How to Be Associate Logistics Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A Logistics Coordinator is an important role in supply chain management, as they are responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient movement of goods. This position plays a key role in the success of any business, as the timely delivery of goods is critical for keeping customers satisfied. The Logistics Coordinator must plan and coordinate all aspects of the supply chain process, from obtaining materials to delivering finished products.

They must be able to prioritize tasks, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and identify and resolve problems quickly. As a result of their efforts, businesses can reduce costs, improve customer service, and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become an associate logistics coordinator, you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as logistics, business, or supply chain management.
Obtain Work Experience. Employers usually prefer to hire associate logistics coordinators with at least some relevant work experience. Consider taking on an internship or entry-level position in the logistics field to gain some hands-on experience.
Get Certified. While not required, it may be beneficial to obtain certification from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) or the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). Earning one of these professional certifications can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can start applying for jobs. Look for open positions at logistics companies, shipping companies, transportation companies, and other organizations that require logistics coordination.
Develop Your Skills. As an associate logistics coordinator, you will need to have excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Developing these skills through practice and on-the-job training can help you become a successful coordinator and advance your career.

The success of a logistics coordinator depends on their knowledge and skills in the field. A qualified logistics coordinator should possess the ability to understand and manage the flow of goods, services, and information throughout the supply chain. They should be able to work with different stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers, and distributors.

They must be able to plan and strategize efficient routes and schedules to ensure timely deliveries. Furthermore, they must be able to analyze data and identify trends in order to anticipate potential issues and propose solutions. Without these skills, an associate logistics coordinator would be unable to effectively coordinate the flow of goods and services and ensure successful delivery.

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Job Description

Monitor and track orders for on-time delivery
Coordinate with vendors to ensure accurate and timely delivery of goods
Prepare and issue purchase orders and shipping documents
Monitor inventory levels and communicate with management regarding stock availability
Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures related to logistics
Work closely with other departments to ensure smooth and efficient order processing
Resolve any discrepancies or customer issues related to shipping
Monitor freight costs, routing, and delivery times
Research alternative shipping methods to reduce costs
Manage reverse logistics operations and returns processing
Generate reports on shipping performance, inventory levels, and cost savings initiatives
Negotiate rates with carriers and suppliers to get the best pricing
Liaise with customs brokers to ensure compliance with import/export regulations

Skills and Competencies to Have

Analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Attention to detail
Knowledge of logistics processes
Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Office
Ability to multi-task and prioritize
Knowledge of supply chain management and inventory control
Experience with transportation and distribution systems
Customer service orientation
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of warehouse operations and procedures
Ability to lift heavy objects
Knowledge of safety regulations

Organizational skills are essential for any Associate Logistics Coordinator. Having the ability to effectively manage projects, prioritize tasks, and stay organized is critical for the success of any logistics operation. When an organization has a well-structured system, it allows for the smooth flow of goods, services, and information.

This can drastically reduce the amount of time and resources needed to complete tasks, as well as minimize the potential for errors. strong communication skills are necessary for a successful Associate Logistics Coordinator. Being able to effectively communicate with customers, vendors, and other stakeholders helps ensure that everyone involved is on the same page and that orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.

Finally, problem-solving skills are a must-have in this field. Its important to be able to identify issues quickly and efficiently in order to avoid costly delays and maintain customer satisfaction. Having these skills can lead to greater efficiency and a positive customer experience for the organization.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with managing logistics operations?
How do you ensure accuracy and efficiency in supply chain management?
What challenges have you faced in coordinating the delivery of goods?
Describe a time when you had to develop a new process to improve the logistics process.
How do you handle difficult conversations with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders?
What techniques do you use to optimize inventory and delivery processes?
How do you stay organized when managing multiple projects at once?
What strategies do you use to ensure customer satisfaction?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest logistics technologies and trends?
What methods do you use to ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Excel. Spreadsheet software used to store and analyze data. (eg: Create a spreadsheet to track shipment data)
TMS (Transportation Management System). Software used to optimize the shipping process. (eg: Monitor and track shipment routes to reduce delivery times)
WMS (Warehouse Management System). Software used to manage warehousing and inventory operations. (eg: Monitor inventory levels and adjust stocking levels)
SCM (Supply Chain Management). Software used to optimize the entire supply chain network. (eg: Automate the ordering process and reduce supplier lead times)
SAP (Systems Applications and Products). Business software used for enterprise resource planning. (eg: Track sales and customer data to identify areas of improvement)
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). Software used to exchange business documents electronically. (eg: Exchange purchase orders with vendors electronically)
Shipping Software. Software used to manage the shipment process. (eg: Generate shipping labels and track package progress)

Professional Organizations to Know

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)
American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA)
International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW)
Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
Air Cargo Management Group (ACMG)
National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)
Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)

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Common Important Terms

Freight Forwarding. The process of organizing the transportation of goods from one place to another. This includes arranging for the shipment of cargo, overseeing customs clearance, and making sure that cargo reaches its destination in a timely manner.
Inventory Control. The process of managing the availability, quality, and quantity of products and materials in order to meet customer demand. This includes tracking stock levels, ordering new items, and ensuring that products are correctly stored and accounted for.
Logistics. The planning and execution of the efficient movement of goods and services from one place to another. This includes scheduling the delivery of goods, tracking shipments, and making sure that all relevant parties are informed of the status of a shipment.
Warehouse Management. The process of managing the storage, movement, and retrieval of goods from a warehouse. This includes organizing inventory, directing workers, and overseeing the loading and unloading of supplies.
Supply Chain Management. The coordination of activities across multiple parties to ensure the efficient delivery of goods and services from supplier to customer. This includes planning production schedules, selecting transportation routes, and tracking shipments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Associate Logistics Coordinator?

An Associate Logistics Coordinator is a professional responsible for managing the movement of goods and materials within a company's supply chain. They oversee the shipping, receiving, storage, and distribution of products and services.

What duties does an Associate Logistics Coordinator perform?

An Associate Logistics Coordinator typically performs a variety of tasks, such as monitoring inventory levels, developing transportation schedules, negotiating contracts with suppliers, tracking delivery times and costs, and troubleshooting any delivery issues.

What qualifications are required to become an Associate Logistics Coordinator?

To become an Associate Logistics Coordinator, most employers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field such as supply chain management or logistics. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are also essential.

What type of work environment does an Associate Logistics Coordinator work in?

An Associate Logistics Coordinator typically works in an office environment. They may also be required to travel to visit suppliers or customers, or attend shipping conferences and trade shows.

What is the average salary for an Associate Logistics Coordinator?

According to PayScale, the average salary for an Associate Logistics Coordinator is $56,974 per year.

Web Resources

Logistics Management Associates Degree | ATU Ozark www.atu.edu
Transportation & Logistics Associate in Science www.mdc.edu
Logistics & Supply Chain Management | ACC Continuing Education continue.austincc.edu