Vaughn A. Coles, Sr.
Columbia, SC 803-***-**** ****************@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Transportation and Logistics Operations professional with 17 years of experience in commercial driving, safety compliance, and daily operations management. Proven ability to reduce accidents and boost performance. I am skilled in logistics, inventory control, material handling, and certified in power industrial equipment, first aid, and CDL operations. Strong investigative and communication skills with a focus on efficiency and problem-solving.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, & CERTIFICATIONS
East Atlanta High School, July 1979
United States Army-Basic Combat, October 1979
Military leadership, weapons training, physical fitness, and tactical operations
Police Academy Graduate, September 1991
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Columbia, SC
Trained in tactical operations, crisis intervention, and legal protocols
Developed strong leadership, problem-solving, and public safety skills
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class [A/B/C], October 2006
Trained in vehicle inspection, safety procedures, road driving, and cargo handling
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lazer Logistics, Alpharetta, GA October 2023- October 2024
Area Site Manager
Maintained regular communication with Corporate Office (Alpharetta, GA) and Regional Manager regarding client operations across multiple locations.
Led daily operations including scheduling, payroll, hiring, disciplinary actions, and staff communications
Conducted conference calls and submitted written reports, logs, and billing documents to corporate.
Oversaw driver compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and ensured safety protocols were.
Hirschbach Motor Line, Dubuque, IA February 2019-October 2023
On-Site Driver Manager
Maintained consistent communication with Corporate Office (Dubuque, IA) and Regional Manager on site operations and client updates
Oversaw daily site operations including employee scheduling, payroll, hiring, disciplinary actions, and written reporting.
Supervised and supported drivers, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols, traffic laws, and company policies.
Monitored driver duties: clock-in/out compliance, equipment inspections, cleanliness, and professional.
Berry’s Air Freight, West Columbia, SC January 2018-January 2020
Professional Truck Driver
Performed daily pre-trip vehicle inspections in compliance with DOT regulations
Transported air freight under strict UPS and Forward Air guidelines, ensuring timely and secure deliveries
Delivered and picked up freight across South Carolina for major clients, maintaining accurate logs and manifests
Ensured professional customer interactions while adhering to all state and local traffic laws
Followed detailed instructions to safely and efficiently deliver freight
Managed site logistics including shipping/receiving, inventory control, and material handling
Conducted safety audits to ensure regulatory and policy compliance
Developed and tracked KPIs to improve operational performance
Oversaw daily operations of a large industrial site, ensuring productivity, maintenance, and safety standards
Implemented safety programs that resulted in zero lost-time accidents for 20 consecutive months
Belk Distribution Center., Blythewood, SC August 2010-December 2016
Loss Prevention Lead Associate
Monitored and enforced loss prevention and shortage control programs, consistently meeting or exceeding shortage goals
Supported Loss Prevention Manager in training staff on safety procedures and shortage reduction strategies
Conducted investigations on routine cases using established methods and protocols
Performed random audits of stores, trailers, and distribution center processes to ensure compliance
Monitored CCTV systems and conducted surveillance to detect and prevent theft or policy violations
Columbia Police Department., Blythewood, SC September 1991-September 2006
Master Patrolman/Truancy Officer/School Resource Officer/Field Trainer
Enforced local and state laws while ensuring compliance with training and certification requirements
Served as School Resource Officer (SRO), promoting campus safety and deterring criminal activity
Provided referrals, counseling, and support resources to families in need
Conducted investigations on routine criminal matters and presented cases in state and local courts
Trained new recruits as a certified Field Training Officer (FTO)
Maintained case documentation, including reports, fingerprints, photos, and statistics
Communicated effectively with the public and staff regarding procedures and legal guidance
Instructed individuals on applicable criminal, state, and federal laws
Collaborated with partner agencies to plan enforcement strategies and prioritize objectives