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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Logistics Coordinator

💰 $ - $

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationFreight

🎯 Role Definition

The Freight Logistics Coordinator is an operational logistics specialist responsible for planning, executing, and tracking freight movement across domestic and international networks. This role coordinates carriers and partners, manages documentation and regulatory compliance (including customs and Incoterms), negotiates rates, resolves transit exceptions, and continually optimizes routing and carrier performance. The ideal candidate combines a practical knowledge of TMS/EDI systems, strong attention to detail, and customer-focused communication skills to ensure shipments are delivered on time, at the best cost and compliant with all applicable requirements.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Assistant / Logistics Clerk
  • Customer Service Representative (Transportation)
  • Freight Dispatcher

Advancement To:

  • Senior Freight Coordinator / Senior Logistics Coordinator
  • Logistics Operations Supervisor / Manager
  • Freight Forwarding Manager
  • Supply Chain Analyst / Network Optimization Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Freight Forwarding Specialist
  • Customs Brokerage Specialist
  • Carrier Relations / Procurement Specialist
  • Warehouse or Distribution Operations Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate day-to-day inbound and outbound freight movements across FTL, LTL, parcel, ocean, and air modes; create and manage shipment bookings, pickup requests, and final mile scheduling to meet customer ETAs and internal KPIs.
  • Prepare, verify and distribute all required shipment documentation for domestic and international transport (bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, hazardous materials paperwork) to ensure regulatory and carrier compliance.
  • Manage carrier procurement and rate negotiation, solicit competitive quotes, evaluate service level agreements, and secure cost-efficient capacity while balancing on-time delivery requirements and service reliability.
  • Use Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and carrier portals to tender loads, track shipments in real time, and update internal stakeholders and customers with accurate ETA and exception notifications.
  • Monitor carrier performance metrics (on-time delivery, claims frequency, detention/demurrage, accessorial spend) and drive continuous improvement plans with carriers to improve service and reduce costs.
  • Execute import/export customs clearance coordination with customs brokers, ensure proper tariff classification, valuation, and compliance with import/export controls and Incoterms; prepare required ACE/ACI filings and documentation.
  • Resolve transit exceptions, claims, and damages by investigating loss/damage, coordinating inspections, capturing evidence, submitting claims to carriers, and negotiating settlements to minimize financial exposure.
  • Route optimization and consolidation planning: analyze shipment density and routing alternatives to consolidate loads, reduce transit times, and lower overall freight spend.
  • Coordinate cross-functional communication among sales, warehouse, procurement, customer service, and finance to ensure seamless order-to-delivery execution and accurate freight billing.
  • Validate and reconcile freight invoices, audit carrier charges for accuracy (accessorials, fuel surcharges, tariffs), and work with accounts payable to resolve discrepancies and ensure correct billings.
  • Maintain accurate shipment records and system updates (TMS, WMS, ERP) for audit trails, performance reporting, and operational visibility.
  • Ensure compliance with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling and carrier requirements, including proper labeling, documentation, packaging, and carrier-specific restrictions.
  • Plan and manage time-sensitive and expedited shipments, coordinating special routing, air freight uplifts, and priority handling to meet critical delivery windows.
  • Support sales and customer account teams with freight quotes, transit time analysis, and contract logistics input to win and retain business.
  • Implement and support EDI and/or API integrations with carriers and 3PL partners to automate tendering, tracking, and documentation exchange.
  • Conduct carrier onboarding, including insurance verification, service agreements, safety audits, and performance expectations.
  • Monitor and manage compliance with trade sanctions, embargoes, and required licensing for restricted shipments; escalate any potential compliance issues to management.
  • Lead root-cause analysis for repeat service failures; define corrective action plans, update SOPs, and track results to prevent recurrence.
  • Coordinate and supervise third-party logistics partners (3PLs) and freight forwarders to ensure SLAs are met and customers receive consistent service levels.
  • Prepare and provide regular operational reports and KPI dashboards (OTD, average transit time, freight cost per unit, claims rate) for operations leadership and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support annual budgeting for freight spend, contribute rate forecasts, and identify opportunities for cost savings through network redesign, carrier rate renegotiation, and mode optimization.
  • Manage seasonal capacity planning and contingency plans for capacity shortages, peak periods, and weather or disruption-related events.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean projects, process automation, and TMS enhancements to increase operational efficiency.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing accurate shipment documentation, system records, and process descriptions.
  • Train and mentor junior logistics staff and cross-functional partners on freight processes, systems, and compliance requirements.
  • Participate in carrier scorecard reviews and supplier performance meetings to progress remediation actions and contractual updates.
  • Facilitate claims administration and insurance coordination for high-value or complex loss events.
  • Contribute to quarterly business reviews with customers and carriers to review service performance, contractual terms, and improvement plans.
  • Help configure and test new TMS features, EDI mappings, and carrier integrations; document user procedures and best practices.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations, carrier rule changes, and trade compliance requirements; disseminate relevant updates to the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS) experience (examples: Oracle Transportation Management, Descartes, Manhattan, CargoWise, BluJay)
  • EDI / API integration experience (ANSI X12, EDIFACT, AS2) for tendering and tracking
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, data analysis)
  • ERP familiarity (SAP, NetSuite, Dynamics) for order and shipment reconciliation
  • Import/export documentation expertise (BOL, AWB, commercial invoice, packing list, certificates of origin)
  • Customs clearance and trade compliance knowledge (HTS classification, duties, import/export controls)
  • Incoterms and international shipping rules proficiency
  • Freight rate negotiation and carrier contracting experience
  • Claims management and freight audit skills
  • Track & trace platforms and shipment visibility tools
  • Basic understanding of hazardous materials shipping regulations (DOT/IATA/IMDG)
  • Familiarity with warehouse operations and order fulfillment processes

Soft Skills

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for customer updates, carrier negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking under time pressure
  • High attention to detail and accuracy when preparing documentation and auditing invoices
  • Effective time management and ability to prioritize multiple concurrent shipments and tasks
  • Customer service orientation and ability to manage escalations professionally
  • Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills to influence carriers and partners
  • Adaptability to dynamic shipping environments and capacity constraints
  • Collaboration and team orientation with willingness to mentor junior staff
  • Analytical mindset to interpret KPI reports and identify cost-saving opportunities
  • Resilience and calmness during disruption management and incident response

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • International Trade / Global Trade Compliance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2 to 5 years of hands-on experience in freight coordination, freight forwarding, carrier operations, or logistics customer service

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of freight coordination or forwarding experience with demonstrated success in carrier negotiation, import/export documentation, and TMS usage
  • Experience working with multiple modes (ocean, air, truck) and international trade compliance
  • Professional certifications a plus: IATA accreditation, Certified Transportation Professional (CTP), Customs Broker license, or relevant industry training
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