Nowakowski Transport Sp. z o.o. - 05/2007 - 04/2017

Responsibilities:

• financial verification of contractors
• cooperation in creating and implementing the IFS Logistics, DPD and ISO22000 quality system
• reporting to the Company's Management Board
• analysis of fleet efficiency,
• accepting and executing transport orders
• sale of forwarding services to subcontractors
• coordinating vehicle routes, optimizing supply chain costs
• preparing shipping instructions and materials for customers
• managing a team of 10-15 people
• recruitment and internal training
• logistics systems: Transics, Carrier ColdTrans, ThermoKing TracKing, Speed ​​InterLan, TimoCom, TransEU, Teleroute, WTransNet.

Transport Manager in the refrigeration industry - when every minute counts

As a Transport Manager in a company specializing in refrigerated transport, I face challenges every day that require not only logistics knowledge but also knowledge of quality systems and the ability to react quickly to changing conditions. Let me tell you about the specifics of this job.

ISO 22000 quality system - the foundation of safe transport

One ​​of my key tasks is to cooperate in the implementation and maintenance of the ISO 22000 system. There is no room for compromise in food transport - any deviation can threaten the safety of products. My responsibilities include:

• Creating and updating temperature control procedures
• Developing contingency plans in the event of a unit failure
• Training drivers in food safety
• Monitoring and documenting any deviations from standards
• Conducting internal audits

Daily juggling orders

The day usually starts with a review of overnight transports and planning for today's deliveries. In practice, it looks like this:

Morning (6:00-9:00):

• Checking the status of all active transports
• Analyzing temperature reports from trailers
• Contacting drivers who are on the road
• Accepting new orders from customers

Late morning/afternoon (9:00-13:00):

• Optimizing routes for new orders
• Negotiating with subcontractors
• Solving current problems (traffic jams, breakdowns, delays)
• Updating delivery schedules

Afternoon (1:00-5:00 p.m.):

• Planning transports for the next day
• Preparing transport documentation
• Contacting customers about delivery details
• Monitoring costs and optimizing routes

Challenges in everyday work

1. Cold chain management

• Maintaining a constant temperature throughout transport
• Real-time monitoring of refrigeration units
• Responding to temperature alarms
• Documenting all parameters following ISO 22000

2. Cost optimization

• Route planning with refuelling points
• Combining loads from different shippers
• Minimizing empty runs
• Negotiating rates with subcontractors

3. Crisis Management

• Vehicle breakdowns en route
• Unplanned border checks
• Schedule changes supplies
• Documentation Issues

Instructions and materials for drivers

An important part of my job is creating shipping instructions. They include:

• Detailed guidelines for preparing goods
• Loading and unloading procedures
• Temperature requirements for different groups of products
• Emergency procedures

Key Skills of a Transport Manager

1. Multitasking
   • Manage multiple transports simultaneously
   • Fast decision-making
   • Flexibility in action
2. Knowledge of the regulations
   • Food Transport Regulations
   • ISO 22000 Standards
   • Transport regulations in different countries
3. Analytical skills
   • Route Optimization
   • Cost Analysis
   • Planning long-term
4. Communication
   • Cooperation with drivers
   • Contact with customers
   • Negotiations with subcontractors

How to deal with challenges?

1. Planning Ahead
   • Creating contingency plans
   • Regularly review procedures
   • Build a network of proven subcontractors
2. Continuous education
   • Knowledge of new technologies
   • Updating knowledge of regulations
   • Development of management skills
3. Use of technology
   • Temperature monitoring systems
   • Route optimization software
   • Communication platforms

The future of the industry

Refrigerated transport is becoming more and more demanding. Customers expect:

• Full transparency of the supply chain
• Zero tolerance for temperature deviations
• Cost optimization
• Quick response to changes

The work of a Transport Manager in the refrigeration industry is a constant challenge. It requires a combination of technical knowledge, management skills and stress resistance. The key to success is continuous process improvement and flexible response to changing market requirements.

For those considering a career in this industry, this is a demanding job, but one that gives great satisfaction. Every day brings new challenges, and our decisions affect the safety of food on the tables of millions of people.