Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Logistic Clerk

🎯 Role Definition

As a Logistic Clerk, you will be the operational backbone of our logistics department, facilitating the smooth and efficient movement of goods through the supply chain. You are responsible for managing all administrative and clerical tasks related to shipping, receiving, and inventory control. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proactive communication to coordinate with internal teams, external carriers, and suppliers. You will ensure that all logistical activities are documented accurately and comply with company policies and industry regulations, directly impacting our operational success and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Data Entry Clerk
Administrative Assistant
Customer Service Representative

Advancement To:

Logistics Coordinator
Supply Chain Analyst
Warehouse Supervisor
Inventory Manager

Lateral Moves:

Procurement Assistant
Inventory Control Specialist
Dispatcher

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Prepare, verify, and process all shipping and receiving documentation, including bills of lading (BOL), packing slips, commercial invoices, and shipping orders.
Accurately enter and maintain shipment data, tracking information, and inventory levels in the company's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Coordinate and schedule inbound and outbound shipments with a variety of freight carriers (LTL, FTL, parcel), ensuring timely pickup and delivery.
Act as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight forwarders, and drivers, resolving any on-site issues and communicating scheduling changes effectively.
Meticulously track and trace shipments from origin to destination, proactively identifying and resolving potential delays or discrepancies.
Conduct regular physical inventory counts and cycle counts, reconciling variances with system records to maintain inventory accuracy.
Receive and inspect incoming materials, verifying quantities and quality against purchase orders and packing lists, and reporting any damages or shortages.
Manage the returns process (RMA), including documenting returned goods, coordinating their inspection, and updating inventory systems accordingly.
Generate and distribute daily, weekly, and monthly logistics reports on shipping volumes, carrier performance, inventory levels, and operational costs.
Communicate shipment status, delays, and delivery confirmations to internal stakeholders, including customer service, sales, and purchasing departments.
Ensure all logistics activities adhere to safety protocols and regulatory compliance standards, including HAZMAT regulations where applicable.
File and manage freight claims with carriers for lost or damaged goods, following through until resolution and settlement.
Maintain an organized filing system for all logistics-related documents, both digital and physical, ensuring easy retrieval for auditing purposes.
Assist in optimizing transportation routes and carrier selection to minimize costs and improve delivery times.
Audit freight invoices for accuracy, cross-referencing them with shipment records and negotiated rates before approving for payment.
Prepare and affix shipping labels, postage, and other required labels to outbound packages and pallets.
Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts or pallet jacks, to move, load, and unload materials in a safe manner (if certified).
Support the warehouse team by preparing pick lists and ensuring orders are staged correctly for outbound shipment.
Respond to inquiries from customers regarding order status, shipping details, and proof of delivery.
Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure a steady flow of supplies and materials needed for shipping operations.
Maintain cleanliness and organization within the shipping and receiving areas of the warehouse to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc reporting and data analysis requests from the Logistics Manager to inform strategic decisions.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and suggesting enhancements to current logistics workflows and processes.
Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to address and resolve complex shipment inquiries and provide detailed status updates.
Participate in team meetings, safety briefings, and training sessions to stay current on logistics best practices and company policies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

ERP/WMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with logistics software such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or other warehouse management systems for data entry and inventory management.
MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for creating spreadsheets, tracking data, and running reports (VLOOKUP, pivot tables are a plus).
Data Entry & Accuracy: High degree of accuracy and speed in typing and data entry to ensure error-free documentation and system updates.
Logistics Terminology: Solid understanding of shipping and transportation terms (e.g., LTL, FTL, BOL, POD, Incoterms) and standard logistics procedures.
Inventory Management: Knowledge of inventory control principles, including cycle counting, reconciliation, and stock rotation methods.
Freight Coordination: Experience in scheduling and coordinating with various freight carriers and understanding their service offerings and requirements.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough when processing documents, inspecting goods, and maintaining records to prevent costly errors.
Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Communication Skills: Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal teams, drivers, and external partners.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and implementing effective solutions for logistical challenges like delays or damages.
Adaptability: Ability to remain flexible and effective in the face of changing priorities, unexpected events, and evolving processes.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a team to achieve departmental goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of direct experience in a logistics, shipping/receiving, warehouse administration, or supply chain support role.

Preferred:

Previous experience within a high-volume manufacturing, distribution, or e-commerce environment is highly advantageous. Forklift certification is a plus.