The General Office Associates greet vendors, customers, job applicants and other visitors, and arranges for escort services, as appropriate. They operate the switchboard or telephone console to route incoming calls, coordinate and expedite the flow of product with vendors and stores, communicate completion dates for deliverables, and communicate with carriers to avoid transit delays. They also schedule and coordinate efficient distribution of products in order to satisfy store demand, analyze and revise shipment plans as required, and work with other departments to ensure store satisfaction and accuracy of shipment records. The General Office Associates are also responsible for assigning product to trucks according to length and purpose of trip, freight requirements, and user preference. They also investigate overdue vehicles, onfer with customers to expedite or locate missing, misrouted, delayed or damaged merchandise, and compare/verifiy identifying information or shipping records on incoming or outgoing shipments with bills of lading, invoices, orders or other records. They also prepare appropriate documentation for domestic or international shipments and maintain records accordingly. The General Office Associate must have the ability to use computer systems and knowledge of operational reports and procedures.