What Is A Logistics Job and How Do You Get One?

July 28, 2020 | Career Blog

Thinking about a career in logistics but still a little unclear on what that means? There are a lot of different positions to be filled in logistics, but let’s start with the basics. Employees in logistic positions help to manage information, inventory, handling of materials, packaging, transportation, warehousing, and other management needs within the supply chain. As you can see, logisticians are responsible for making sure things are running smoothly. Keep reading for more information on logistics jobs and how you can get one.

The Different Logistics Roles

In general, a bachelor’s degree is required for most positions in logistics. However, an associate’s degree or industry certification may be enough for some roles. Some companies are also satisfied if an employee has enough related work experience and won’t require formal education in the field at all. The median pay for logisticians in the U.S. averages out to $74,750 a year, but compensation will heavily depend on your experience, specific role, and the company you work for. Here are some examples of logistics jobs you may consider:

Logistic Clerks. Clerks responsible for production, planning, and expediting work in multiple areas of the company to ensure that materials are being collected and moved correctly and based on the production schedule. Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks verify the records of shipments coming in and going out. Any of these individuals might also be responsible for organizing, labeling, and shipping the materials themselves.

Logistics Manager. This individual is responsible for ensuring the company’s distribution, forecasting, planning services, and warehousing are running as needed. This includes ensuring lower-level logistic employees, such as the clerks listed above, are doing their jobs efficiently. By keeping these employees on task, managers are able to carry out day-to-day logistic operations.

Logistics Coordinator. A logistics coordinator helps plan out routes for the shipment of products within shipping docks, airlines, trains, and delivery trucks. They work directly with customers to ensure that the timing of loading, delivery, and pickup is all organized efficiently.

Transportation Manager. Working closely with the logistics coordinator, the transportation manager is in charge of directing and arranging the transportation of goods. They may also have some additional responsibilities if the service the company they work for provides is involved with the transportation industry itself.

Logistics Engineer. In charge of the design and analysis side of things, logistical engineers are the people who create processes and solutions for the projects on hand. They are often brought in to evaluate or address the effectiveness of current or upcoming processes. Feedback is given directly to logistics managers who then implement and instruct new processes to the team.

Logistical Analyst. Similar to the engineer role, a logistical analyst takes a look at the supply chain processes within a company and provides beneficial solutions. The difference is that analysts cover broader ground, sometimes even looking into finances, bills, invoices, and tracking shipments. This role is essential for keeping the company productive and profitable.

A Few Things to Consider

Working in logistics may be appealing to those looking to start a new career for a few poignant reasons.

• There are a lot of open positions available. Sure, it’s not necessarily what you dreamed of growing up to become, but a logistician plays a major role in everyone’s life. Working in this industry connects you directly to the success and longevity of our economy. However, because so many people don’t know a lot about it, it’s often overlooked by those looking to grow and prosper. So employers and recruiters are always looking for people to fill these roles, making them a shining possibility for someone who is willing to entertain some flexibility and try something different.
• It’s a career you can advance in. Even if you don’t have a degree or a lot of prior experience, it is still possible to enter into a company as a clerk. If you commit yourself to working hard and learning more within the job, you can easily continue to grow within the company.
• We can help you get in. Because there are so many positions open in logistics, many companies within the supply chain turn to staffing companies like Allegiance to help them find suitable employees. Unsure if it’s the right direction for you? We can talk through your goals and aspirations for a job and help you decide if it is or not. We don’t just work in this industry, we work in many. So, no matter what we can help you decide on a path that makes the most sense for you.

Taking the First Step

We don’t just help companies find employees and people like you find their niche, over 70% of our clients and talent rate us a 10 in the industry for doing so. Take the first step, reach out today to set up your appointment with us!