Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistic Agent

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly organized and proactive Logistic Agent to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be the central coordinator for all our supply chain and transportation activities. You will be responsible for ensuring the timely, efficient, and cost-effective movement of goods from origin to destination. The ideal candidate is a master of multitasking, a sharp problem-solver, and a clear communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Your work will directly impact our operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and bottom line, making you a key player in our company's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Logistics Assistant or Coordinator
Warehouse Associate or Lead
Customer Service Representative (in a logistics/freight context)

Advancement To:

Senior Logistics Agent / Logistics Team Lead
Logistics Manager or Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Analyst or Planner

Lateral Moves:

Procurement Specialist or Buyer
Inventory Control Specialist
Freight Broker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage and orchestrate the entire lifecycle of shipments, from initial booking and scheduling with carriers to final delivery confirmation, ensuring on-time performance.
Coordinate complex transportation logistics for various modes, including Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), ocean freight, and air cargo.
Prepare, verify, and process all essential shipping and receiving documentation, such as Bills of Lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, and proof of delivery.
Serve as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, suppliers, and internal departments, providing regular status updates and resolving inquiries.
Utilize our Transportation Management System (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to meticulously track shipments, manage inventory, and maintain data integrity.
Actively negotiate freight rates and service level agreements with a network of carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to optimize transportation costs and ensure service quality.
Ensure strict compliance with all domestic and international shipping regulations, including customs laws, tariffs, trade agreements, and hazardous materials (Hazmat) requirements.
Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve any in-transit issues, such as delays, damages, or lost shipments, by implementing effective corrective actions and communicating solutions to all stakeholders.
Maintain precise and organized records of all logistics activities, including shipment details, transportation costs, carrier performance, and customs clearance data.
Analyze transportation routes and carrier selections to recommend and implement strategies that improve efficiency, reduce transit times, and lower overall logistics spend.
Collaborate closely with the warehouse team to coordinate inbound and outbound shipment schedules, manage dock appointments, and ensure smooth material flow.
Liaise with procurement and sales teams to align logistics operations with inbound material requirements and outbound customer order fulfillment schedules.
Generate and analyze key performance indicator (KPI) reports on logistics metrics like on-time delivery, cost-per-shipment, and carrier performance to drive continuous improvement.
Oversee the freight audit and payment process, ensuring accurate billing from carriers and resolving any invoice discrepancies in a timely manner.
Manage and cultivate strong relationships with logistics vendors and partners, conducting periodic performance reviews to ensure they meet contractual obligations.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover cost-saving opportunities or process inefficiencies within the supply chain.
Assist in the development, documentation, and implementation of new logistics Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance operational consistency and efficiency.
Handle the freight claims process from start to finish, including filing claims with carriers for lost or damaged goods and tracking them through to resolution.
Provide crucial support for customs clearance procedures by ensuring all import/export documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
Monitor and report on logistics budget adherence, providing insights into variances and contributing to financial forecasting for transportation costs.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within cross-functional teams focused on supply chain optimization projects.
Stay informed on current industry trends, emerging logistics technologies, and changes in transportation regulations that could impact the business.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing user feedback on logistics software and systems.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

TMS & WMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience using Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for daily operations.
ERP Systems: Strong working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
MS Office Expertise: Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUPs, formulas) for data analysis and reporting.
Freight Forwarding Knowledge: Deep understanding of domestic and international freight forwarding processes across various modes (Air, Ocean, Rail, Ground).
Customs & Trade Compliance: Familiarity with international trade, Incoterms, and customs documentation requirements for imports and exports.
Rate Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate freight rates and contracts with carriers and 3PL providers.
Supply Chain Principles: Solid grasp of core supply chain management concepts, inventory control, and logistics best practices.
Data Analysis: Ability to analyze logistics data, identify trends, and generate actionable insights and reports.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills for clear and effective coordination with a diverse range of internal and external partners.
Problem-Solving Acumen: A knack for critical thinking and creative problem-solving to navigate logistical challenges and unexpected disruptions under pressure.
Organizational Prowess: Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with a proven capacity to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously without sacrificing quality.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on accuracy, particularly when managing complex shipping documentation, data entry, and compliance requirements.
Proactive & Autonomous: A self-starting, results-driven attitude with the ability to work independently while also being a collaborative and supportive team member.
Strong Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships with clients, vendors, and colleagues.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent is required. An Associate's Degree is a strong plus.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
Business Administration
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in a role such as Logistics Coordinator, Transportation Specialist, or Supply Chain Agent.

Preferred:

Experience within a fast-paced manufacturing, distribution, or e-commerce environment.
Demonstrable experience handling both domestic and international shipments, including customs procedures.