Transportation/Distribution Supervisor

Dairy Farmers of America•Billings, MT

15h

About The Position

The Transportation/Distribution Supervisor supervises assigned drivers and related activities at a terminal and/or distribution center. The role creates driver work schedules and identifies and implements timely solutions to routing and delivery challenges, while promoting safety, customer service, and operational excellence. The supervisor directs daily driver operations, manages equipment and route assignments, adjusts loads and delivery instructions, and coordinates with customers, dispatch, and other locations. The position maintains routing information and paperwork, uses routing software to improve efficiency, prepares operational reports, and manages scheduling, timekeeping, and overtime. The role also builds customer relationships, supports fleet maintenance, and ensures drivers meet performance, safety, regulatory, and service expectations through training, coaching, observations, audits, and reviews. It involves investigating accidents and safety concerns, coordinating employee matters with human resources and safety personnel, and communicating with employees, supervisors, and customers. The supervisor must be available to respond to unexpected operational needs, including nights, weekends, or holidays, and participate in an on-call rotation if applicable.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
2 to 5 years of distribution, logistics, and/or transportation experience, including demonstrated leadership attributes, team lead experience, or supervisory experience.
Class A commercial driver’s license in the state of residence, with a current medical card.
May be required to obtain and maintain other certifications and/or licenses for continued employment.
Knowledge of dairy industry production practices, processes, regulations, and equipment.
Knowledge of distribution and transportation practices.
Solid understanding of Department of Transportation regulations related to lawful operation.
Understanding of industry, safety, and quality policies, including PMO, OSHA, SQF, and GMP.
Knowledge of the geographic pickup and delivery area.
Knowledge of supervision, training, and personnel management principles and practices.
Leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
Ability to use company computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, routing software, telematics, and handhelds.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to adapt to and manage change effectively.
Ability to consider the impact of actions and decisions on employees, coworkers, and customers.
Ability to multitask and solve problems.
Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.
Organizational skills and ability to manage time, energy, and activities effectively to achieve goals.
Interpersonal skills and ability to interact positively and work effectively with others.
Strong initiative and follow-through on day-to-day responsibilities.
Record-keeping skills.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a union environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide daily work direction to professional drivers to support safe, efficient operations and customer requirements; maintain assignments for tractors, trailers, trucks, and drivers.
Monitor daily operations and adjust load assignments and special delivery or pickup instructions; communicate changes with members, customers, drivers, dispatch, and other transportation or distribution locations.
Maintain current route copies and use routing software to improve route efficiency, reduce cost, and meet customer demands.
Create employee schedules, approve time, resolve timekeeping issues, monitor overtime, and take actions to meet established goals.
Ensure daily paperwork for each load is completed, including trip and mileage information, driver vehicle inspections and logs as appropriate, repair and maintenance activity, billing activity, and delivery tickets.
Prepare and distribute operational reports and KPIs.
Establish positive relationships with members or customers and learn about facility and equipment needs to support optimal service.
Hold drivers accountable for professional interactions and courteous service; assist with resolving issues involving members, customers, regulatory personnel, and coworkers.
Coordinate with fleet maintenance to ensure assigned equipment is properly maintained and cared for.
Support employee performance through training, coaching, routine driver audits or observations, compliance monitoring, and annual reviews.
Train and coach drivers on procedures for activities, equipment, and machinery.
Investigate employee accidents and safety concerns and develop corrective actions with appropriate safety personnel or management.
Work with human resources on driver counseling, disciplinary actions, recruitment, behavior improvement, and driver training and development programs.
Communicate with supervisors, employees, and internal and external customers to promote and improve transportation department functions.
Respond to emergencies and unexpected operational requirements, including nights, weekends, or holidays; participate in an on-call rotation if applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned.