What are the responsibilities and job description for the Transportation Logistics Coordinator position at Food Bank for the Heartland?
Position Title: Transportation Logistics Coordinator
Supported by: Transportation Manager
FLSA Status: Hourly Full-time; Non-Exempt
Our Story:
Food Bank for the Heartland has connected our communities with food, resources, and hope since 1981. The fight against hunger is our ongoing, collaborative effort. We work with individuals, organizations, food manufacturers and distributors, grocery stores, the USDA, and Feeding America to procure food and purchase food to supplement donations. Through the collective power of our leadership, employees, partners, volunteers, and donors, we can reach more communities, serve more people, and address food insecurity more directly and effectively. As new needs arise, we are ready.
Our Philosophy: Every service we provide, program we offer, and decision we make is rooted in our core Mission, Vision, and Values.
Supported by: Transportation Manager
FLSA Status: Hourly Full-time; Non-Exempt
Our Story:
Food Bank for the Heartland has connected our communities with food, resources, and hope since 1981. The fight against hunger is our ongoing, collaborative effort. We work with individuals, organizations, food manufacturers and distributors, grocery stores, the USDA, and Feeding America to procure food and purchase food to supplement donations. Through the collective power of our leadership, employees, partners, volunteers, and donors, we can reach more communities, serve more people, and address food insecurity more directly and effectively. As new needs arise, we are ready.
Our Philosophy: Every service we provide, program we offer, and decision we make is rooted in our core Mission, Vision, and Values.
In Short: The Transportation Logistics Coordinator plays a pivotal role in advancing Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission to reduce food insecurity by ensuring our fleet and logistics operations run with precision, purpose, and innovation. As a central connector between Distribution, Transportation, Food Sourcing, Volunteer Operations, and external partners, this position drives the operational excellence that makes our large-scale hunger-relief work possible. This role serves as a frontline logistics strategist, anticipating needs, optimizing routes, coordinating complex freight flows, monitoring fleet performance, and enabling seamless communication across departments. With direct influence on our transportation outcomes, the Transportation Coordinator helps translate organizational strategy into daily execution, ensuring that food moves efficiently, safely, and reliably across our 93-county service area. Rooted in continuous improvement, operational intelligence, and mission impact, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of FBFH’s transportation model while contributing meaningfully every day to the communities we serve.
Your Mission:
Your Mission:
- Transportation Logistics Planning & Coordination
- Collaborate closely with the Distribution Center Manager, Transportation Manager, Food Sourcing team, Volunteer Center Manager, and departmental coordinators to forecast transportation and logistics needs supporting daily operations and special initiatives.
- Serve as a relief driver during periods of high operational volume, staff shortages, weather impacts, or receiver vacation /leave to ensure uninterrupted service delivery (minimum is box truck ability).
- Anticipating and planning for several special events, large donor pickups, volunteer surge days, and emergency response needs.
- Create daily delivery routes and continuously refine routing plans based on operational capacity, weather conditions, staffing levels and distribution priorities.
- Compliance, Documentation & Record Keeping
- Review completed daily manifests, mileage logs, route sheets, ELD entries, and DVIRs to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and appropriate documentation of vehicle conditions.
- Identify and report documentation discrepancies, safety concerns, or irregularities to the Transportation Manager in a timely manner.
- Review and verify all Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated manifests and required paperwork, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Maintaining or assisting with fleet/transportation metrics such as:
- Mileage trends, fuel usage, route performance, fleet utilization, and on-time delivery metrics.
- Update routing and driver performance dashboards.
- Helping support incident/accident reporting and follow-up documentation.
- Reinforcing expectations for: ELD usage, Hours of Service (HOS) requirements, DVIR completion quality.
- Promoting PPE usage and safe loading/unloading practices beyond standard language.
- Fleet Operations & Equipment Oversight
- Communicate vehicle maintenance needs, repair timelines, and equipment status updates to the Transportation Manager and Operations Leadership to ensure operational readiness.
- Support safe operation of all fleet vehicles and uphold DOT, OSHA, AIB, USDA, and internal safety standards.
- Supporting and reinforcing pre-trip, en route, and post-trip inspections beyond basic DVIR work.
- Monitoring fleet tracking data for: route adherence, idle time, speed concerns, stop duration irregularities.
- Participation in safety audits or reinforcing equipment readiness checks.
- Cross-Functional Communication & Customer Service
- Partner effectively with Network Relations, Food Sourcing, and Distribution Center teams to resolve logistical challenges, product discrepancies, and customer service concerns in a timely and professional manner.
- Maintain strong, solution-oriented communication with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate, efficient, and mission-aligned transportation operations.
- Proactively communicating route delays, vehicle issues, safety concerns, and weather disruptions.
- Supporting communication related to agency delivery windows, donor loading requirements, or partner expectations.
- Operational Support, Training & Continuous Improvement & Mission Engagement
- Assist FBFH driver with vehicle loading, uploading, pallet movement, and operational tasks as needed or when requested to support the department workload.
- Promote and uphold Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission, values, and community-centered approach in all interactions with agency partners, employees, donors, volunteers, community members, and coworkers.
- Support transportation activities and operational priorities as assigned to maintain a high-performing service-oriented department.
- Assist other departments within operations as needed (e.g., staging, special projects).
- Support onboarding and field training of new drivers (route familiarization, safety expectations, and document support).
- Participating in continuous improvement efforts, interdepartmental as well as company-wide process improvement initiatives.
- Other duties that are entrusted within your scope of practice
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated commitment to Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission, values, and community-focused service model.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to relay information clearly to drivers, internal teams and external carriers.
- High problem-solving capacity with the ability to assess logistical challenges, make sound decisions, and implement timely solutions in a fast-moving operational environment.
- Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail, accuracy in documentation, and the ability to prioritize tasks while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to make, document, and communicate operational decisions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), handheld scanning devices, fleet tracking software, and other operational systems used within the Transportation and Distribution Center environment.
- Ability to safely operate fleet vehicles (if applicable), including maintaining compliance with DOT, OSHA, and internal safety protocols.
- Forklift, pallet jack, and material-handling equipment experience preferred; willingness and ability to complete required certifications.
- Prior warehouse, logistics, or transportation experience strongly preferred, with knowledge of freight processes, Bills of Lading, and dock operations.
- Ability to routinely lift, move, or maneuver up to 50 lbs., and work in warehouse and outdoor loading environments.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative working relationships across Distribution, Transportation, Food Sourcing, Network Relations, and Volunteer Center teams.
- Ability to interpret and follow DOT-regulated documentation, route manifests, ELD logs, and DVIR requirements accurately.
- Commitment to safety, including following all FBFH, DOT, OSHA, and AIB guidelines and reporting concerns promptly.
Your Story:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- 2 years’ experience in transportation, logistics, distribution, warehouse operations, or a related field is required.
- A valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record is required.
- Ability to obtain or maintain applicable DOT medical certification is required.
- CDL Class B preferred; CDL Class A strongly preferred.
About The Team:
Everyone at Food Bank for the Heartland, from our administrative staff and warehouse employees to our team members working in partnership in the various community locations, shares a common vision: to help eliminate hunger in our service area—one initiative, program, and thoughtful decision at a time. Our culture is committed to welcoming you to our table, supporting your passion and drive, and focusing on diversity, growth, and community involvement.
This role is vital to the Food Bank for the Heartland’s Transportation Team and is supported by our Transportation Manager.
We provide an environment to help you succeed.
Food Bank for the Heartland is an equal-opportunity employer, and we’re excited to work with talented and empathetic people of all identities. As required by law and in line with our commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity, FBFH does not discriminate based on someone’s identity in any aspect of hiring or employment. Our code of conduct provides a beacon for the kind of company we strive to be, and we celebrate our differences. FBFH will consider all qualified applicants.
FBFH is committed to inclusion. As part of this commitment, FBFH welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and will work to provide reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the job application or interview process, don't hesitate to get in touch with adurr@foodbankheartland.org
Physical Demands
The physical demands of this role reflect the fast-paced and hands-on nature of Food Bank for the Heartland’s Transportation operations. The position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move products throughout the warehouse and loading environments. Team members must be able to routinely lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, safely operate material-handling equipment, climb in and out of commercial vehicles, and work in varying temperatures, including outdoor docks and refrigerated areas. This role also requires sufficient mobility, coordination, and stamina to support daily driving, pre-trip inspections, freight coordination, and refueling driver duties.
We support your well-being.
Food Bank for the Heartland is committed to supporting your whole well-being through a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical PPO coverage with 100% mental health benefits, dental and vision insurance, FSAs, disability coverage, and life insurance options. We offer a Simple IRA with a 3% employer match, paid time off, holidays, bereavement leave, and paid jury duty, along with flexible schedules for applicable roles. Our team also benefits from EAP services, preventive care incentives, and a supportive, inclusive culture grounded in DEI, recognition programs, career development pathways, and meaningful opportunities for community engagement and volunteerism.