively in front of small groups

Education

Required:

• High school diploma / GED

Preferred:

• Associates or Technical degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics or relevant industrial or manufacturing experience.
• Two to three years of experience in scheduling, shipping, receiving, or other comparable field within a manufacturing environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES / DIRECT REPORTS

No direct reports

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee will work in the following conditions:

• Primarily indoors in an office setting
• At times, in heat and extreme cold
• At times, in wet and humid conditions
• At times, amid dust and dirt
• At times, amid noise
• At times, around moving trucks and industrial mobile equipment
• While wearing safety equipment and/or clothing for protection from hazards

The employee will frequently be required to:

• Twist at waist level, reach above shoulder level, reach at and/or below waist level
• Handle, grip, hold, and grasp with both hands together or separately
• Finger and feel with both hands together or separately, sense temperature and textures

The employee will occasionally be required to:

• Balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb
• Push, pull, lift, and/or carry items weighing less than 30 pounds

The position requires the following vision and hearing capabilities:

• Talking person to person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Hearing in person, on the phone, and/or in group settings
• Vision at near, mid, and far range

The employee will be required to sit, stand, and/or walk as follows:

• Sitting 0-8 hours at a time; average 5-6 hours a day
• Standing 0-8 hours at a time; average 1-2 hours a day
• Walking 0-8 hours at a time; average 1-2 hours a day
• Alternate sitting and standing as needed

The employee will be required to use the following machines or tools:

• Standard office equipment (computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.)
• Computer software systems and databases
• Two-way radio communications
• Occasional use of measurement tools (micrometer, caliper, tape measure)

POSITION TYPE - WORK HOURS - TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Position is full time, non-exempt, and is eligible for overtime
• Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday
• Travel for this position is expected to comprise less than 2% of work hours

The employee will work in the following conditions:

• Extreme heat and extreme cold
• Around equipment in motion
• Amid noise
• While wearing personal protective / safety equipment to prevent injury from noise and environmental hazards
• Around moving trucks and industrial mobile equipment

POSITION TYPE - WORK HOURS - TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Position is full time, Exempt, works 1st shift with additional overtime coverage as needed.

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.