Transportation Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage databases and records detailing transport activities, finances, schedules, and personnel, including driver information, driver logs, and customer or sales complaint documentation.
• Review daily driver paperwork, including Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR), invoices, and fuel and hotel receipts; issue, review, and retain pre- and post-trip vehicle inspection reports and driver daily logbooks in compliance with audit requirements.
• Build strong relationships with the professional driver team; serve as primary trainer for drivers, leading new hire orientation, refresher training, and remedial training as needed.
• Coordinate and lead periodic driver meetings, assigning and reviewing routes while incorporating driver input on delivery appointments and other external requirements.
• Plan and schedule delivery routes to consolidate capacity and maximize service efficiency, factoring in geography, cost, and customer requirements.
• Serve as liaison between sales, drivers, and customers, resolving delivery problems and coordinating special deliveries; address discrepancy reports from accounting with the appropriate driver.
• Visit customer locations as needed and maintain daily communication with the warehouse manager and driver team on schedules, routing, and delivery priorities, including high phone availability to support the team.
• Provide vehicle inspection findings to the warehouse manager, flagging mechanical or safety issues that restrict equipment usage until resolved.
• Maintain regular communication with fleet service providers and yard jockeys, holding them accountable to service-level expectations.
• Manage fleet rentals and monitor fuel usage and reporting.
• Own fleet care and maintenance, including delivery material handling equipment (MHE); monitor damages and repairs, coordinate preventive maintenance and annual inspections, and develop and execute performance improvement plans.
• Monitor DOT compliance, including hours-of-service (HOS) violations and unassigned driving time; edit logs as needed and coach drivers to maintain compliance.
• Monitor fleet telematics systems (vehicle gateways, asset gateways, temperature sensors) to ensure hardware and configuration remain current, coordinating adjustments with the EHS Specialist.
• Review time punches in the HCM system against telematics timestamps for accuracy, and partner with the EHS Specialist on driver qualification (DQ) file management.
• Participate in distribution center safety committees and support the development and execution of departmental performance objectives.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, or an equivalent operational role.
• 5+ years of experience in an operational transportation or similar industry setting.
• Working knowledge of DOT and OSHA rules and regulations.
• Strong understanding of safety and legal procedures related to the handling and transport of goods.
• Exceptional leadership and team-directing capabilities, with the ability to build effective relationships across drivers, warehouse teams, and cross-functional partners.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and execute performance objectives and improvement plans in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Availability to support a flexible schedule, including regular phone availability, as operational needs require.

Preferred Technical Skills

• CDL Class A license.
• Experience managing CDL drivers and commercial vehicles (Fleet size is important).
• Experience in refrigerated food distribution.
• Experience with DOT/FMCSA compliance, ELDs, hours of service, and driver qualification files.
• Experience with accident investigations, driver safety, and post-accident procedures.
• Experience managing budgets, labor expenses, and operational KPIs.
• Experience with employee coaching, corrective action, and performance management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Disability plans.
• Life Insurance Plan.
• 401(k) Savings Plan.
• Paid Holidays and Personal Time Off.
• Employee Discounts.