Shipping Manager

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Job description

Garden State Growers is a family-owned greenhouse and outdoor production operation on over 500 acres specializing in the growth and distribution of wholesale perennials, annuals, ground cover, vegetables, and varied seasonal offerings. We serve large retailers who sell plants in sizable quantities.

Primary responsibilities of the Shipping Manager may include but not limited to the effective and compliant management of the GSG Shipping Department. Build and maintain a robust database of drivers/carriers/owner operators ensuring the ability to deliver on-time and react to challenges as they occur through a proactive and competitive rate schedule. Maximize routing timeliness and communication while reducing transportation costs through route analysis. Manage the pick-up and return of all plant delivery racks ensuring minimum losses and the ability to reuse the assets quickly. Ensure training, coaching and feedback to Routing & Drivers to maintain a seamless transportation system. Maximize backhauls whenever possible to reduce transportation cost, audit invoices and manage fleet maintenance.

Responsibilities

Manage daily driver schedules ensuring efficient routes at the lowest costs using "Truckstops" Software.

Maintain a current database of company drivers, owner/operators and outside carriers

Develop plans, policies, procedures & documentation for the Shipping department which fully comply with federal, state and local regulations/laws as well as company policies (DOT, FMSCA, PDA Lanternfly)

Ensure efficient return of all plant delivery racks

Investigate and document all accidents/injuries to determine preventability

Manage and approve Shipping department and driver timesheets

Audit and approve invoices for truck and trailer leasing companies, vehicle repair companies, etc.

Generate all shipping related reports, including backhauls and the weekly key indicator summary

Routing, Scheduling and DOT Compliance

Manage and be prepared for operational and transportation audits throughout the year

Analyze proposed schedules and rates, initiate preparation and distribution of proposed trip schedule changes

Conduct training, coaching, and feedback sessions, complete performance appraisals

Conduct route analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities

Manage vehicle fleet maintenance

All other duties as assigned

Requirements

5-10 years distribution, logistics, and transportation experience, preferably in the live good, manufacturing, or perishable product industry.

Thorough working knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and compliance regulations

Ability to work independently, including making decisions affecting company resources

Excellent problem solving abilities

Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, vendors, and team members

Must have basic math skills

Experience with scheduling software programs

Must be able to read and speak English

Strong leadership skills with a focus on organization and detail

Proactive and responsive

Ability to gather and analyze data then develop and implement procedures

Constant utilization of computer and standard office equipment (phones, copier, fax, filing cabinets)

The ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Commercial Driver's License Class A would be a plus

Ability to work a full-time/flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Previous experience in Greenhouse Operations a plus

Willingness to support a 24 hour operation, including carrying an emergency cell phone as needed

Benefits

Salary to commensurate with experience

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Plan (401k)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick)

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