Flatbed Lead

Warehouse Operations Auburn, Washington

Salary:

USD 29.57 - 38.46

Hourly

Description

Position at Span Alaska Transportation

About Us

Span Alaska Transportation, established in 1978, is a premier, asset-based freight forwarding company serving the great state of Alaska. Our dedicated team provides outstanding service with exceptional care and attention to detail. We are always interested in extraordinary people with proven skills who are dependable team players and bring out the best in others.

Our supportive and empowering work environment is the foundation of the superior service, customer experience, and satisfaction we are known for within our industry.

Matson is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work. Our team of dedicated and talented employees consistently deliver exceptional results for our customers and the communities in which we serve.

Learn more at spanalaska.com.

About the Role

The Flatbed Lead is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient handling and securement of flatbed freight. This hands-on role serves as the primary trainer for new hires learning proper flatbed loading, weight distribution, blocking, bracing, strapping, and freight-securement techniques. The Flatbed Lead reinforces safe work practices, verifies that freight is properly secured before release, and serves as the designated back-up to the Flatbed Supervisor when needed. What you'll do:

Flatbed Freight Handling & Securement Load and unload flatbed freight safely and efficiently Plan and position freight based on size, weight, dimensions, balance, axle-weight considerations, delivery sequence, and securement requirements Inspect freight before loading and identify special handling, blocking, bracing, tarping, or securement needs Select and properly use straps, chains, binders, edge protection, dunnage, blocking, bracing, tarps, and other securement materials Apply proper tie-down and securement techniques to prevent shifting, tipping, sliding, or damage during transit Complete a final securement inspection before a flatbed load is released Identify and correct unsafe loading or securement conditions immediately Verify flatbed freight against work orders, manifests, and shipping documentation Accurately record freight quantities, exceptions, damage, and securement details as required New Hire Training & Technique Development Train new hires on safe flatbed loading, unloading, and freight-securement procedures Demonstrate proper use, inspection, placement, and tensioning of straps, chains, binders, edge protection, blocking, bracing, dunnage, and tarps Provide hands-on instruction in load planning, weight distribution, balance, freight placement, and securement selection Explain the hazards associated with improperly secured freight and reinforce stop-work expectations when a load is unsafe Observe new hires performing flatbed tasks and provide immediate coaching and correction until proper techniques are consistently demonstrated Use established training materials, checklists, and procedures to support consistent instruction Document completed training and communicate additional training needs or safety concerns to the Flatbed Supervisor Serve as an ongoing technical resource for employees performing flatbed freight work Flatbed Safety, Equipment & Work Area Inspect securement equipment before use and remove damaged or defective equipment from service Operate forklifts and other approved equipment used to position flatbed freight Maintain flatbed securement supplies in an organized, clean, and serviceable condition Maintain a clean and safe flatbed loading and staging area Consistently follow all safety policies, procedures, work instructions, and required personal protective equipment practices Report freight damage, equipment concerns, near misses, and unsafe conditions promptly Back-Up to the Flatbed Supervisor Serve as the designated back-up to the Flatbed Supervisor during absences or when additional operational coverage is needed Help coordinate daily flatbed priorities, load sequencing, staffing assignments, and communication with drivers and dispatch Answer technical questions and provide direction related to flatbed loading and freight securement Escalate significant safety, service, equipment, staffing, or freight issues to the Driver & Dispatch Manager Perform other flatbed-related duties as assigned You have these skills:

Advanced knowledge of flatbed loading, blocking, bracing, tie-down, tarping, and freight-securement techniques Ability to select the correct securement method and materials for varying freight sizes, weights, shapes, and load configurations Strong spatial awareness, load-planning, weight-distribution, and balance skills Ability to clearly demonstrate technical tasks and train employees through hands-on instruction Ability to observe work, identify unsafe techniques, and provide direct, respectful coaching Strong judgment and decision-making skills with the confidence to stop unsafe work Effective English communication skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing Ability to read work orders, manifests, labels, and flatbed-related documentation Ability to remain focused and accurate in a fast-paced outdoor freight environment Ability to use a radio and telephone effectively And these qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent required Demonstrated flatbed freight loading and securement experience required Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered Special Certifications & Licenses Forklift Certification Hazardous Materials Certification Extra credit if you have:

Experience training or coaching employees in flatbed freight techniques preferred The hourly range is posted for this position in Washington. The hourly rate will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Span Alaska Transportation offers medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits as well as a wide variety of other benefits to employees and their families. These benefits options include life insurance, supplemental life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, as well as more specialized benefits such as emergency childcare, death and dismemberment insurance, prepaid legal services, and adoption assistance. Span offers contribution opportunities to your 401K or Roth accounts with employer matching along with 8 paid holidays a year and tiered paid time off benefits.

At Span Alaska, we're looking for people to build a unified team to maintain our values of trust, integrity, and reliability. We welcome people who think rigorously and thoughtfully challenge assumptions.

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