What are the responsibilities and job description for the Transportation Clerk position at Tapco Companies?
Overview
The Tapco Tube Companies has an immediate opening for an experienced Transportation Clerk. This person will manage the daily movement of our goods and materials. In this role, you will oversee incoming and outgoing shipments, coordinate with carriers, optimize transportation routes, and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery for an industrial steel tube manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate possesses strong problem-solving skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a solid understanding of supply chain and shipping regulations.
Transportation Clerk Responsibilities
- Shipment Coordination: Schedule, monitor, and coordinate shipments (freight, parcel, LTL, FTL) from origin to final destination.
- Carrier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, trucking companies, and freight forwarders; negotiate rates and service agreements.
- Documentation & Compliance: Prepare, review, and maintain accurate shipping documents, bills of lading (BOL), customs paperwork, and compliance records.
- Route & Cost Optimization: Analyze transportation routes, carrier performance, and shipping costs to identify opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction.
- Issue Resolution: Act as the primary point of contact for tracking delayed shipments, investigating freight claims for damaged or lost goods, and resolving logistical bottlenecks promptly.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with sales, production, and management to ensure seamless order fulfillment and inventory alignment.
- Reporting: Maintain up-to-date logistics logs and generate regular performance reports regarding transit times, shipping expenditures, and carrier reliability.
Transportation Clerk Requirements
- Experience: 2 years of experience in manufacturing, traffic coordination, supply chain, or a related warehouse role.
- Education: High school diploma required.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Office Suite (especially Excel) and experience working with ERP/WMS/TMS software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
- Knowledge: Familiarity with shipping regulations, DOT guidelines, and import/export documentation standards.
Core Competencies & Skills
- Mathematical & Analytical Ability: Strong numerical skills to quickly calculate inventory metrics, percentages and material usage accurately to manufacturing specifications.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to negotiate with carriers and collaborate across departments.
- Organization & Multitasking: Proven ability to manage fast-paced daily schedules, complex shipments, and adapt to shifting daily deadlines.
- Teamwork: A strong collaborative mindset to work seamlessly alongside operations and leadership to hit departmental goals.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to lift, sit, walk and bend for long periods throughout the day.
- Comfortable working in a hybrid environment that spans an office setting and a heavy manufacturing floor exposed to noise, industrial equipment, and seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Department:
- Shipping Department
Work Environment:
- Production Floor & Office Environment
Employment Type:
- Full-Time
Work Location:
- In person - Meadville, PA 16335 (Required)
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Inventory control: 2 years (Required)
- Logistics: 4 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Meadville, PA 16335 (Required)
Work Location: In person