Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistics Clerk

💰 $38,000 - $52,000

LogisticsSupply ChainAdministrativeClerical

🎯 Role Definition

The Logistics Clerk is a critical administrative and operational support role within our dynamic Supply Chain department. You will be at the heart of our logistics network, responsible for the meticulous planning, execution, and tracking of all inbound and outbound shipments. This position involves heavy coordination between our warehouses, carriers, vendors, and customers to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of goods. Your exceptional organizational skills and proactive communication will directly impact our efficiency, customer satisfaction, and bottom-line performance. We're looking for a motivated individual ready to tackle challenges and ensure our operations run like a well-oiled machine.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate
  • Data Entry Clerk
  • Administrative Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Dispatcher

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Purchasing Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Meticulously prepare, process, and verify all domestic and international shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin.
  • Act as a primary liaison with freight forwarders, carriers, and couriers to schedule and coordinate shipment pickups and deliveries, ensuring adherence to strict deadlines.
  • Proactively track and trace all inbound and outbound shipments from origin to final destination, providing real-time status updates to internal teams and customers.
  • Diligently enter and maintain accurate logistics data in our Transportation Management System (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
  • Audit and process freight invoices, verifying charges against rate agreements and resolving any billing discrepancies with carriers in a timely manner.
  • Manage and organize all logistics-related paperwork, ensuring both physical and digital files are kept up-to-date and are easily accessible for auditing purposes.
  • Communicate effectively with the warehouse team to ensure orders are picked, packed, and staged correctly for scheduled carrier pickups.
  • Respond to and resolve shipping-related issues, such as delays, damages, or lost goods, by initiating carrier claims and coordinating solutions.
  • Generate and distribute daily, weekly, and monthly logistics reports on key performance indicators like on-time delivery, freight spend, and carrier performance.
  • Ensure all shipping activities are compliant with company policies and relevant transportation regulations, including DOT, IATA, and IMO standards.
  • Prepare and manage customs documentation for international shipments to ensure smooth clearance and avoid costly delays.
  • Obtain and compare freight quotes from various carriers to identify the most cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions for non-standard shipments.
  • Schedule and manage the dock calendar for all inbound and outbound truck appointments to optimize warehouse workflow and minimize driver wait times.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for customer service inquiries regarding order status, shipping details, and proof of delivery (POD).
  • Coordinate the reverse logistics process, including managing customer returns, processing return authorizations (RMAs), and arranging return shipments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the inventory control team by assisting with periodic cycle counts and investigating inventory discrepancies between physical stock and system records.
  • Assist the logistics and supply chain management team with special projects and initiatives aimed at process improvement and cost reduction.
  • Maintain and update the database of carrier information, service contracts, and rate agreements.
  • Collaborate with the purchasing department to provide visibility on inbound material shipments and expected arrival times.
  • Provide administrative support to the broader supply chain team as needed, including data entry, filing, and report generation.
  • Participate in team meetings to discuss operational challenges and contribute ideas for enhancing logistics efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • MS Office Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas), Word, and Outlook.
  • Logistics Software Experience: Hands-on experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), or ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Data Entry & Accuracy: High-speed data entry skills with an exceptional level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Documentation Knowledge: Strong understanding of shipping and transportation documents, such as Bills of Lading (BOL), Packing Slips, and Proof of Delivery (POD).
  • Freight Auditing: Ability to meticulously audit and reconcile freight invoices against quotes and contracts.
  • Reporting: Experience in generating and analyzing basic logistics reports to track key metrics.

Soft Skills

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to correspond professionally with carriers, vendors, and internal departments.
  • Organization & Time Management: Superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize a high volume of tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful problem-solver who can identify, troubleshoot, and resolve shipment issues effectively.
  • Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on accuracy is essential for handling documentation, data, and compliance requirements.
  • Team Collaboration: A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and support colleagues.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, operational demands, and new technologies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a logistics, transportation, shipping/receiving, or related administrative role.

Preferred:

  • Experience working within a high-volume manufacturing, distribution center, or 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) environment.
  • Direct experience with international shipping and customs documentation is a significant plus.
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