$50,000-$60,000 per year About the Role Balas Distributing Co. is seeking a Logistics Operations Coordinator to join our growing transportation and logistics operation. This position works directly with our Logistics Operations Manager as well as our General Manager and plays a key role in the daily execution of dedicated, contract, and brokerage transportation for major customers. This is not a traditional dispatch position. We are looking for someone who is organized, technologically capable, communicates well, and can take ownership of transportation workflows from tender through delivery and billing readiness. Our logistics operation is actively investing in modern transportation technology, automation, system integrations, and AI-assisted workflows. The right candidate should be comfortable working in a technology-driven environment and interested in finding better ways to execute repetitive or inefficient processes. Successful logistics operations depend on accurate information, proactive communication, sound judgment, and identifying problems before they become service failures. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work and wants to grow alongside the operation. What You'll Do Manage and monitor active shipments within our Transportation Management System (TMS) Review and process incoming customer load tenders Coordinate load assignments with partner carriers and internal fleet operations Monitor pickups, deliveries, appointments, tracking, and shipment milestones Identify late, at-risk, or otherwise exceptional shipments and escalate issues appropriately Communicate shipment status and service exceptions to customers and internal teams Coordinate with carriers regarding equipment availability, load status, recovery plans, and operational issues Maintain accurate shipment records, reference numbers, appointment information, rates, and documentation Collect and verify PODs and other shipment documents Assist with accessorial documentation, including detention, layovers, lumpers, and other approved charges Review completed shipments for documentation and billing readiness Investigate discrepancies between customer, carrier, tracking, and TMS information Support EDI and system-generated transportation workflows by identifying missing or inaccurate data Maintain accurate operational notes and exception records Assist with daily and weekly transportation reporting Help document and improve standard operating procedures as the operation grows Identify repetitive or inefficient processes that may benefit from automation or workflow improvements Assist with testing and implementing new technology, automation, and operational tools What We're Looking For Required Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Clear and professional written and verbal communication Ability to manage multiple active priorities in a fast-moving environment Strong general computer skills and comfort learning new software Ability to recognize problems, investigate available information, and determine the appropriate next step Ability to work independently while knowing when an issue requires escalation Reliable follow-through and ownership of assigned work Ability to communicate professionally with customers, carriers, drivers, warehouses, and internal teams Willingness to learn new systems, processes, and technologies Preferred / Nice to Have 1-3+ years of experience in logistics, transportation, supply chain, dispatch, customer operations, or a related field Experience working with a TMS, ERP, WMS, or similar operational software Experience coordinating with motor carriers, drivers, warehouses, or distribution centers Familiarity with transportation documents including BOLs, PODs, rate confirmations, and invoices Experience with shipment tracking, appointment scheduling, or transportation exception management Familiarity with EDI or other system-to-system transportation workflows Familiarity with modern AI tools and their practical use in a business environment Experience using AI assistants to research, analyze information, improve workflows, or solve operational problems Exposure to AI-assisted development, no-code/low-code platforms, workflow automation, or API-based integrations Awareness of emerging AI and automation use cases in logistics, operations, or business processes An interest in experimenting with new technology and identifying opportunities to make repetitive work faster, simpler, and more reliable You do not need to be a software developer or AI expert. We value curiosity, technical aptitude, and a willingness to learn and experiment with new tools. Transportation experience is valuable, but we are equally interested in candidates who demonstrate strong operational judgment, technical aptitude, communication skills, and the ability to learn quickly. What Success Looks Like During your first several months, you will become familiar with our customers, carrier network, transportation systems, and operating procedures. As you develop within the role, you should be able to independently manage routine transportation workflows, keep shipment information accurate, recognize exceptions requiring attention, communicate effectively with carrier partners and customers, and resolve common operational issues without requiring constant direction. You should also become comfortable identifying inefficient processes and contributing ideas for improving how work is performed. Over time, we expect the person in this position to take increasing ownership of customer accounts and transportation workflows while developing a deeper understanding of transportation operations, technology, and process improvement. The Type of Person Who Will Succeed Here You will likely enjoy this position if you: Like solving problems and figuring out why something happened Naturally keep track of details and follow through on open items Prefer preventing problems rather than reacting to them Are comfortable making decisions when the answer isn't immediately obvious Enjoy learning new software and technology Question inefficient processes and look for better ways to accomplish repetitive work Can remain organized when several things are happening simultaneously Communicate problems clearly rather than hiding or delaying them Take ownership of your responsibilities without needing constant supervision Are interested in how technology, automation, and AI are changing transportation and business operations About Balas Distributing Co. Balas Distributing Co. is a family-owned distribution and logistics company founded in 1946 and headquartered in Freeland, Pennsylvania. Our transportation operation supports regional and national customers through a combination of company assets, dedicated carrier partnerships, and brokerage capacity. As our logistics business continues to grow, we are investing in modern transportation management technology, automation, system integrations, data visibility, and AI-assisted operational tools. We believe technology should make people more effective, not simply add more systems to manage. Our goal is to build an operation where good processes, accurate data, capable people, and modern technology work together. This position offers an opportunity to join that operation during a period of significant growth and help shape how we operate going forward. Compensation $50,000-$60,000 annually , depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits and additional compensation information will be discussed during the interview process. Schedule & Work Location Full-time position On-site in Freeland, Pennsylvania Standard business-hour schedule with flexibility based on operational needs Equal Opportunity Balas Distributing Co. considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
Pay:
$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): How many years of experience do you have in logistics, transportation, supply chain, dispatch, customer operations, or a similar operational role? How have you used AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Gemini, or similar tools in your work or personal projects? If you haven't used them, what would you be interested in learning? When you're given a problem you don't immediately know how to solve, how do you typically approach it? A carrier is scheduled for a 9:00 AM delivery. At 8:15 AM, tracking shows the truck is still 90 minutes away and the carrier has not contacted you. What would you do? This is a full-time, on-site position in Freeland, PA with a salary range of $50,000-$60,000. Are you comfortable with the location and compensation range?