Transportation Specialist

Harsco is recognized for technical leadership and worldwide experience in virtually all major aspects of railway track maintenance.  We enable railroads to operate at peak efficiency over smooth, precisely aligned track that increases railway safety while reducing fuel consumption and other key operating costs. Our broad array of equipment and services support every type of railway operator, from major national and international railway systems, to short lines and high-speed urban transit networks. Job Summary  The Transportation Specialist supports the Import/Export Coordinator with managing the day-to-day transportation of Aftermarket kits, rail maintenance machines, components, and other finished goods. This position is responsible for arranging transportation, preparing and reviewing shipping documentation, supporting import/export compliance, and coordinating shipments from order release through delivery. The Transportation Specialist will work closely with Aftermarket, Materials, Planning, Production, Sales, suppliers, carriers, freight forwarders, and customers to make sure shipments move safely, accurately, and on time. The right person needs to be comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where priorities can change quickly. This is a hands-on position that requires strong follow-up, attention to detail, and the ability to resolve transportation issues before they impact the customer.  Primary Responsibilities  Will include the following, but other duties may be assigned:  - Arrange and coordinate LTL, FTL, expedited, flatbed, specialized, and other transportation services based on shipment requirements.  - Obtain freight quotes and compare transportation options based on cost, transit time, service requirements, and customer commitments.  - Schedule pickups and deliveries with carriers, freight forwarders, customers, and internal departments.  - Track shipments from pickup through delivery and communicate delays or issues to the appropriate team.  - Maintain visibility of open shipments and proactively follow up on past-due or at-risk deliveries.  - Coordinate transportation for large rail maintenance machines, oversized equipment, aftermarket kits, and miscellaneous components.  - Help establish the most cost-effective and reliable transportation method for each shipment.  - Work with carriers to resolve missed pickups, damaged freight, delivery issues, and other transportation problems.  - Maintain accurate transportation records and carrier information.  - Support the Import/Export Specialist with day-to-day import and export activities.  - Assist with determining and maintaining appropriate HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes for products and components.  - Prepare and review export documentation to ensure shipments have the required paperwork before departure.  - Support preparation of commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates, export documentation, and other required shipping records.  - Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and internal personnel to resolve documentation or customs issues.  - Help ensure shipments comply with applicable company procedures and import/export regulations.  - Maintain organized records for import/export transactions and supporting documentation.  - Escalate potential compliance issues to the Import/Export Manager before shipments are released.  - Prepare and verify Bills of Lading (BOLs) for domestic and international shipments.  - Prepare and verify packing lists against the actual shipment.  - Ensure shipping documents accurately reflect part numbers, quantities, weights, dimensions, and customer requirements.  - Verify shipment requirements before loading, including special handling, customer routing instructions, and carrier requirements.  - Coordinate required documentation for oversized or specialized equipment shipments.  - Maintain documentation in accordance with company record-retention requirements.  - Support the overall shipment process for Aftermarket kits and rail maintenance machines.  - Work closely with the Aftermarket team to understand customer-required ship dates and transportation requirements.  - Coordinate with Production, Materials, Kitting, and Shipping to ensure product is ready before scheduling transportation.  - Identify shipment risks early and communicate them to the appropriate supervisor or manager.  - Help prioritize transportation based on customer commitments, past-due orders, machine availability, and business needs.  - Support shipment planning for large kits and machine-related components where multiple shipments may be required.  - Coordinate with Sales and Customer Service when transportation requirements or customer delivery commitments change.  - Maintain accurate transportation information in the company's ERP and/or transportation systems.  - Enter and maintain freight, carrier, tracking, shipment, and documentation information as required.  - Monitor transportation costs and identify opportunities to reduce freight expense.  - Assist with freight invoice review and resolution of billing discrepancies.  - Track transportation performance, including freight cost, on-time pickup, on-time delivery, and carrier performance.  - Provide data and reporting to the Import/Export Manager and Supply Chain leadership as needed. I. Basic Qualifications (Required)  - High school diploma or equivalent required.  - 2+ years of experience in transportation, logistics, shipping, supply chain, or a manufacturing environment preferred.  - Working knowledge of LTL and FTL transportation.  - Experience preparing or working with BOLs, packing lists, freight documentation, and shipping records.  - Basic understanding of import/export documentation preferred.  - Basic understanding of HTS codes and customs requirements preferred.  - Strong computer skills and ability to learn ERP and transportation systems.  - Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.  - Ability to communicate effectively with carriers, suppliers, customers, and internal departments.  - Ability to work independently and make sound decisions within established procedures.  II. Preferred Qualifications  - Experience with international freight and export documentation.  - Experience working with freight forwarders and customs brokers.  - Experience with HTS classification.  - Experience shipping oversized equipment, machinery, or industrial products.  - Experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment.  - Experience with an ERP system such as Infor LN.  - Experience with freight management or transportation management systems.  - Knowledge of Incoterms and international shipping requirements.  III. Core Competencies  - Strong understanding of production processes and manufacturing techniques.  - Demonstrated ability to manage complex schedules in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.  - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify critical paths, analyze complex data, and make informed decisions.  - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and coordinate with diverse teams and stakeholders.  - Exceptional organization and time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.  - Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in maintaining and updating schedules.  - Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing priorities and requirements.  - Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools, such as Excel, to generate reports and metrics.  - Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.  - Experience using advanced Excel techniques to parse data and provide reports.  IV. Career Progression  Harsco Rail is committed to developing employees through defined career progression opportunities. Progression is based on demonstrated performance, technical proficiency, business needs, leadership behaviors, and management approval.  Level C  - Entry-level employee who learns and performs routine assignments under close supervision while developing technical skills and knowledge of Harsco Rail processes, quality standards, and safety procedures  - Builds foundational knowledge while demonstrating safe work practices.  Level B  - Performs routine and moderately complex work independently.  - Consistently meets safety, quality, and productivity expectations.  - Continues developing technical skills.  Level A  - Performs all duties independently.  - Handles complex assignments.  - Assists with training and process improvements.  Senior  - Technical expert performing the most complex work.  - Mentors and coaches others.  - Leads troubleshooting and continuous improvement.  - Supports leadership with technical guidance.  - Supports leadership with technical guidance and problem-solving, assisting with process improvements, and serves as a role model for safety, quality, and operational excellence  Advancement Considerations  - Technical proficiency  - Quality of work  - Safety performance  - Productivity  - Attendance & dependability  - Cross-training  - Leadership & mentoring  - Performance evaluations  - Business need and management approval  V. Work Environment & Physical Requirements  - Work is performed in a manufacturing and/or warehouse environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.  - Requires standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods.  - Must be able to lift up to X lbs   - Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.  VI. Schedule / Shift  - Work schedule and shift assignment may vary based on operational needs.   - Overtime, weekend, and holiday work may be required as business demands dictate.    Additional Information:  This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required.  We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you have difficulty applying for any job posted on Harsco Rail’s website because a disability prevents you from using the online system, Harsco Rail offers the following alternate application procedure: Contact Merissa Reese, HR Business Partner, at 1.803.740.2611, and Harsco Rail will arrange for an alternate method of applying and will consider your application together with all other applications received for the job.  Please call only for disability applications. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.