What are the responsibilities and job description for the Traffic Assistant (Plastics Manufacturing) position at Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC.?
At Schaefer Plastics, we manufacture industry-leading solutions while driving responsible practices toward a sustainable future. As a family-owned company since 1937, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer care through high-quality, innovative waste and packaging solutions. Our team specializes in injection molding, producing durable waste and recycling carts as well as reusable packaging systems that help reduce carbon footprints. Our dynamic and inclusive culture supports personal and professional growth, making Schaefer Plastics a strong place to build a career.
Why This Role MattersThe Traffic Assistant plays an important support role within the Materials and Logistics team by helping ensure shipments are prepared accurately, transportation paperwork is completed on time, and internal departments receive the information needed to support customer shipments. This position requires strong attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to manage shipping documentation in a fast-paced environment.
Position SummaryThe Traffic Assistant is responsible for supporting the timely and cost-effective transportation of products by preparing shipping documentation, coordinating parcel shipments, maintaining logs, assisting with intercompany transfer paperwork, and communicating with internal teams and customers as needed. This role also provides backup support to the Traffic Coordinator and assists with general office duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Prepare shipping documentation, including bills of lading, packing lists, and special shipping instructions.
- Process domestic and international parcel shipments through DHL, FedEx, UPS, and other carriers as needed.
- Maintain small parts logs, BOL logs, invoice logs, quote logs, and other shipping-related records.
- Complete intercompany transfer paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
- Communicate upcoming shipment information to appropriate internal departments.
- Coordinate with customers as needed for customer-arranged or collect shipments.
- Provide backup support to the Traffic Coordinator, including dock appointment coordination and daily shipping remarks or database updates.
- Answer phones and assist with general office responsibilities.
- Support department workflow by completing administrative tasks accurately and on time.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Traffic Coordinator or Management.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Prior experience in shipping, logistics, traffic, transportation, customer service, or administrative support preferred.
- Experience preparing shipping documents, bills of lading, packing slips, or carrier paperwork preferred.
- Basic computer and data entry skills required.
- Ability to communicate professionally with internal teams, customers, and carriers.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines.
- Dependable, organized, and able to work independently with direction.
- Ability to read and understand simple instructions, correspondence, memos, and shipping documentation.
- Ability to write clear, professional correspondence.
- Ability to effectively communicate information in one-on-one and small group settings.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to resolve routine problems involving standardized situations.
- Professional demeanor with strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and represent the company professionally.
- Adaptability
- Attendance and punctuality
- Customer service
- Dependability
- Ethics and integrity
- Initiative
- Interpersonal communication
- Judgment
- Organization and planning
- Problem solving
- Professionalism
- Safety awareness
- Teamwork
- Written communication
This position is primarily office-based and requires frequent sitting, computer use, talking, hearing, reading documents, and viewing data on computer screens. The role may also require occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, kneeling, or crouching.
The employee may occasionally lift up to 10, 25, or 50 pounds. The work environment is generally quiet to moderate, with occasional exposure to louder manufacturing or warehouse areas. Employees must follow all safety procedures when entering operational areas.
Applicant Privacy Notice
Schaefer Plastics North America, LLC will use the information you provide as part of the application process to evaluate your qualifications, communicate with you about the position, and manage the recruiting and hiring process. Applicant information will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and retention requirements and shared only with individuals involved in the hiring process.
Schaefer Plastics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.