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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Logistics Support

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Logistics Support role is a cornerstone of a well-functioning supply chain and operations team. Professionals in this position are the organizational backbone, ensuring the smooth and efficient journey of goods from origin to destination. They are problem-solvers and coordinators, acting as a central point of contact for carriers, suppliers, warehouses, and internal departments. At its heart, this role is about managing the intricate details of transportation, inventory, and order fulfillment to meet customer demands and business objectives. A successful Logistics Support specialist is proactive, detail-oriented, and an exceptional communicator, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where no two days are exactly the same.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Inventory Clerk
  • Customer Service Representative (in a related industry)
  • Recent Graduate (with a degree in Supply Chain, Business, or Logistics)
  • Administrative Assistant (in an operations setting)

Advancement To:

  • Logistics Coordinator / Senior Logistics Coordinator
  • Logistics Analyst
  • Supply Chain Specialist
  • Transportation Planner / Manager
  • Warehouse Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement Assistant / Buyer
  • Inventory Controller / Planner
  • Operations Support Specialist
  • Sales Support Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and monitor supply chain operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective movement of goods.
  • Process and manage customer orders, from initial entry in the ERP system through to final delivery confirmation.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate shipping documentation, including bills of lading (BOLs), packing lists, commercial invoices, and customs paperwork.
  • Track and trace shipments in real-time, proactively identifying and resolving potential delays or issues with carriers.
  • Communicate effectively with freight forwarders, carriers, and transportation brokers to schedule pickups and deliveries.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the warehouse team, customer service, and sales departments to provide status updates on shipments.
  • Maintain and update the Transportation Management System (TMS) and/or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system with all logistics-related data.
  • Verify freight invoices against negotiated rates and services rendered, and assist in resolving any billing discrepancies.
  • Manage and respond to a high volume of inquiries via phone and email regarding order status, inventory availability, and shipping details.
  • Assist in inventory control and management, including cycle counts and reconciliation of stock levels between physical inventory and system records.
  • Generate and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly logistics reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) like on-time delivery, freight costs, and carrier performance.
  • Ensure all logistics activities comply with company policies, safety regulations, and applicable local, national, and international trade laws.
  • Handle and process claims for lost or damaged goods with carriers, following through to resolution.
  • Coordinate the return of goods (reverse logistics), managing the process from customer request to receipt in the warehouse.
  • Negotiate rates with carriers for spot shipments and assist in gathering data for larger carrier contract negotiations.
  • Assist in optimizing transportation routes to reduce costs and improve delivery times.
  • Provide support for warehouse operations by communicating inbound and outbound shipment schedules.
  • Maintain organized records of all logistics transactions, correspondence, and documentation for audit purposes.
  • Address and resolve customer complaints related to shipping, delivery, or product condition upon arrival.
  • Monitor and report on inventory levels to prevent stockouts or overstocking situations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis on freight costs and carrier service levels.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the logistics and supply chain department.
  • Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure inbound material deliveries align with production schedules.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to planning and strategy sessions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ERP/TMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and Transportation Management Systems.
  • MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, formulas) for data analysis and reporting, as well as Word and Outlook.
  • Freight and Shipping Documentation: Deep understanding of creating and managing Bills of Lading (BOL), packing lists, and commercial invoices.
  • Inventory Management: Knowledge of inventory control principles and experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
  • Carrier Management: Experience in scheduling and communicating with LTL, FTL, ocean, and air freight carriers.
  • Data Entry Accuracy: Exceptional speed and accuracy in entering order and shipment data into various systems.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with transportation regulations, customs procedures, and Incoterms.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in managing documentation and data to prevent costly errors.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and quickly to resolve shipment delays, damages, or other logistical challenges.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear correspondence with internal teams, external partners, and customers.
  • Time Management & Organization: A master of multitasking and prioritizing in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle unexpected changes, such as carrier delays or urgent customer requests.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with carriers, vendors, and colleagues.
  • Proactive Mindset: A forward-thinker who anticipates potential issues and takes preventative action.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-4 years of experience in a logistics, transportation, or supply chain-related role.

Preferred: Direct experience in a high-volume shipping/receiving environment, freight brokerage, or manufacturing company. Experience working directly with freight carriers and managing shipping documentation is highly valued.

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