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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Freight Coordinator

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Coordinator, you are the backbone of our logistics operations. You will be responsible for orchestrating the seamless movement of freight from origin to destination. This involves meticulous planning, constant communication, and proactive problem-solving to navigate the complexities of domestic and international shipping. You will be instrumental in maintaining operational efficiency, controlling transportation costs, and ensuring exceptional service delivery. This is a dynamic role for a highly organized individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about the intricacies of the global supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Assistant or Administrator
  • Dispatcher
  • Customer Service Representative (in a logistics context)
  • Warehouse Associate

Advancement To:

  • Senior Freight Coordinator / Logistics Team Lead
  • Logistics Manager or Supervisor
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Carrier Relations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement Specialist
  • Inventory Analyst
  • Customs Brokerage Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and monitor the entire lifecycle of shipments, including scheduling, dispatching, and tracking from pickup through to final delivery.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight forwarders, and transportation vendors to ensure seamless coordination and resolve any in-transit issues.
  • Prepare, verify, and distribute all necessary shipping documentation, such as Bills of Lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, and proof of delivery (PODs).
  • Meticulously track and trace shipments using Transportation Management Systems (TMS), carrier portals, and other software to provide real-time updates to internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Proactively communicate shipment status, delays, and potential issues to relevant parties, ensuring transparency and managing expectations effectively.
  • Negotiate and secure competitive freight rates with carriers for various modes of transport, including LTL, FTL, ocean, and air, to optimize shipping costs.
  • Ensure all shipments comply with federal, state, and international transportation regulations, including DOT rules and customs requirements.
  • Process and manage freight claims for lost or damaged goods, working with carriers and insurance providers to achieve a swift resolution.
  • Source, vet, and onboard new carriers, ensuring they meet company standards for safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Audit and approve freight invoices for payment, reconciling discrepancies against quoted rates and service agreements.
  • Analyze and select the most efficient and cost-effective shipping routes and modes of transportation for all outbound and inbound freight.
  • Maintain accurate and organized records of all shipping activities, transactions, and communications within the company's TMS or ERP system.
  • Collaborate closely with the warehouse team to coordinate inbound and outbound shipment schedules, ensuring efficient loading and unloading operations.
  • Provide exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries, providing accurate quotes, and resolving any transportation-related complaints.
  • Evaluate carrier performance based on key metrics like on-time performance, cost, and service quality, and provide feedback for improvement.
  • Manage the booking process for international shipments, coordinating with freight forwarders and customs brokers to ensure smooth customs clearance.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement within the logistics workflow to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
  • Prepare and distribute regular reports on key logistics metrics, such as freight spend, transit times, and carrier performance.
  • Respond to urgent shipping requests and troubleshoot last-minute transportation challenges with a calm and solution-oriented approach.
  • Assist in managing relationships with 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) providers to ensure they are meeting contractual obligations and performance standards.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the accounting department by assisting with freight bill auditing and cost allocation processes.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement projects aimed at optimizing logistics and supply chain operations.
  • Maintain and update internal databases with current carrier information, rates, and service lanes.
  • Participate in team meetings to review performance, discuss challenges, and contribute to strategic planning for the logistics department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using TMS software (e.g., MercuryGate, Oracle TM, Blue Yonder) for booking, tracking, and managing freight.
  • ERP Systems: Experience with enterprise resource planning software like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite for order processing and inventory linkage.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and rate calculations; competency in Word and Outlook.
  • Freight Rate Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to negotiate competitive rates and terms with a variety of carriers and freight forwarders.
  • Logistics Documentation: In-depth knowledge of shipping documents, including Bills of Lading (BOL), Air Waybills (AWB), and customs paperwork.
  • Knowledge of Transportation Modes: Strong understanding of the operational nuances of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), ocean, and air freight.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with transportation regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and basic knowledge of Incoterms and customs procedures.
  • Data Entry & Accuracy: High level of speed and accuracy in data entry for creating shipments and maintaining records.
  • Freight Quoting: Ability to quickly and accurately calculate and provide freight quotes to internal or external customers.
  • Carrier Sourcing & Vetting: Experience in identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new transportation partners.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving logistical issues and shipment delays.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and professional interaction with drivers, carriers, and customers.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough, ensuring all documentation is accurate and all shipment details are correct.
  • Multitasking & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Negotiation & Persuasion: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively negotiate rates and services.
  • Customer Service Orientation: A dedicated and positive attitude toward serving internal and external customer needs.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to pivot quickly in response to changing schedules, weather, and unexpected issues.
  • Sense of Urgency: Understands the time-sensitive nature of logistics and acts decisively to keep freight moving.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in a freight coordination, dispatch, or logistics role.

Preferred: Experience in a freight brokerage or 3PL environment is highly desirable. Hands-on experience with both domestic and international (air/ocean) freight movements is a significant advantage.

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