Logistics & Transportation Manager | Kerman, CA

Logistics & Transportation Manager

The Logistics & Transportation Manager is responsible for overseeing all transportation and freight operations for the company, including the movement of materials, components, and finished goods between manufacturing and distribution facilities. This role focuses on developing direct carrier relationships, optimizing transportation networks, reducing freight brokerage costs, and ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery of products. The position plays a critical role in supporting operations across California and South Carolina locations.

For 50 years, MEC Aerial Work Platforms has built a reputation on delivering A Better Solution by bringing operator-first innovations to market. Based in Kerman, Calif., MEC is known for patented and award-winning product designs that set the standard for productivity and performance. From micro scissor lifts to MAX Series boom lifts and carry-deck cranes, MEC is leading the market with a bold and growing product lineup.

If you are ready to make an impact at an industry leader, come join Team MEC!

• Manage all domestic transportation activities, including truckload (TL), less-than-truckload (LTL), expedited, and intercompany shipments.
• Develop and maintain direct relationships with trucking companies and transportation providers to reduce dependence on freight brokers.
• Negotiate transportation contracts, rates, and service agreements to achieve cost savings and improve service levels.
• Coordinate high-volume freight movements between California and South Carolina operations.
• Monitor carrier performance and implement corrective actions when service expectations are not met.
• Analyze transportation data, freight costs, and shipping trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Planning, Warehouse, and Customer Service teams to align transportation resources with business needs.
• Manage shipment scheduling and capacity planning to support manufacturing and customer delivery requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable DOT, FMCSA, and transportation regulations.
• Establish transportation KPIs and provide regular reporting on freight spend, carrier performance, and delivery metrics.
• Develop contingency plans for transportation disruptions and capacity shortages.
• Support inventory transfers and distribution activities across multiple company locations.
• Lead transportation-related process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in transportation, logistics, supply chain, or freight management.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating transportation rates and managing carrier relationships.
• Strong understanding of truckload, LTL, dedicated fleet, and freight market dynamics.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, transportation management systems (TMS), and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Proven success reducing freight and transportation costs.
• Knowledge of interstate transportation and distribution networks.
• Experience managing freight operations across the western and southeastern United States.

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Occasional travel to company facilities, carrier locations, and industry meetings.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Transportation cost reduction.
• Brokerage spend reduction.
• On-time pickup and delivery performance.
• Carrier utilization and service levels.
• Freight budget management.
• Transportation-related inventory and production support metrics.

$71,000 – $100,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated transportation management expertise.