Michael Pottorff
Paragon
Summary
Expirenced Material Handler with operating forkliftsin fast-paced environments and, effectively managing material handling and warehouse logistics. Proven track record of maintaining safety standards and ensuring efficient workflow. Demonstrated ability in operating various forklift models and adhering to safety protocols. Proficient in navigation, route planning, and handling various cargo types.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Tractor Trailer Operator/ Forklift Operator
AAA Cooper Transportation
Indianapolis, IN
10.2025 - Current
- Operated forklifts to transport goods and materials safely within warehouse environment.
- Conducted pre-shift inspections on equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.
- Loaded and unloaded freight and materials accurately, reducing damage during handling processes.
- Managed inventory control, ensuring accurate stock levels through systematic tracking methods.
- Delivered freight and materials efficiently, ensuring timely arrival and customer satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate delivery logs, tracking routes and inventory consistently.
- Coordinated with dispatch to resolve delivery issues promptly and effectively.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and local traffic regulations during deliveries.
- Completed on-time deliveries by choosing best and most efficient routes.
- Loaded truck and properly secured items to prevent damage for deliveries.
- Managed customer inquiries and complaints in polite and professional manner.
- Verified accuracy of all deliveries against order forms.
- Upheld high standards of professionalism while representing the company during interactions with customers, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Tractor Trailer Operator
Estes Express
Greenwood, IN
10.2024 - 10.2025
- Operated tractor-trailer vehicles to deliver freight efficiently across assigned routes.
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and compliance.
- Maintained accurate logs of hours, mileage, and cargo as per DOT regulations.
- Collaborated with dispatch teams to optimize route planning and scheduling.
- Provided exceptional customer service during freight pickup and delivery interactions.
- Implemented best practices for fuel efficiency and load management to enhance operational performance.
- Supported warehouse operations by assisting in loading and unloading of cargo when necessary.
Outbound Supervisor
AAA Cooper Transportation
Indianapolis, IN
05.2019 - 10.2024
- Trained new employees on company standards and safety procedures.
- Managed daily delivery and work schedules to maximize coverage.
- Communicated with dispatchers regarding routes, timetables and cargoes.
- Ensured outbound freight and materials were loaded to proper lanes with adequate securement.
- Maintained load average and bill count per trailer based on freight.
- Ensured all materials were loaded correctly into proper trailers and closed so materials would depart on time.
- Maintained trailer pool using YMS allowing to know what freight need to be moved according to incoming and departing linehaul drivers.
- Operated commercial tractor and trailer when necessary when short drivers.
- Used proper hazmat tracker and dot regulations to ensure proper paperwork when needed on trailers.
- Operated forklift to pick and move materials and load onto trailers.
- Supervised outbound operations, ensuring timely and accurate shipments to enhance service delivery.
- Coordinated logistics activities, optimizing routing for increased efficiency in freight transportation.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced delays in outbound loading procedures.
- Monitored performance metrics, identifying trends to drive strategic decision-making within the team.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline communication and enhance operational workflows.
Transportation Operations Manager
Amazon
Indianapolis, IN
03.2015 - 05.2019
- Reported maintenance and repair needs for transportation vehicles and equipment.
- Tracked orders using functional systems and coordinated with warehouse workers to ensure proper storage and distribution of products.
- Managed day-to-day schedules for moving trailers from destination to destination.
- Created and enforced policies and procedures for entire logistics team.
- Trained new CDL class A drivers to policies and practices. Also, trained them on the road to drive for Amazon.
- Maintained driver pool for 8 building in both indiana and Kentucky.
- Operated and used YMS system to communicate needs of trailer pool within multiple Amazon locations.
- Streamlined transportation processes to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce operational delays.
- Implemented route optimization strategies, improving fleet utilization and minimizing fuel consumption.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing logistics solutions that increased service reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Developed training programs for staff on safety protocols and operational best practices, fostering a culture of compliance.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify improvement areas, driving continuous enhancement in transportation operations.
Class A CDL Driver
Townsend Tree Service
Indianapolis, IN
02.2009 - 01.2015
- Reviewed paperwork for completeness and accuracy, checked orders for correct number of boxes and corrected addresses and support documentation.
- Achieved clean driving record for my duration with no points, moving violations or preventable accidents.
- Performed pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections using knowledge of safe and effective loading and handling procedures in coordination with company checklist.
- Loaded and unloaded my own flat bed trailers in compliance with DOT regulations.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Bloomington, INHigh School Diploma - General Studies
Martinsville High School
Martinsville, IN06-2005
Skills
- Tractor/Trailer Inspection
- Supervision & Leadership
- Customer Service
- Planning & Organizing
- First Aid/CPR
- Problem Resolution
- Training & Development
- Team Management
- Organizational Skills
- Routing Efficiency
- YMS Systems
- Safe driving practices
- Decision-making under pressure
- Freight bill reconciliation
- Forklift operation
- Loading and unloading
- Shipping and receiving
- Material handling
Timeline
Tractor Trailer Operator/ Forklift Operator
AAA Cooper Transportation
10.2025 - Current
Tractor Trailer Operator
Estes Express
10.2024 - 10.2025
Outbound Supervisor
AAA Cooper Transportation
05.2019 - 10.2024
Transportation Operations Manager
Amazon
03.2015 - 05.2019
Class A CDL Driver
Townsend Tree Service
02.2009 - 01.2015
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
High School Diploma - General Studies
Martinsville High School