LSA Fabrication - Transportation Load Planner

Principal Objective of Position:

The Transportation Load Planner is responsible for the daily planning of all inbound and outbound deliveries into efficient and cost-effective loads. This position will plan loads that meet the needs of the business from a customer perspective, while meeting the compliance and cost requirements of Lafayette Steel and Aluminum’s standard operating procedures, utilizing approved transportation carriers routed to minimize travelled miles and maximize product on the trailer.

Essential Functions:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Utilize and manage transportation needs using the transportation management system and address issues in a timely manner.
• Evaluate transportation needs and prepare daily work and run schedules to optimize profitability within the division and meet customer expectations.
• Ensure “rush” orders, specialty orders, etc. are planned with priority, with customer needs in mind.
• Follow up on customer inquiries and communicate to internal and external customers with priority.
• Continually monitor load plan optimization and manually plan routes as needed.
• Follow all necessary safety and security precautions for moving metal materials and perform load planning and shipping duties in compliance with all DOT requirements.
• Manage and oversee customer delivery requests and route assignments to meet customer expectations and on-time delivery requirements.
• Dispatch internal drivers and arrange external carriers when needed for movement of raw and finished materials.
• Track deliveries and progress.
• Record and maintain files and records of customer requests and services provided using shipping software and other internal record keeping methods.
• Ensure timely and efficient movement of materials.
• Coordinate with Outside Processing Team to ensure inbound and outbound movements to various locations are arranged and executed appropriately.
• Arrange for customer carriers to take loads through their portals/carriers as needed.
• Review load and transportation trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Other Responsibilities:

• Communicate with maintenance and arrange for repairs, as needed.
• Confer with customers, supervisors, and sales team members to address requests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Transportation Planning or Supply Chain Management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge and understanding of principles, methods, and costs for moving materials by road.
• Strong MS Office Skills especially regarding Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external groups using various communication methods including verbal and written.
• Ability to use and understand transportation software.
• Ability to work on a team and independently with little to no direct supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related discipline preferred.
• Previous experience in Microsoft AX

Work Environment:

This job may operate remotely from Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, or Florida only. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.