Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Logistics Coordinator

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperationsTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Logistics Coordinator to become a pivotal member of our supply chain team. This role is the central nervous system of our operations, responsible for ensuring the seamless, timely, and cost-effective movement of goods through the supply chain. As a Logistics Coordinator, you will be the primary point of contact for all transportation activities, meticulously planning, executing, and monitoring the entire lifecycle of shipments. You are a master of coordination, a natural problem-solver, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where your work directly contributes to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Assistant or Administrator
  • Warehouse Coordinator / Associate
  • Customer Service Representative (in a logistics/freight context)

Advancement To:

  • Logistics Manager / Supervisor
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement Specialist
  • Inventory Planner
  • Freight Broker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and manage the full lifecycle of domestic and international shipments, including Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), ocean, and air freight to ensure timely delivery.
  • Act as the primary liaison between suppliers, carriers, freight forwarders, and warehouse teams to orchestrate smooth and efficient transportation of goods.
  • Prepare, verify, and meticulously manage all necessary shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOL), packing lists, commercial invoices, and customs paperwork.
  • Proactively track and trace all shipments in real-time, providing timely and accurate updates to internal stakeholders and customers on delivery status, ETAs, and potential delays.
  • Utilize and maintain the Transportation Management System (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software with precise and up-to-date shipment information.
  • Negotiate freight rates with a network of carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to optimize transportation costs while upholding service level agreements.
  • Resolve any shipping discrepancies, in-transit issues, damages, or delays by investigating the root cause and implementing corrective actions swiftly and effectively.
  • Audit, verify, and process freight invoices, ensuring accuracy against quotes and contracts, and resolving any billing disputes with carriers in a timely manner.
  • Schedule and confirm all pickup and delivery appointments, ensuring all parties are aligned and warehouse capacity and labor are considered.
  • Ensure full compliance with all local, national, and international transportation regulations, including DOT, IATA, and IMO standards, as well as trade and customs requirements.
  • Analyze transportation data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost savings, carrier consolidation, and service improvements.
  • Develop, nurture, and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a network of approved carriers to ensure reliability, capacity, and preferential service.
  • Monitor and report on carrier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time pickup/delivery, cost per shipment, and damage rates.
  • Communicate effectively with the sales and customer service departments to manage customer expectations regarding delivery timelines, costs, and logistical capabilities.
  • Coordinate reverse logistics, including managing customer returns, RMAs, and the return of reusable packaging materials, ensuring an efficient and cost-effective process.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and perform exploratory analysis on freight costs, transit times, and carrier performance to support strategic decisions.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of logistics processes and assist in the development and documentation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement and sales, to understand evolving shipping needs and translate them into logistical requirements.
  • Participate actively in team meetings and planning sessions to align logistics activities with broader company goals and seasonal demand forecasts.
  • Generate and distribute regular, concise reports on logistics metrics, spend, and KPIs to management.
  • Assist in supply chain risk management by identifying potential disruptions and contributing to contingency planning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High proficiency in using Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data analysis functions for reporting and tracking.
  • Strong knowledge of multi-modal transportation (LTL, FTL, Air, Ocean) and common industry terminology.
  • Comprehensive understanding of shipping and receiving documentation, including Bill of Lading (BOL), Proof of Delivery (POD), and commercial invoices.
  • Deep familiarity with domestic freight regulations (DOT), international shipping practices, and Incoterms.
  • Proven experience with carrier relationship management, rate negotiation, and freight cost analysis.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with a proven ability to juggle multiple shipments and competing deadlines simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
  • Superior problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to navigate unexpected logistical challenges, delays, and complex issues.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear, concise, and professional interaction with drivers, carriers, customers, and internal teams.
  • An extremely high level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in data entry and documentation management.
  • A proactive, tenacious, and results-oriented mindset, with the personal drive to see every shipment through to its successful completion.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative professional relationships.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented with relevant work experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in a logistics, freight coordination, or supply chain role.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a high-volume manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce, or 3PL environment is highly advantageous.
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