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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Logistics Planner

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

LogisticsSupply ChainPlanningTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

A Logistics Planner is the strategic linchpin of the supply chain, responsible for orchestrating the seamless and cost-effective movement of goods from origin to final destination. This role involves a dynamic blend of analytical thinking, proactive problem-solving, and intricate coordination. The planner meticulously analyzes transportation requirements, selects the optimal modes and carriers, and builds robust shipping plans that balance speed, cost, and service quality. More than just a scheduler, the Logistics Planner acts as a central communication hub, collaborating closely with suppliers, carriers, warehouses, and internal teams like customer service and sales to ensure alignment and mitigate disruptions before they impact the business. They are the architects of efficiency, constantly seeking opportunities to optimize routes, consolidate shipments, and improve overall network performance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Dispatcher

Advancement To:

  • Senior Logistics Planner
  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement Specialist
  • Inventory Manager
  • Demand Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly transportation plans to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods, aligning with production schedules and customer commitments.
  • Analyze and select the most appropriate transportation modes, including Full Truckload (FTL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), intermodal, ocean, and air freight, based on cost, lead time, and service requirements.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for a dedicated portfolio of carriers, fostering strong relationships and conducting regular performance reviews to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
  • Proactively monitor and track all in-transit shipments using Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and other tracking technologies to provide real-time visibility and identify potential delays.
  • Expertly troubleshoot and resolve complex logistical issues, such as transit delays, customs holds, damaged goods, or missed appointments, by coordinating with all affected parties.
  • Utilize the Transportation Management System (TMS) to its full potential, including tendering loads to carriers, optimizing routes, and managing shipment data with high accuracy.
  • Conduct comprehensive freight cost analysis and identify key cost-saving opportunities through load consolidation, mode shifting, and route optimization initiatives.
  • Negotiate freight rates and contract terms with carriers and freight forwarders to secure competitive pricing while maintaining high service standards.
  • Collaborate closely with warehouse operations teams to coordinate inbound and outbound shipment schedules, ensuring efficient dock utilization and labor planning.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate documentation for all shipments, including bills of lading (BOLs), proof of delivery (PODs), customs paperwork, and other regulatory documents.
  • Manage the freight claims process from initiation to resolution, working with carriers and insurance providers to recover costs for lost or damaged products.
  • Prepare and distribute detailed performance reports and dashboards, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time performance, cost-per-mile, and carrier capacity.
  • Support demand and supply planning by providing critical input on transit times, transportation capacity constraints, and freight cost forecasting.
  • Ensure all transportation activities are in strict compliance with relevant regulations, including DOT, FMCSA, and international shipping standards like Incoterms.
  • Manage and respond to requests for expedited shipping, evaluating all options to meet urgent customer needs while carefully controlling associated costs.
  • Perform regular audits of freight invoices against negotiated rates and shipment records to identify and resolve billing discrepancies.
  • Lead or participate in continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing logistics processes, reducing lead times, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.
  • Evaluate and onboard new carriers, ensuring they meet the company's rigorous standards for safety, reliability, and technological capability.
  • Communicate shipment status, delays, and resolutions effectively to internal stakeholders, including customer service, sales, and management, to ensure transparency.
  • Analyze historical shipping data and market trends to forecast future transportation needs and capacity requirements, enabling proactive planning.
  • Coordinate specialized logistics for non-standard shipments, such as temperature-controlled, hazardous materials, or oversized loads, ensuring all special handling requirements are met.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for key logistics planning functions to ensure consistency and facilitate training.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for supply chain leadership.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader supply chain strategy and digital transformation roadmap.
  • Collaborate with sales and procurement teams to model costs for new business lanes or product introductions.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if the logistics team operates within an agile framework.
  • Assist in mentoring and training junior logistics coordinators or analysts on systems and processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Deep proficiency in using TMS platforms (e.g., Blue Yonder, Oracle OTM, SAP TM, MercuryGate) for load planning, execution, and visibility.
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365) to manage orders and inventory data.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel: Mastery of Excel for data analysis, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, complex formulas, and basic macros.
  • Data Analysis & Visualization: Ability to analyze large datasets and create insightful reports using tools like Power BI, Tableau, or SQL.
  • Route Optimization Software: Experience with software designed for optimizing multi-stop routes and fleet utilization.
  • Knowledge of Transportation Modes: Comprehensive understanding of the operational nuances, pricing structures, and use cases for FTL, LTL, Intermodal, Ocean, and Air freight.
  • Freight Rate Negotiation: Proven ability to analyze market rates, benchmark carrier pricing, and negotiate favorable contract terms.
  • Supply Chain Principles: Solid grounding in fundamental supply chain concepts, including inventory management, network design, and demand planning.
  • Logistics & Customs Compliance: Familiarity with domestic (DOT, FMCSA) and international (Incoterms, customs brokerage) shipping regulations.
  • Carrier & 3PL Management: Experience in sourcing, vetting, onboarding, and managing the performance of third-party logistics partners and carriers.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Problem-Solving: A talent for dissecting complex logistical challenges, identifying root causes, and implementing effective, data-driven solutions under pressure.
  • Exceptional Communication: The ability to convey critical information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to a diverse audience of drivers, executives, and customers.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Strong interpersonal skills to negotiate effectively with carriers and influence internal stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: The capacity to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, making sound judgments on where to focus attention.
  • High Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to planning and documentation, ensuring accuracy in a domain where small errors can have large financial consequences.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: The composure to remain calm and decisive when faced with unexpected disruptions, and the flexibility to adapt plans on the fly.
  • Collaborative Mindset: A natural inclination to work as part of a team, building strong relationships with colleagues in warehousing, sales, and customer service.
  • Proactive & Inquisitive: A forward-thinking mentality that anticipates potential problems and a curiosity that drives the pursuit of continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree in a related field or professional certifications such as APICS (CSCP) or AST&L (CTL).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics & Operations Management
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in a logistics planning, transportation, or supply chain analysis role.

Preferred: Experience in a high-volume environment such as manufacturing, retail, or CPG. Direct experience managing a mix of transportation modes, including international freight.

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