Job Detail

2/16/2005

Company

US-IL-Chicago North-Transportation Analyst

Company Information

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2003 sales of over $4.6 billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products in North America. Grainger serves customers through a network of nearly 600 branches, 17 distribution centers, and four Web sites. Grainger is positioned to deliver attractive growth as the leading provider of indirect materials solutions to businesses, building on its reputation for integrity, unparalleled service, innovation, partnerships, and technology leadership. With nearly 600 locations throughout North America, 1,900 customer service associates and a robust online presence, Grainger is the leading industrial distributor of products to keep facilities and equipment running. Founded over 75 years ago, Grainger is focused on helping its customers complete their job successfully by providing the right product at the right time with the right information. Our product line consists of more than 500,000 supplies and 2.5 million repair parts.

Details

Responsible for supporting the Inbound Transportation function which encompasses shipments from suppliers to crossdocks/DC’s as well as inter-facility product movement. Assist in the management of inbound freight costs to budget through the analysis, identification and implementation of cost saving measures.

Works closely externally with the Transplace operations team, UPS Supply Chain Solutions and UPS Dedicated Truck Group to analyze and improve processes, reduce inbound costs and monitor third party performance. Work internally with Inventory Replenishment, Supplier Performance and Merchandising. This includes the education of Buyers and suppliers on transportation processes and compliance requirements. Assist in the design and implementation of key performance measurements and audit processes to ensure quality logistics performance and the timely delivery of product. Ongoing analysis to identify and implement transportation cost reduction programs.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Project management and implementation
2. Manage Inbound carrier and 3PL relationships
a. Execute and maintain carrier contracts.
b. Ongoing identification, selection, negotiation and implementation of cost/service-effective alternative solutions/carriers.
c. Manage carrier performance to expectations and Delivery to Promise goals
d. Develop and maintain strong relationships with local carrier representatives
e. Hold quarterly UPS and LTL CFT Meetings to communicate measurements, Company direction, new initiatives and expectations

2. Analysis and audit
a. Ongoing analysis utilizing transportation, freight payment and carrier databases to determine underlying causes of freight cost trends, identify inefficiencies, non-compliance and other opportunities for improvement
b. Conduct UPS load audits to identify “no scan” and potential packaging issues

3. Claims
a. Accountable for reducing freight claims for inbound and outbound operations
b. Responsible for the communication and reinforcement of all claims policies and procedures to appropriate personnel
4. Recommend process enhancements for transportation issues affecting market, customer, and sales initiatives.
5. Reduce UPS “no scans” situations to 0 where there is either no label or the label cannot be read.
6. Responsible for “special needs” situations regarding expedited services needed by customers, both internal and external. Responsible for the setting up and tracking of all special shipping orders and out of the ordinary freight movement among our branch network and to our customers. Responsible for all “hard coded account numbers” at the DC. Responsible for expediting damaged freight to specific branches for use and/or discount sales
7. Manage local inbound transportation issues
a. Once per week, maintain and enhance relationship with DC Inbound by being present during inbound hours to observe the inbound process and collaborate on process improvement ideas
b. Minimize the impact of inbound detention by ensuring that DC staff correctly use the Yard Management tool
c. Track Inbound Carrier performance (i.e., promptness, load quality)
d. Work with inbound staff to identify supplier non-compliance issues in the areas of linear feet estimates and carrier routings
e. Monitor excess trailers in yard
8. Travel to local branches supported by DC and audit for compliance to transportation procedures.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent, Bachelors degree desired
Five years experience
SAP/GENESIS/MOVE/MAINFRAME
Microsoft Office applications software
Able to meet deadlines
Work with little supervision
Understands DC operation and product flow
Understands branch order entry
Basic knowledge of bookkeeping
Claims policy and procedures
Complete understanding of routing guides for LTL/UPS Shipping lanes
Yard Management skills
Able to work with outside companies
Strong written and communication skills
Project management experience
Travel to offsite locations

Impact on the Organization:

This position has a direct impact on customer satisfaction and company profitability by building positive relationships with motor freight carriers and holding them accountable for damaged and/or lost products. Developing new procedures for freight handling and shipping to improve FPY. Implement changes to improve quality of delivery service at the most economical cost. Accountable for Company compliance in regard to claims policies and procedures involving shipments to and from the DC.

In addition to above, this position has a direct impact on the manageable flow of product through the Supplier Direct and Cross-dock channels into the DC.

Accountable for trailer yard productivity and management, including carrier relationship and its equipment.

Cost saving opportunity of $5 million.

Grainger Contacts:

• Transportation Management Team
• DC Operations Team --- DC Manager, Outbound Operations Manager, Inbound Operations Manager, Process Managers
• Branch Operations / Sales Team
• Replenishment Analysts

Outside Contacts:

• Motor, Intermodal and Drayage Carriers
• Breakbulk Centers
• Small Parcel Carriers
• Suppliers
• Other Shippers and Consignees

Contact