Flatbed Lead

Span Alaska; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

401K with employer matching

8 paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Span Alaska Transportation is seeking a Flatbed Lead in Washington state to guide the safe loading, securing, and training of flatbed freight. You will oversee weight distribution, tie-downs, tarping, and securement verification, while serving as a training resource for new hires and acting as back-up to the Flatbed Supervisor.

The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and efficiency in outdoor environments, with responsibilities spanning equipment inspection, securement planning, and daily

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated flatbed freight loading and securement experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload flatbed freight safely and efficiently.
• Plan and position freight based on size, weight, dimensions, balance, axle-weight considerations, delivery sequence, and securement requirements.
• Inspect freight before loading and identify special handling, blocking, bracing, tarping, or securement needs.
• Select and properly use straps, chains, binders, edge protection, blocking, bracing, dunnage, tarps, and other securement materials.
• Apply proper tie-down and securement techniques to prevent shifting, tipping, sliding, or damage during transit.
• Complete a final securement inspection before a flatbed load is released.
• Train new hires on safe flatbed loading, unloading, and freight-securement procedures.
• Demonstrate proper use, inspection, placement, and tensioning of straps, chains, binders, edge protection, blocking, bracing, dunnage, and tarps.
• Provide hands-on instruction in load planning, weight distribution, balance, freight placement, and securement selection.
• Explain the hazards associated with improperly secured freight and reinforce stop-work expectations when a load is unsafe.
• Observe new hires performing flatbed tasks and provide immediate coaching and correction until proper techniques are consistently demonstrated.
• Use established training materials, checklists, and procedures to support consistent instruction.
• Document completed training and communicate additional training needs or safety concerns to the Flatbed Supervisor.
• Serve as an ongoing technical resource for employees performing flatbed freight work.
• Inspect securement equipment before use and remove damaged or defective equipment from service.
• Operate forklifts and other approved equipment used to position flatbed freight.
• Maintain flatbed securement supplies in an organized, clean, and serviceable condition.
• Maintain a clean and safe flatbed loading and staging area.
• Follow all safety policies, procedures, work instructions, and required personal protective equipment practices.
• Report freight damage, equipment concerns, near misses, and unsafe conditions promptly.

Skills

Flatbed loading

Weight distribution

Securement techniques

Train others

Safety coaching

Decision making

English communication

Read work orders

Radio/phone ops

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift Certification

Hazardous Materials Certification

Job description

About Us

Span Alaska Transportation, established in 1978, is a premier, asset-based freight forwarding company serving the great state of Alaska. Our dedicated team provides outstanding service with exceptional care and attention to detail. We are always interested in extraordinary people with proven skills who are dependable team players and bring out the best in others.

Span Alaska Transportation, established in 1978, is a premier, asset-based freight forwarding company serving the great state of Alaska. Our dedicated team provides outstanding service with exceptional care and attention to detail. We are always interested in extraordinary people with proven skills who are dependable team players and bring out the best in others.

Description

Position at Span Alaska Transportation

About Us

Span Alaska Transportation, established in 1978, is a premier, asset-based freight forwarding company serving the great state of Alaska. Our dedicated team provides outstanding service with exceptional care and attention to detail. We are always interested in extraordinary people with proven skills who are dependable team players and bring out the best in others.

Our supportive and empowering work environment is the foundation of the superior service, customer experience, and satisfaction we are known for within our industry.

Matson is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work. Our team of dedicated and talented employees consistently deliver exceptional results for our customers and the communities in which we serve.

Learn more at spanalaska.com.

About The Role

The Flatbed Lead is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient handling and securement of flatbed freight. This hands-on role serves as the primary trainer for new hires learning proper flatbed loading, weight distribution, blocking, bracing, strapping, and freight-securement techniques. The Flatbed Lead reinforces safe work practices, verifies that freight is properly secured before release, and serves as the designated back-up to the Flatbed Supervisor when needed.

What You’ll Do

Flatbed Freight Handling & Securement

• Load and unload flatbed freight safely and efficiently
• Plan and position freight based on size, weight, dimensions, balance, axle-weight considerations, delivery sequence, and securement requirements
• Inspect freight before loading and identify special handling, blocking, bracing, tarping, or securement needs
• Select and properly use straps, chains, binders, edge protection, dunnage, blocking, bracing, tarps, and other securement materials
• Apply proper tie-down and securement techniques to prevent shifting, tipping, sliding, or damage during transit
• Complete a final securement inspection before a flatbed load is released
• Identify and correct unsafe loading or securement conditions immediately
• Verify flatbed freight against work orders, manifests, and shipping documentation
• Accurately record freight quantities, exceptions, damage, and securement details as required

New Hire Training & Technique Development

• Train new hires on safe flatbed loading, unloading, and freight-securement procedures
• Demonstrate proper use, inspection, placement, and tensioning of straps, chains, binders, edge protection, blocking, bracing, dunnage, and tarps
• Provide hands-on instruction in load planning, weight distribution, balance, freight placement, and securement selection
• Explain the hazards associated with improperly secured freight and reinforce stop-work expectations when a load is unsafe
• Observe new hires performing flatbed tasks and provide immediate coaching and correction until proper techniques are consistently demonstrated
• Use established training materials, checklists, and procedures to support consistent instruction
• Document completed training and communicate additional training needs or safety concerns to the Flatbed Supervisor
• Serve as an ongoing technical resource for employees performing flatbed freight work

Flatbed Safety, Equipment & Work Area

• Inspect securement equipment before use and remove damaged or defective equipment from service
• Operate forklifts and other approved equipment used to position flatbed freight
• Maintain flatbed securement supplies in an organized, clean, and serviceable condition
• Maintain a clean and safe flatbed loading and staging area
• Consistently follow all safety policies, procedures, work instructions, and required personal protective equipment practices
• Report freight damage, equipment concerns, near misses, and unsafe conditions promptly

Back-Up to the Flatbed Supervisor

• Serve as the designated back-up to the Flatbed Supervisor during absences or when additional operational coverage is needed
• Help coordinate daily flatbed priorities, load sequencing, staffing assignments, and communication with drivers and dispatch
• Answer technical questions and provide direction related to flatbed loading and freight securement
• Escalate significant safety, service, equipment, staffing, or freight issues to the Driver & Dispatch Manager
• Perform other flatbed-related duties as assigned

You Have These Skills

• Advanced knowledge of flatbed loading, blocking, bracing, tie-down, tarping, and freight-securement techniques
• Ability to select the correct securement method and materials for varying freight sizes, weights, shapes, and load configurations
• Strong spatial awareness, load-planning, weight-distribution, and balance skills
• Ability to clearly demonstrate technical tasks and train employees through hands-on instruction
• Ability to observe work, identify unsafe techniques, and provide direct, respectful coaching
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills with the confidence to stop unsafe work
• Effective English communication skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• Ability to read work orders, manifests, labels, and flatbed-related documentation
• Ability to remain focused and accurate in a fast-paced outdoor freight environment
• Ability to use a radio and telephone effectively

And These Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Demonstrated flatbed freight loading and securement experience required
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Special Certifications & Licenses

• Forklift Certification
• Hazardous Materials Certification

Extra Credit If You Have

• Experience training or coaching employees in flatbed freight techniques preferred

The hourly range is posted for this position in Washington. The hourly rate will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

• Span Alaska Transportation offers medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits
• These benefits options include life insurance
• supplemental life insurance
• short-term disability insurance
• long-term disability insurance
• emergency childcare
• death and dismemberment insurance
• prepaid legal services
• adoption assistance
• Span offers contribution opportunities to your 401K or Roth accounts with employer matching
• 8 paid holidays a year
• tiered paid time off benefits

At Span Alaska, we're looking for people to build a unified team to maintain our values of trust, integrity, and reliability. We welcome people who think rigorously and thoughtfully challenge assumptions.

#SAT

Matson is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, AIDS/HIV status, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances, including, but not limited to, the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances. View our applicant privacy statement: https://www.matson.com/media/Applicant_Privacy_Statement.pdf.