Russ Duce Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Novi, Michigan

• Leads projects and initiatives across multiple teams, ensuring deadlines are met with quality results. • Designated new-hire Outreach Representative and Frozen Shipment Trainer/Expert for the logistics team. • Seeks out cost-saving and efficiency-driven measures as well as researching new opportunities in warehousing, freight forwarding and consolidation. • Manages and arranges frozen and dry shipments between vendor, stock and customer locations, serving as a contact point for changes, issue management and status inquiries. Utilizes effective time management and multitasking skills. • Negotiates rates with carriers and review any discrepancies or additional charges. • Applies creative solutions to common problems whilst working as a team-player to brainstorm approaches. • Builds and strengthens communication-centered relationships with carriers, customers, vendors, fulfillment centers, and internal team members to ensure trust, quality of service, and continuous improvement.

Haines City, Florida

• Efficiently managed inbound and outbound freight for multiple production and storage facilities across the country. • Generated $300,000 in cost-savings from March-December 2019 through sourcing new carriers on truckload lanes. • Consolidated truckloads of dry and frozen products for optimal pricing; working with ERP and WMS to build orders. • Thrived in a team-based facility to provide logistical solutions to ensure that production was never halted due to a lack of ingredients or materials. • Coordinated expedited shipments to ensure continuing production, often transported hazardous materials such as orange oil. • Developed yearly goals for budgeting and cost-saving; used decisive problem-solving for difficult service areas. • Fortified carrier partnerships through in-person meetings and Request for Proposals (RFPs). • Traveled between East and West-coast offices to provide in-person logistics support, working closely with each team to troubleshoot procurement issues as well as strengthening relationships with local carrier partners.

Orlando, Florida Area

• Provided exemplary customer service in a fast-paced call-center environment, using a mastery of verbal communication. • Developed expertise of Walt Disney World parks, resorts and operations. Utilized this vast product knowledge to support guests and book experiences catered to their interests. • Attended to guests as they shared a wide variety of emotions concerning their plans and present circumstances; connected with them on an emotional level to help find solutions.

Orlando, Florida Area

• Acquired several new customers for the logistics brokerage operation; commended by management for achieving sales goals. • Focused on providing top-notch customer service through consistent tracking and tracing. • Gained new knowledge regarding specialized heavy-haul logistics equipment and inter-state transport compliance. • Succeeded in new business acquisitions through rate negotiations and outstanding communication between customers, carriers and the brokerage team.

Novi, Michigan

• Monitored and resolved issues for critical shipments for the customer, General Motors. • Oversaw all international shipments going to/from Canada and Mexico, ensured proper customs procedures were being followed and assisted in obtaining clearances when required. • Performed physical on-hand counts of received assembly line materials to prevent unexpected shortages. Prevented plant shutdowns by arranging expedited and pull-ahead shipments. • Implemented Lean Six Sigma principles within our team by creating interactive boards with current team statistics, goals, and areas of continuous improvement.

Novi, Michigan

• Recognized by management with the department’s first-ever Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for single-handedly preventing a plant shutdown. • Served as a first point of contact between the customer (General Motors) and their designated carriers when issues occurred. Reported and escalated issues to proper channels if there was a potential to impact the customer. • Created close and lasting relationships between carrier and customer representatives to ensure transparent communication.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), English, 3.5

Activities and Societies: Theatre, Piano.Cognates were in Theatre and Film.

English, 3.5

High School Diploma, English, 3.5 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Drama Club Choir Theatre The Blazer/School Newspaper