Logistics Coordinator

Role Overview

The Logistics Coordinator supports domestic transportation operations to help ensure shipments move safely, economically, and on schedule. The role balances customer expectations, plant capacity, carrier capabilities, and freight spend while acting as the main transportation point of contact for assigned manufacturing sites. Close collaboration with Sales, Manufacturing, Shipping, customers, and transportation partners is essential to keep operations running smoothly and to resolve issues quickly.

Strong judgment, ownership, initiative, clear communication, and a customer-first approach are key to success in this position.

Core Responsibilities

Transportation planning

• Arrange efficient transportation for both outbound and inbound loads while considering service needs, freight cost, equipment availability, plant capacity, safety, and customer expectations.
• Compare carrier and routing options, then choose providers based on cost, service performance, safety record, transit requirements, equipment availability, and company guidelines.
• Set up delivery and pickup schedules, including multi-stop loads, appointment timing, and any special loading or unloading equipment required.
• Review customer shipping requirements and ensure all shipment details are clearly passed along to carriers.

Shipment coordination

• Create shipments and bills of lading using Oracle ERP and other transportation tools.
• Keep transportation records and shipment documentation accurate and up to date.
• Coordinate dedicated fleet activity and determine when dedicated equipment is more economical than common carriers.
• Track shipments from planning through final delivery to confirm customer commitments are met.

Customer service and communication

• Act as the transportation liaison for assigned facilities and maintain effective working relationships with Sales, Manufacturing, Shipping, customers, and carriers.
• Proactively inform stakeholders about delays, carrier problems, capacity limits, and delivery exceptions before they affect customers.
• Research and resolve missed appointments, damaged freight, routing errors, overdue deliveries, and service failures.
• Own transportation issues from the moment they are identified until they are fully resolved.

Decision-making and problem-solving

• Weigh competing priorities and make transportation choices that support both customer needs and operational realities.
• Escalate capacity concerns and partner with Sales and Operations to avoid service disruptions.
• Use sound judgment when balancing customer expectations, transportation costs, and business priorities.

Continuous improvement

• Look for ways to raise service levels, lower freight expense, and remove recurring process problems.
• Take part in improvement efforts that drive efficiency and better customer satisfaction.
• Support team objectives and assist coworkers during periods of heavy workload.

Financial and administrative work

• Estimate freight charges for quotes and invoicing.
• Investigate and correct freight billing differences.
• Maintain carrier data and transportation records.
• Take part in the department’s after-hours support rotation when assigned.
• Complete other assigned duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and critical-thinking ability.
• Ability to manage several competing priorities in a fast-moving manufacturing setting.
• Well-developed organization skills and strong attention to detail.
• Comfort working independently while partnering across multiple departments.
• Proven ownership, reliability, and follow-through.
• Customer-service orientation with the ability to balance operations and transportation cost.
• Capacity to protect confidential information and make sound decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and business software.
• Experience with Oracle ERP and a Transportation Management System is preferred.
• Familiarity with flatbed transportation, manufacturing logistics, carrier operations, or FMCSA/DOT rules is preferred.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• An associate degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related area is preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in transportation, logistics, dispatching, brokerage, manufacturing logistics, or a similar field is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

Physical Requirements

This is primarily a sedentary office-based role. It involves extended sitting, computer work, and occasional standing, walking, and light lifting of office materials. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential duties.

Work Environment

The job is carried out in a professional office setting with standard office equipment and a climate-controlled environment. The role includes collaboration with multiple departments and manufacturing facilities. The campus is tobacco-free. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Additional Employment Notes

Management may change or modify duties at any time, either verbally or in writing. The statements above are not intended to be a complete list of every duty, responsibility, or skill required. Employees may occasionally be asked to perform tasks outside their usual responsibilities.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Paid time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings account (HSA).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company-paid tele-health access.
• Stock purchase plan.
• Tuition reimbursement assistance.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).

Equal Opportunity and Eligibility

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Applicants who are individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans may request accommodation if they are limited in their ability to access the career center. To request accommodation, contact a Human Resources representative.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. Candidates who live outside the U.S. and would need visa sponsorship cannot be considered at this time.

About the Employer

Insteel Industries is the largest U.S. manufacturer of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction, including prestressed concrete strand and welded wire reinforcement such as engineered structural mesh and concrete pipe reinforcement. Established in 1953 and headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina, the company operates 11 manufacturing plants across the country along with a dedicated engineering services division. As a publicly traded company, its mission is to be the supplier of choice by delivering strong value to customers.

Fraud Prevention Notice

The company will never ask applicants to buy equipment, send money, or submit payment details during the hiring process. Personal information may only be requested after a formal offer has been made and background and drug screening have been successfully completed. If you receive an early request for money or sensitive information, it is not from the company. Suspicious activity should be reported to the HR team at (336) 786-2141.

Additional Information

No supervisory duties are associated with this role.