Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistic Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

A Logistic Coordinator is the central nervous system of a supply chain, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of goods from point of origin to point of consumption. Think of them as the air traffic controller for products; they meticulously plan, direct, and coordinate transportation, warehousing, and inventory management activities. This role is pivotal in meeting customer demands, controlling costs, and mitigating risks. By liaising between suppliers, carriers, warehouse teams, and customers, the Logistic Coordinator solves real-time challenges and ensures that every piece of the puzzle moves in perfect harmony. They are the tactical experts who turn supply chain strategy into operational reality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

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

Advancement To:

Senior Logistics Coordinator or Logistics Team Lead
Logistics Manager or Supervisor
Supply Chain Analyst or Planner

Lateral Moves:

Procurement Specialist or Buyer
Inventory Planner or Controller

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Orchestrate and monitor the entire lifecycle of shipments, from order placement through to final delivery, ensuring on-time performance and adherence to customer requirements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for freight carriers, forwarders, and brokers, negotiating rates and service level agreements to optimize for cost and efficiency.
Meticulously prepare, review, and manage all shipping and receiving documentation, including bills of lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, and customs paperwork for international shipments.
Proactively track and trace shipments in transit, identifying potential delays or issues and communicating status updates to all relevant internal and external stakeholders.
Coordinate with warehouse personnel to schedule inbound and outbound appointments, ensuring that labor and equipment are allocated efficiently for loading and unloading.
Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to plan routes, tender loads to carriers, and maintain accurate data records.
Resolve complex transportation and delivery issues, such as damages, shortages, or customs holds, by investigating the root cause and implementing corrective actions.
Ensure all logistics activities are in strict compliance with local, national, and international trade laws, including customs regulations, DOT rules, and hazardous materials protocols.
Actively manage relationships with a diverse portfolio of transportation providers, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering strong, collaborative partnerships.
Analyze transportation spend and operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost savings and service improvements.
Process, audit, and approve freight invoices, cross-referencing them against negotiated rates and shipment records to ensure accuracy before payment.
Manage freight claims from initiation to resolution, gathering necessary documentation and liaising with carriers and insurance providers to recover costs for lost or damaged goods.
Provide accurate freight quotes and transit time estimates to the sales and customer service departments to support new business and manage customer expectations.
Collaborate closely with inventory control and planning teams to align transportation schedules with production and stocking level requirements.
Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time pickup/delivery, cost-per-mile, carrier capacity utilization, and freight cost as a percentage of sales.
Schedule and coordinate expedited or special-handling shipments as required, finding creative solutions to meet urgent customer demands.
Maintain and update master data within logistics systems, including carrier profiles, rate schedules, and customer shipping instructions.
Participate in the selection and onboarding of new carriers and logistics service providers to expand network capacity and capabilities.
Coordinate the return of goods (reverse logistics), managing the process from customer pickup to receipt and disposition at the warehouse.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by mapping existing processes, identifying bottlenecks, and recommending technology or procedural enhancements.

Secondary Functions

Assist the finance department by auditing and processing freight invoices, ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies with carriers.
Generate and distribute regular performance reports, including on-time delivery metrics, cost analysis, and carrier scorecards for management review.
Handle and resolve initial customer service inquiries related to shipment status, delivery appointments, or proof of delivery.
Support the inventory team during physical inventory counts or cycle counts by providing data and documentation on in-transit stock.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using TMS platforms (e.g., Oracle TM, Blue Yonder, MercuryGate) to plan, execute, and optimize freight movements.
ERP Software Proficiency: Experience with enterprise systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics, particularly modules related to logistics (SD, MM) and order management.
Microsoft Excel Mastery: Advanced skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and complex formulas for data analysis, reporting, and freight cost calculation.
Freight and Customs Documentation: Deep understanding of preparing and managing documents such as Bills of Lading, Air Waybills, commercial invoices, and Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI).
Knowledge of Incoterms: Familiarity with international commercial terms to define responsibilities between sellers and buyers for shipments.
Carrier Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to negotiate freight rates and contract terms with LTL, FTL, ocean, and air carriers.
Route Planning & Optimization: Skill in analyzing and selecting the most efficient and cost-effective transportation routes and modes.
Supply Chain Principles: Solid grasp of end-to-end supply chain concepts, including inventory management, warehousing, and order fulfillment.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to interpret logistics data, identify trends, and create insightful reports on KPIs and operational performance.
Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of transportation regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and basic customs compliance for international trade.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication: The ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences.
Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying and resolving logistical challenges under pressure.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for accuracy in documentation, data entry, and compliance to prevent costly errors.
Organizational & Time Management: The capacity to juggle multiple shipments, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability & Flexibility: Thrives in a dynamic setting where priorities can shift rapidly and creative solutions are often required.
Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with internal teams, carriers, and customers.
Negotiation & Persuasion: Effectively advocating for the company's interests while maintaining fair and productive partnerships with service providers.
Composure Under Pressure: The ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive when facing unexpected delays, disruptions, or urgent requests.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, often supplemented with relevant certifications. An Associate's degree is frequently required.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
Business Administration
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct experience in a logistics, transportation, or supply chain coordination role.

Preferred:

Experience within a specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, 3PL) is highly advantageous. Proven experience working with both domestic and international freight is also a significant plus.