Shipping is not often the first career someone thinks of when they think of manufacturing, but for ESI clients, shipping careers account for several full-time positions. To learn more, ESI connected with two people who have a primary responsibility of shipping. Tim Vance works for Husky Products, LLC in Atlanta, MI and Blaise Norberg is employed by Conveyor Systems, Inc. in Alpena.

Shipping equipment and parts requires great attention to detail as both Tim and Blaise can attest to. When there are multiple trucks picking up deliveries, they need to assure that the right equipment ends up on the correct truck. This requires effective communication throughout the entire shipping process.

Other detailed work that is required for success in shipping includes taking photos of all shipments to document the condition of equipment and parts. The photos are utilized to help in instances of damage in the shipping process or parts lost in route or upon arrival. Team members in shipping also track delivery sizes and weights, and sometimes must provide detailed schematics of the load layout to the customer.

Effective problem-solving is also a requirement for success in a shipping role, especially when it comes to loading trucks. Factors like the weight and size of the load and what order the equipment will be delivered are things that must be considered to determine how best to load the truck. Competent use of the forklift plays a significant role in effective problem solving and truck loading.

There are many things Tim and Blaise enjoy about the role of shipping. Tim likes that each situation is different and is a new challenge. A challenge he says he would not be able to tackle without the help of team members like Joel Heussner who has significant experience and
knowledge. At any given time, there is someone willing to help him, and he is very appreciative of that.

Blaise enjoys the work and especially likes having control over his own area of responsibility and organizing the space effectively. Organization, like attention to detail, is a key factor to success in a shipping role.

Both men entered their shipping roles in the more recent years after first working in different areas of manufacturing. They both were
made aware of an opening and decided to give it a try, each stating it has turned out to be a great decision.