Transportation Supervisor

MEET UPPER LAKES FOODS

Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is the largest independent, wholesale food distributor in Minnesota. The company has three facilities located in Cloquet, MN, Northfield, MN and Janesville, WI. We distribute food throughout the Upper Midwest. Upper Lakes Foods specializes in serving food service operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional food service chain accounts with a strong focus on customer service.

Simply put, the mission is to build value for each customer, employee, supplier and community we serve by bringing the best; the best products, best people and best ideas.

Transportation Supervisor | Northfield, MN

As the Transportation Supervisor, you will play a key role in ensuring our delivery operations run safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with DOT regulations. You'll lead a team of professional drivers, support daily logistics operations, and help deliver the outstanding service our customers depend on every day.

• Lead, coach, and develop delivery drivers through performance management, mentoring, and annual evaluations.
• Support driver recruitment efforts, including interviewing, onboarding, training, and conducting road tests.
• Collaborate with the Logistics team to optimize routing and manage daily driver schedules to meet customer service expectations.
• Maintain and audit driver qualification files and DOT compliance records, ensuring accuracy and proper retention.
• Analyze operational reports and key performance metrics to identify trends, improve efficiency, and support staffing needs.
• Address driver and customer concerns in a timely and professional manner, partnering with HR on corrective action when necessary.
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across the transportation team.

• 3+ years of transportation, distribution, or logistics experience, with prior leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of DOT regulations and experience applying them in a transportation environment.
• Experience with route planning, driver scheduling, and fleet operations in a fast-paced delivery environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and lead by example.
• Valid Class A CDL preferred.

YOUR DAILY ROUTE MAP

Your day starts by reviewing staffing levels, delivery schedules, and operational priorities to ensure everything is in place for a successful day. You'll connect with Logistics and warehouse teams to coordinate timing, resolve potential issues, and keep deliveries running efficiently. Throughout the day, you'll spend time supporting drivers through coaching, performance discussions, and safety check-ins while monitoring compliance and operational documentation.

No two days are exactly alike. Whether it's navigating unexpected weather, covering staffing challenges, or resolving customer concerns, you'll be the steady leader who keeps operations moving forward. You'll make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and ensure issues are addressed promptly and professionally.

Most work is conducted during daytime hours, with occasional overnight coverage as business needs require. As the day wraps up, you'll review key performance metrics, identify opportunities for improvement, and prepare the team for success the following day. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment, developing people, and solving operational challenges, you'll thrive in this role.

This position operates in both office and warehouse/logistics environments. The office setting includes standard workstations, computers, telephones, filing systems, and other office equipment. The role typically involves a combination of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day, with frequent interaction with employees, customers, and business partners via phone, email, and in person.

Regular movement throughout a distribution center and warehouse environment is required, including exposure to varying noise levels and active equipment operations. Depending on business needs, the position may also include operating a tractor-trailer and performing delivery-related duties.

Work schedules may vary based on operational demands and may include weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight coverage with limited advance notice. Travel of up to 25% may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

Full job description located on the Upper Lakes Foods Company Website.

Final candidates are required to successfully complete a background check, MVR,…