Transportation Specialist

Company Description

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 Description

Job Summary

The Transportation Specialist independently coordinates domestic and specialized freight transportation for Aftermarket kits, rail maintenance machines, components, and finished goods, partnering with the Import/Export team on international shipments and compliance requirements.

Owns shipment planning and execution from order release through confirmed delivery, including carrier selection recommendations, freight cost and service analysis, shipping documentation, issue resolution, and cross-functional coordination. Works with Materials, Planning, Production, Sales, suppliers, carriers, freight forwarders, and customers to meet complex delivery commitments.

This experienced individual contributor anticipates transportation risks, exercises judgment within established policies and approval limits, and drives reliable, cost-effective freight execution in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

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.
• Evaluate freight quotes and recommend transportation options based on total cost, transit time, equipment requirements, service reliability, 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.
• Determine and recommend cost-effective, reliable transportation methods for each shipment within established approval limits.
• Lead day-to-day resolution of missed pickups, damaged freight, delivery exceptions, and carrier service issues; escalate material cost, compliance, or customer risks.
• Maintain accurate transportation records and carrier information.
• Coordinate transportation-related import/export activities with the Import/Export Specialist and designated compliance owner.
• 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.
• Verify required shipping documentation and flag potential import/export compliance gaps for review by the designated compliance owner.
• 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 shipping dates and transportation requirements.
• Coordinate with Production, Materials, Kitting, and Shipping to ensure the product is ready before scheduling transportation.
• Anticipate shipment risks, recommend mitigation actions, and escalate exceptions affecting delivery, cost, or compliance.
• Prioritize transportation execution in coordination with Planning and Operations based on customer commitments, past-due orders, equipment 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.
• Analyze freight costs and carrier performance; identify and recommend measurable opportunities to improve transportation efficiency.
• Review freight invoices, investigate billing discrepancies, and coordinate resolution with carriers and Finance.
• Monitor and report transportation KPIs, including freight cost, on-time pickup, on-time delivery, exception trends, and carrier performance.
• Provide data and reporting to the Import/Export Manager and Supply Chain leadership as needed.

Note: This requisition is intended for an experienced individual contributor operating independently on complex shipments. Any broader C-to-Senior career framework is separate from the level approved for this opening.

Qualifications

I. Basic Qualifications (Required)

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 4 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation, freight logistics, or supply chain operations, including independent coordination of complex shipments
• Demonstrated working knowledge of LTL, FTL, expedited, flatbed, and specialized transportation
• Experience preparing or working with BOLs, packing lists, freight documentation, and shipping records
• Experience reviewing international shipping documentation and coordinating compliance questions with designated subject-matter experts
• Working familiarity with HTS codes, customs documentation, and escalation requirements; final classification decisions remain with authorized personnel
• Proficiency with ERP or transportation systems and Excel-based shipment, cost, and performance tracking
• 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 independently evaluate transportation options, resolve routine exceptions, and escalate decisions outside delegated authority

II. Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of relevant transportation experience, including international freight or 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

• Understanding of transportation execution and manufacturing shipment-readiness dependencies
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex schedules in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Ability to analyze freight options, shipment risks, carrier performance, and cost data to recommend operational 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
• Strong Excel skills for analyzing shipment data, freight costs, and carrier KPIs

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 40 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.