Transportation Coordinator

Position Summary: The Transportation Coordinator is responsible for sourcing, coordinating, and managing freight carriers to support the timely and cost-effective delivery of finished goods and inbound raw materials for our food manufacturing operations. This role ensures transportation capacity, compliance, and service performance while building strong relationships with carrier partners to meet business needs.The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and experienced in freight logistics within a fast-paced manufacturing or food distribution environment.Essential Duties and Requirements:Carrier Sourcing & Freight ProcurementIdentify, evaluate, and onboard qualified freight carriers (truckload, LTL, refrigerated, intermodal as needed).Negotiate rates, service agreements, and capacity commitments to support shipping requirements.Maintain an approved carrier network that meets safety, insurance, and food-grade compliance standards.Transportation Coordination & ExecutionEstablish routing guides with primary and secondary carriers for inbound/outbound shipments.Schedule and coordinate outbound and inbound shipments to ensure on-time pickup and delivery.Manage daily freight tendering, load tracking, and carrier communications.Resolve transportation issues including delays, shortages, and service disruptions.Carrier Performance & Relationship ManagementMonitor carrier performance metrics (on-time delivery, claims, service levels).Conduct regular carrier reviews and implement corrective actions as needed.Build strong partnerships to ensure reliable capacity during peak demand periods.Cost Control & Continuous ImprovementTrack freight spend and identify opportunities for cost savings and route optimization.Support logistics process improvements and transportation strategy initiatives.Assist with freight audits, accessorial charge review, and dispute resolution.Investigating shipment discrepancies, filing formal freight claims, and collaborating with QA to minimize wasteCompliance & DocumentationEnsure shipments comply with food safety regulations, DOT requirements, and company policies.Maintain accurate transportation records, bills of lading, and carrier documentation.Support internal and external audits related to transportation operations. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesThis role has no direct reportsEducation and/or ExperienceRequiredAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).Import/Export management, partnering with Customs Brokerage2+ years of experience in transportation coordination, freight brokerage, or carrier management.Knowledge of domestic freight markets, carrier sourcing, and logistics operations.Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and transportation management systems (TMS).Carrier relationship managementFreight procurement and negotiationProblem solving under tight deadlinesAttention to detail and follow-throughStrong customer service mindsetPreferredFamiliarity with FSMA, HACCP, and food-grade transportation standards.Ability to analyze freight data and performance trends.