Transportation Lead

Batteries Plus•Hartland, WI

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Transportation Lead oversees daily shipping office operations to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely movement of outbound shipments. The role coordinates carrier pickups, verifies DOT and hazardous materials compliance, and ensures appropriate mode and carrier selection. It provides guidance and training to Logistics Clerks, supports process improvement, and serves as a key liaison between the distribution center and the Logistics Routing team to support on-time, cost-effective deliveries. The position manages daily outbound shipping operations involving LTL, FTL, and parcel carriers; handles transportation transactions in WMS and TMS; monitors shipments; resolves shipping exceptions; and prepares and verifies shipping documentation. It also supports complex shipments to Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii, including ocean and air freight coordination. The Transportation Lead manages shared shipping and warehouse inboxes, coordinates dock activities, supports routing functions, and contributes to associate training, procedure updates, audits, and process improvements. The role operates primarily on-site at a distribution center. It requires regular standing, walking, and material handling, and occasional sitting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, ladder climbing, and work above shoulder height. The position may require lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and using standard warehouse equipment and required PPE.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, email, and internet-based tools.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be trained and certified in multi-modal hazmat shipping, or complete the training and certification within three months of starting.
Ability to perform the stated physical duties, including occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred.
At least 3 years of experience in warehouse, transportation, or logistics operations preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily freight pickups and ensure completed orders are ready by designated carrier cutoff times.
Ensure compliance with DOT and hazardous materials labeling, marking, and documentation requirements.
Support complex shipments to Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii, including ocean and air freight coordination.
Manage and complete transportation transactions in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS).
Monitor carrier pickup, dispatch, and arrival times and maintain accurate shipment records.
Identify and resolve shipping exceptions, including incorrect mode or carrier assignments.
Train and support new and existing Logistics Clerks to maintain consistent knowledge and performance standards.
Troubleshoot operational and system issues within WMS and TMS.
Manage the shared Transportation email inbox and respond to internal and external inquiries in a timely manner.
Provide feedback on associate performance and development opportunities to Shift Leads and Supervisors.
Manage outbound shipping operations by coordinating LTL, FTL, and parcel carriers, prioritizing urgent and high-volume shipments, and meeting carrier deadlines.
Prepare and verify Bills of Lading and international shipping paperwork for accuracy and compliance with shipping and safety regulations.
Collaborate with warehouse leadership and distribution teams to resolve shipping issues, coordinate dock activities, minimize delays, and maintain efficient shipment flow.
Communicate operational issues affecting outbound shipment preparation or timeliness.
Help maintain organization and cleanliness in shipping and transportation office areas.
Follow safety procedures, use required PPE, and participate in safety meetings and required training.
Manage the central warehouse inbox by monitoring, prioritizing, and responding to requests, coordinating resolutions, and ensuring timely follow-up.
Serve as the primary liaison between the shipping office and the Domestic Routing team.
Identify and escalate carrier-related issues to Logistics management when necessary.
Provide backup support to the Routing team by monitoring its shared inbox, requesting and evaluating truckload, ocean, and ad-hoc shipment quotes, and selecting and scheduling carriers for domestic and special shipments.
Review and update documented procedures to ensure they are accurate and reflect current processes.
Recommend and support process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
Assist with onboarding and training associates on logistics-related processes and systems.