What Is a Logistics Coordinator?
Written by:
Appalachian State University
• Aug 28, 2024
In the modern world, consumers expect to receive their online orders quickly. With many companies delivering items within a few days, and some even delivering items on the same day, failing to satisfy this demand could spell trouble for a business. Logistics coordinators focus on customer satisfaction by managing shipping routes and deliveries for companies of all sizes across diverse industries.
A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in supply chain management is an excellent first step toward a career as a logistics coordinator. As part of a Supply Chain Management major, the degree program offers knowledge that aspiring professionals need to keep up with globalization.
What Does a Logistics Coordinator Do?
A logistics coordinator is responsible for managing the people, processes and resources associated with fulfilling customer orders. Most of the time, these individuals work for e-commerce companies that rely on shipping to deliver purchases to their customers, but they can work in a wide range of industries, including health care, manufacturing and retail.
Most logistics coordinators work full time in climate-controlled settings. They divide their work between their offices and shipping areas, and they may work first, second or overnight shifts depending on their employers’ needs.
Although their exact duties and requirements vary from one employer and industry to the next, most logistics coordinators execute the following tasks regularly:
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Managing purchase orders, including preparation and routing
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Managing a facility’s logistical products and services
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Communicating with various shipping partners to ensure that shipments are handled accurately and promptly
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Preparing bills of lading (legal documentation detailing shipment contents)
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Managing airbills (legal documentation allowing international shipments to be tracked)
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Reviewing purchase orders and confirming outgoing shipment contents before release from the facility
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Answering questions and referring customers or consumers to the right channels to resolve their issues
How to Become a Logistics Coordinator
Logistics coordinators must have postsecondary education and ample experience to secure roles in their fields. They must also develop and hone specific skills or pursue optional credentials to improve their hireability and set themselves up for future career growth.
Education and Experience
An associate degree is the minimum education required for an entry-level position in logistics, but a specialized bachelor’s degree in business management, logistics or operations is often preferred. These degree programs teach operations management, business and economic statistics, strategic management, and business communication, among other important courses.
Logistics coordinators can pursue entry-level positions immediately after completing a degree program, though many employers prefer hiring candidates who have completed internships or gained other forms of hands-on training.
Important Skills
Logistics coordinators are skilled professionals who learn much of their specific roles through degree programs and hands-on training. Other skills that these individuals should hone and develop include the following:
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Communication: Verbal and written communication skills are essential for ensuring that shipments flow efficiently. The ability to read nonverbal cues is important for working with customers, suppliers, team members and other departments.
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Critical Thinking: Logistics coordinators are always looking for ways to improve shipping efficiency and reduce costs for their employers. Unplanned issues may arise from time to time, requiring resolution. Critical thinking is critical for meeting these demands.
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Customer Service: Understanding and even anticipating customer needs can help design and coordinate the way goods are shipped between suppliers and customers.
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Computer and Software Skills: The ability to learn and use popular logistics software, such as GoFreight, is important to employers.
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Adaptability: The ability to make essential changes quickly is vital to keeping up with the dynamic, ever-changing supply chain.
Optional Credentials
Logistics coordinators aren’t required to obtain licensure or certification, but optional credentials demonstrate knowledge and skills to employers. The Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) credential, which the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) offers, demonstrates a solid understanding of the global supply chain, quality control principles, communication and safety.
The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification, which the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) offers, demonstrates knowledge of topics such as demand forecasting, sourcing, supply chain risk and supply chain relationships.
Salary and Job Outlook for Logistics Coordinators
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for logistics coordinators was $79,400 as of May 2023. Those working for the federal government earned significantly more, and those working in wholesale trade earned slightly less. Employment is expected to climb by about 18% as a result of the growth of e-commerce, the increasing complexity of the global supply chain, escalating consumer demand for fast and affordable shipping, and the growing volume of inventory nationwide.
Ensure Timely Deliveries on a Global Scale as a Logistics Coordinator
As a logistics coordinator, you’ll directly impact the global movement of goods and materials, impacting the reputation of your employer’s business and its relationship with consumers. Saving money, reducing risk and improving relationships are essential to the role.
Appalachian State University’s Supply Chain Management major is part of our BSBA program, which is designed to prepare future professionals who’ll directly impact the global supply chain. Explore this and other exciting
Sources:
Association for Supply Chain Management, Become a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
ATS Logistics, “9 Critical Skills to be a Successful Logistics Coordinator”
Glassdoor, What Does a Logistics Coordinator Do?
Indeed, Learn About Being a Logistics Coordinator
Indeed, Logistics Coordinator Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) 4.0