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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistics Associate

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperationsTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

The Logistics Associate is the operational backbone of the supply chain, a critical role dedicated to ensuring the efficient, timely, and cost-effective movement and storage of goods. This position acts as a central coordination point, orchestrating the complex dance between suppliers, transportation carriers, warehouse teams, and end customers. A successful Logistics Associate is a master of detail and a proactive problem-solver, adept at navigating the challenges of domestic and international shipping. They leverage technology and strong communication skills to maintain visibility over the entire logistics lifecycle, from order placement to final delivery, ensuring that products arrive where they need to be, when they need to be there, and in perfect condition.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Coordinator / Clerk
  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Customer Service Representative (in a product-based industry)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Logistics Associate / Logistics Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Logistics Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Analyst
  • Procurement or Purchasing Assistant
  • Operations Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Shipment Coordination & Execution: Plan, arrange, and monitor both inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring timely pickup and delivery by selecting appropriate transportation modes and carriers based on cost, speed, and reliability.
  • Order Lifecycle Management: Oversee the complete order fulfillment process, from receiving customer orders and processing them in the system to coordinating with the warehouse for picking, packing, and dispatch.
  • Carrier Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for freight carriers, negotiating rates, scheduling pickups, and resolving any in-transit issues to maintain strong, effective partnerships.
  • Tracking and Visibility: Proactively track and trace all shipments from origin to destination, providing real-time updates to internal stakeholders and customers while identifying and addressing potential delays before they become major problems.
  • Documentation and Compliance: Meticulously prepare, verify, and manage all necessary shipping and receiving documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOLs), packing lists, commercial invoices, and proof of delivery, ensuring full compliance with domestic and international trade regulations.
  • Freight Cost Analysis: Monitor, audit, and report on transportation expenditures, analyzing freight invoices for accuracy, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and contributing to the logistics budget management.
  • Inventory & Warehouse Liaison: Collaborate closely with warehouse personnel to manage inventory levels, coordinate stock movements, and ensure accurate cycle counts, facilitating a smooth flow of goods within the storage facility.
  • Problem Resolution: Serve as the first line of defense for logistics-related issues, investigating and resolving discrepancies such as shipping errors, damaged goods, or customer complaints with a focus on root cause analysis and prevention.
  • System Data Integrity: Maintain and update information with high accuracy within logistics information systems, such as the Transportation Management System (TMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS), to ensure data reliability for reporting and decision-making.
  • Customer Communication: Provide exceptional service by communicating shipment status, delivery schedules, and any service disruptions to customers, managing expectations and strengthening customer relationships.
  • Performance Reporting: Compile and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery rates, freight cost per unit, and carrier performance, preparing regular reports for management to support strategic initiatives.
  • Process Improvement Initiatives: Actively identify inefficiencies in current logistics processes and collaborate with the team to propose and help implement solutions that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
  • Supplier & Vendor Coordination: Communicate with suppliers and vendors to confirm production schedules and readiness of goods, ensuring that inbound materials align with production and inventory requirements.
  • Reverse Logistics Management: Manage the returns process (reverse logistics), coordinating the return of goods from customers, inspecting items, and processing them for restocking, repair, or disposal in a timely manner.
  • Customs & International Trade Support: Assist with the coordination of international shipments by ensuring all customs documentation is accurate and complete, and by working with customs brokers to facilitate smooth clearance of goods across borders.
  • Safety and Regulation Adherence: Ensure all logistics activities adhere to company policies as well as local, federal, and international transportation safety and material handling regulations (e.g., DOT, IATA).
  • Rate Negotiation and Quoting: Obtain freight quotes from various carriers for spot shipments and assist in negotiating favorable contract rates to ensure cost-effective transportation solutions.
  • Appointment Scheduling: Efficiently schedule delivery and pickup appointments at warehouses and distribution centers, managing dock schedules to prevent congestion and minimize driver wait times.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work in close partnership with other departments, including sales, customer service, purchasing, and production, to align logistics activities with broader business objectives and forecasts.
  • Claims Management: Initiate and manage freight claims with carriers for lost or damaged goods, following the process through to resolution and financial recovery.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover logistics trends.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and roadmap discussions.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate their logistical needs into operational requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if the logistics team operates within such a framework.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proven ability to operate and manage shipments within a TMS platform for routing, tracking, and carrier management.
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Experience using a WMS for inventory tracking, order processing, and warehouse operations coordination.
  • ERP Software Proficiency: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, particularly the logistics and supply chain modules.
  • Microsoft Excel Mastery: Advanced skills in MS Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis functions, for reporting and modeling.
  • Freight & Shipping Documentation: Deep understanding of key documents like Bills of Lading (BOL), proof of delivery (POD), and commercial invoices.
  • Knowledge of Logistics Principles: Solid grasp of fundamental supply chain concepts, including transportation modes, Incoterms, and inventory control.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret logistics data to create meaningful reports and identify trends.
  • Freight Rate Negotiation: Experience in obtaining quotes and negotiating spot or contract rates with freight carriers.
  • Carrier Performance Management: Skills in tracking and evaluating carrier performance based on key metrics like on-time performance and cost.
  • Customs Compliance Awareness: Basic knowledge of international shipping regulations and customs clearance procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Impeccable Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature is essential for managing complex shipping details, documentation, and data accuracy without error.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: The ability to anticipate potential issues, such as transit delays or customs holds, and develop contingency plans on the fly.
  • Exceptional Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills (both written and verbal) for interacting with drivers, customers, and internal teams.
  • Strong Organizational & Time Management Skills: Adept at prioritizing multiple urgent tasks in a fast-paced environment to meet tight deadlines.
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure: A calm and resilient demeanor, capable of making sound decisions when faced with unexpected challenges and high-stakes situations.
  • Collaborative Team Player: A cooperative mindset, eager to work with colleagues across different departments to achieve shared goals.
  • Customer-Centric Attitude: A genuine commitment to providing excellent service and resolving customer issues with empathy and efficiency.
  • Analytical Mindset: The capacity to think critically about processes and data to identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent. An Associate's Degree is often highly valued.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of direct experience in a logistics, transportation, or supply chain coordination role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume shipping environment (e.g., manufacturing, distribution, or 3PL) is strongly preferred.
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