Traffic Coordinator

Dairy Farmers of America; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is seeking an experienced transportation logistics professional to oversee fluid milk product shipments across the United States, ensuring timely delivery, competitive costs, and regulatory compliance. You will direct, arrange, and track schedules and manage carrier relationships.

The role requires building strong customer and plant liaison, optimizing routes, negotiating freight rates, and solving delivery issues in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food safety and supply chain integrity in operations.
• Strong understanding of trucking and DOT guidelines.
• Good problem solving and analytical abilities.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee timely delivery of fluid milk products nationwide with DFA and customers.
• Input load data into traffic management system and tender loads to carriers.
• Develop and manage carrier relationships and negotiate freight rates.
• Investigate delivery issues and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain daily communication with plants and carriers to meet KPIs.
• Support afterhours and weekend duties as needed.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

DOT guidelines knowledge

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

Undergraduate degree in logistics or supply chain

Equivalent mix of experience and education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

General Purpose

Oversee transportation logistics of fluid milk products for DFA and external customers throughout the United States and ensure products are delivered on time, at a competitive cost, and according to all applicable regulations. Direct, arrange, and track delivery schedules and investigate delivery issues. Find qualified carriers and develop and manage all aspects of the carrier relationship, which includes the authority to hire and cease usage of a carrier. Negotiate freight rates with carriers and customers for best cost and delivery. Analyze delivery costs and recommend more cost effective methods of transportation. Develop and maintain strong customer relationships and interact daily with DFA production/plant facilities, carriers, and external customers. Work in a fast-paced environment, which includes daily scheduling and handling multiple routes, drivers, and deliveries.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the timely delivery of fluid milk products by interacting daily with DFA and customer plant locations, arranging delivery schedules, determining carrier usage, and tracking deliveries through completion
• Input daily load information into the traffic management system (TMS) and secure and tender the loads to the carrier base
• Find qualified carriers; initiate, develop, and manage all aspects of the carrier relationship (rate changes, communications, problem resolution, etc.)
• Negotiate freight rates with carriers and customers for best cost and delivery to secure and move loads
• Communicate with carriers on all contract and insurance requirements
• Obtain new business and grow current customer base by providing excellent service and follow up
• Communicate hourly to daily with DFA and customer plant locations ensuring needs are met to maintain efficient plant operations
• Ensure DFA carriers service both internal and external customers at a high level, meeting/exceeding customer service KPIs
• Investigate and resolve any delivery-related issues or concerns
• Keep updated and knowledgeable of all applicable regulations (DOT and trucking regulations)
• Perform afterhours and weekend duty as assigned or as needed
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required.Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in logistics, supply chain, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 2 to 5 years of transportation experience
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of requirements necessary to ensure food safety and supply chain integrity is maintained at all times
• Excellent knowledge of trucking and DOT guidelines
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to work under pressure until a situation is resolved
• Able to work within a team concept and an open work environment
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans