Logistics Coordinator Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

Experienced logistics coordinators play an essential role in a company’s daily operations as they take on the responsibility of communications between production, sales, and distribution to create an efficient supply chain. They are the ones reviewing orders and making sure shipments are being properly processed and sent out on time. Logistic coordinators are also responsible for looking out for errors in the transportation process and fixing them when they arise. As an ideal candidate, you should have previous experience in a supply chain management role or analytical role that has provided an opportunity to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Prepare invoices and bills
• Plan with transportation providers to ensure quick, yet proper movement of shipments
• Answer clients’ questions referring to shipments and transportation channels
• Develop different ways to make the supply chain more organized
• Create and maintain distribution and shipment budgets
• Make sure the services you provide meet the company’s standards
• Organize and manage inventory and storage
• Resolve any shipment or inventory issues that come up
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and retailers
• Oversee the entire supply chain operations

Education and experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain management
• Typically needs to complete an internship relevant to the field

Required skills and qualifications

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Remarkable customer service
• High customer retention 
• Excellent communication skills (writing and speaking)
• Goal-oriented 
• Ability to work well within a team
• Great organizational skills 
• Computer software skills for inventory and communication purposes 
• Effective understanding of the supply chain

Preferred qualifications

• 2+ years of supply chain experience 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Expert in inventory control 
• Ability to adapt when obstacles arise 
• Strong leadership skills
• Negotiation skills
• Experience with data analysis

As part of our Support team, you are the lifeline between our transportation department and our customers. You will be working in a fast-paced industry with state of the art automation. You will be required to manage job responsibilities and all related activities to provide excellence customer service to all clients. Set priorities for processing tasks to meet job expectations and requirements.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• Track and trace shipments and update customers and systems accordingly
• Process documents and information through established systems
• When necessary, manually enter shipments into TMS. As well as assign & tender shipments via use of preferred carrier network to optimize service, capacity, and cost
• Maintain excellent communication with shipping carriers. This communication will be through phone conversations as well as e-mail correspondence
• Maintain customer, agent, and vendor profile databases with use of CRM
• Perform all functions within defined time frame for updating shipments and customers
• Direct interaction with worldwide network of business partners
• Develop and maintain excellent customer service to all business accounts
• Direct client contact and communication with Sales team when necessary
• Adhere to all company regulations
• Other duties as assigned

Experience

Entry level position, experience not required but preferred

As a Logistics Coordinator, you will have the very important responsibility of facilitating communication between production, sales and distribution stages to promote a healthy and efficient supply chain.

What you’ll be doing

• Working with the Logistics and Customs Teams, Merchandising, Warehouse, Steamship Lines, Ports, and Trucking to facilitate the delivery and/or return of our import containers between our distribution facilities and the respective ports.
• Assist with tracking shipments internationally
• Communicates directly with steamship line companies
• Other duties as assigned

What we’re looking for

• 1-year minimum relevant experience in logistics
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and logistics software (i.e.: AS400)
• Solid communication skills, both written and verbal
• A genuine sense of urgency and a “can do” attitude
• The ability to be self-motivated and work independently, but also work effectively within a team environment
• The capability to work well under pressure, prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, maintain focus, and be detail orientated

The Logistics Coordinator, prepares, routes, and manages the company’s purchase orders. Their main duties include reviewing shipment materials before distributions, collaborating with transportation systems to ensure prompt shipment pick-ups, and monitoring shipment costs and productivity processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and organize shipments from the main office to maintain the correct level of stock and maintain a good flow of product
• Keep the correct flow of documents with the supplier (main office), broker, and warehouse for each importation
• Perform data entry for inventory, shipping and receiving Work closely with the Supply Chain Planner in the US and the Supply Chain Coordinators in France to maintain an adequate level of stock in the US
• Review freight costs, transportation rates, and the price margins of products to keep costs down where possible
• Help manage (3) 3PL warehouses, by checking their invoices against the contracts and reduce damages
• Perform month-end reconciliation of inventory and general ledger accounts
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports relating to inventory status and balances
• Prepare and organize shipments of product samples to customers
• When necessary, organize exportation to adjacent countries (e.g. Mexico, and Canada)
• Utilize computer systems to enter orders, track orders, check inventory, and problem solve
• Obtain information, observe, receive from all relevant sources
• Make note of this information and commit to memory
• Make decisions and solve problems by analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution
• Document/record information and maintaining information in written or electronic form
• Understand all shipping and returns
• Other duties and special projects as assigned by the management

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of customer service experience
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office suite
• Working knowledge of sage 300 software is a plus
• Active listening to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing
• Managing files and records, designing fort, and other office procedures and terminology
• Mathematics knowledge
• Neat appearance and pleasant phone manner is also required

Education requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience