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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Transportation Controller

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationOperations

🎯 Role Definition

At the heart of any successful supply chain, the Transportation Controller serves as the operational nerve center for all movement of goods. This is a critical role that goes far beyond simple dispatch; it's about strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and real-time problem-solving. A Transportation Controller ensures that products arrive on time and within budget by masterfully coordinating carriers, optimizing routes, and ensuring strict adherence to all regulations. They are the primary liaison between warehouse operations, customer service, and transportation partners, making them an indispensable hub of communication and control. This position is ideal for a proactive and analytical individual who thrives in a dynamic environment and possesses a deep understanding of the logistics landscape.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Transportation Coordinator
  • Logistics Specialist or Analyst
  • Dispatcher

Advancement To:

  • Transportation Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Fleet Manager
  • Warehouse Operations Supervisor
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan, schedule, and execute the daily movement of all inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring alignment with customer delivery windows and production schedules.
  • Actively monitor shipments in transit using GPS and TMS software to provide real-time visibility and proactively manage exceptions or delays.
  • Serve as the central point of contact for drivers, carriers, and internal departments (customer service, sales, warehousing) for all transportation-related matters.
  • Skillfully negotiate freight rates and service contracts with a diverse portfolio of carriers (FTL, LTL, intermodal) to achieve cost-saving targets without compromising on quality.
  • Manage and cultivate strong carrier relationships, conducting quarterly business reviews to assess performance against key metrics and service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Continuously optimize load planning by consolidating shipments, creating efficient multi-stop routes, and selecting the most appropriate mode of transportation.
  • Ensure all transportation operations are in full compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and other relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Meticulously audit and process freight invoices, identifying and resolving any billing discrepancies to maintain budget integrity and control transportation spend.
  • Leverage Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to its full potential for load tendering, shipment tracking, performance reporting, and data analysis.
  • Prepare, manage, and maintain all necessary shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOLs), Proof of Delivery (PODs), and customs paperwork for international freight.
  • Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, cost-per-mile, carrier capacity, and tender rejection rates to drive operational excellence.
  • Develop and champion strategies aimed at reducing transportation costs, shortening transit times, and enhancing overall supply chain performance.
  • Investigate and resolve freight claims for lost or damaged goods, working with carriers and insurance providers to ensure a timely resolution.
  • Collaborate closely with warehouse leadership to coordinate dock schedules, manage inbound/outbound flow, and optimize truck turn times.
  • Generate and present daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports to management, highlighting performance trends, challenges, and successes.
  • Act as the first responder for transportation emergencies, such as accidents or breakdowns, by implementing contingency plans to minimize supply chain disruption.
  • Evaluate existing transportation processes and carrier networks, consistently recommending improvements and innovative solutions.
  • Coordinate specialized transportation needs, including temperature-controlled freight, hazardous materials, or oversized loads, ensuring all safety and handling protocols are met.
  • Maintain a centralized and accurate database of carrier information, including contracts, rate agreements, insurance certificates, and safety ratings.
  • Function as the organization's subject matter expert on transportation logistics, providing critical guidance and support to other business functions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover trends and identify new cost-saving opportunities.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and participate in long-range network design and planning.
  • Collaborate with sales and procurement teams to accurately forecast transportation needs and align carrier capacity with fluctuating business demand.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams focused on continuous improvement initiatives and the implementation of new logistics technologies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • TMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with enterprise-level Transportation Management Systems (e.g., Blue Yonder, Oracle OTM, MercuryGate, SAP TM).
  • Data Analysis: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, complex formulas) for analyzing freight data and creating performance dashboards.
  • ERP Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and their integration points with supply chain modules.
  • Regulatory Expertise: In-depth understanding of transportation regulations, including DOT Hours of Service (HOS), freight classifications, and weight/axle limits.
  • Mode Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of various transportation modes, including Full Truckload (FTL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Intermodal, and Parcel, along with their unique operational and cost structures.
  • Route Optimization: Familiarity with route planning software and an understanding of the principles of network and route optimization.
  • Freight Auditing: Proven experience in auditing freight invoices, identifying discrepancies, and managing the payment process.

Soft Skills

  • Decisive Problem-Solving: The ability to rapidly assess complex situations, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
  • Strategic Negotiation: Strong negotiation and influencing skills to secure favorable terms with carriers and manage vendor relationships effectively.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey critical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
  • Exceptional Organization: Superior organizational and time-management abilities to juggle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to work, ensuring accuracy in everything from data entry and documentation to invoice reconciliation.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: The capacity to remain calm and effective in the face of unforeseen disruptions, changing priorities, and fluctuating market conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of progressive experience within a transportation, logistics, or supply chain operations role.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a "control tower" or centralized logistics environment is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrable experience in carrier sourcing and contract negotiation.
  • Industry-specific experience (e.g., retail, manufacturing, CPG, 3PL) is a significant asset.
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