How to become A Logistician

Receiving at one’s doorstep a product ordered online may appear the outcome of just one click. However, for any package to reach its destination, it must traverse a long journey in terms of miles, formalities and logistics and jump unexpected hurdles along the route. A Logistician's responsibility is to analyse and coordinate an organisation’s supply chain, ensuring that products and raw materials are delivered safely and efficiently from the source to the customer.

• Inventory Management Analyst
• Logistics Analyst
• Logistics Coordinator
• Logistics Manager
• Transportation Analyst
• Transportation Manager

What do Logisticians do?

A Logistician would typically need to:

• Work as a part of the supply chain or system that moves a range of materials, goods, military supplies or services from suppliers to consumers, ensuring their safe storage and timely and safe provision in the correct quantity at the right location
• Manage the product life cycle, that is, acquiring the product, then distributing, allocating and delivering it
• Recognize clients’ requirements and how to fulfil them
• Use data analytics to evaluate and coordinate the organisational supply chain and make considered decisions regarding inventory management, transportation choices and logistics network design
• Negotiate the best rates, terms and conditions with suppliers, carriers and clients for the transportation and storage of goods 
• Monitor and manage warehouse inventory levels to make sure there are enough supplies to meet the demand 
• Use logistics-specific software to plan and manage procurement, inventory and other aspects of the supply chain 
• Conduct quality checks to ensure compliance with corporate standards at every stage of the production process; spot potential bottlenecks and eliminate them
• Conduct environmental audits to assess the environmental impact of logistical activities
• Manage the logistics team, which includes overseeing their work, monitoring their performance and offering opportunities for training & growth
• Provide useful and detailed logistics reports to other departments, such as customer service or finance, to help them make data-based decisions 
• Review company logistics and pinpoint areas for improvement; develop cost-effective and time-efficient strategies or offer management and clients suggestions for reducing the price or duration of the transportation of products
• Provide management with performance statistics
• Stay up to date with market developments and technologies and changes in legislation; evaluate their impact on the supply chain and make the necessary adjustments while adhering to legal requirements

A Logistician typically works in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and may be based in an office setting, a warehouse, a fulfilment centre or at outdoor locations in the field, managing product transportation and delivery.

They are employed by almost every industry and may work for transportation & logistics companies, freight-shipping companies, or within the logistics department of manufacturing firms, retail businesses, government agencies and the armed forces. 

Logisticians may be occasionally required to travel to meet with clients, attend industry events or oversee the transportation of goods in manufacturing facilities or distribution hubs.

Logisticians typically work in full-time roles. While, on average, they work 40-45 hours a week, their schedules are variable. They may need extra hours during the evenings, weekends and holidays when dealing with delivery glitches or other logistical problems. Therefore they must have the flexibility and capacity to adjust to shifting workload requirements and work quickly to resolve logistical issues to keep schedules on track.

If you freelance as a logistics consultant, you may some flexibility in scheduling your week.

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Logisticians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Logisticians are generally employed by: 

• The Manufacturing Industry
• Government Organisations
• The Armed Forces
• Retail Companies
• Aviation Companies
• Rail Providers
• Engineering Firms
• Freight-Shipping Companies
• The Wholesale Trade Industry
• Warehouses & Fulfilment Centres

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Society of Logistics (SOLE), are crucial for Logisticians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Professional associations provide members with various continuing education, networking opportunities and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Managing and minimising supply chain disruptions
• Finding the optimal balance between cost and delivery time, as reducing one can lead to increasing the other
• Managing transportation cost fluctuations caused by varying fuel prices; keeping control of transportation costs since they form a significant chunk of logistics expenses and can necessitate fuel surcharges on the customer
• Staying current with technological advancements and business procedures to ensure operations are efficient, cost-effective and competitive for a business to survive in the industry
• Tracking inventory levels and changes accurately and managing them effectively
• Navigating international operations by factoring in various customs regulations and cultural differences
• Dealing with rising consumer demand for faster or expedited (two-day or same-day delivery) and more personalised delivery services while remaining efficient and cost-effective
• Providing customers with real-time updates and the ability to track their order status at every step of the shipment and delivery process
• Resolving consumer complaints and inquiries as promptly as possible
• Creating an effective and cost-efficient reverse logistics platform to allow customers to return purchased products
• Creating and maintaining effective and robust supplier relationships; developing, understanding and abiding by mutually agreed-upon standards
• Dealing with driver shortages by providing amenities that cater to their needs
• Coping with high staff turnover, the lack of technically trained staff and rising training costs
• Strictly following transport laws, norms and security guidelines that can differ according to the region and require staff to be trained accordingly
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the carbon footprint and adapting to climate change regulations
• Helping the company or client stay competitive in dynamic markets by increasing supply chain efficiency and reducing costs

Any academic program that a potential Logistician takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Aspiring Logisticians will benefit from tasks outside the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it. One may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Summer internships, part-time work at an entry-level position or short-term paid/voluntary work offer a taste of the career, give valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, help build useful contacts and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job. 

The experience may also help determine whether the public, private, or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable opportunities for work placements, internships and voluntary work in diverse sectors.

Work experience in a field related to logistics, supply chains or business can be advantageous for an aspiring Logistician, especially because some employers will allow a few years of experience to substitute for the lack of a specific degree. 

Individuals may also gain work experience by serving in the military or as clerks or dispatchers supporting the logistics department.

Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work. Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organisation that is of interest, so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career. 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in logistics to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A Logistician typically needs a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent or an associate degree for entry-level or support roles, such as dispatcher or clerk. An associate degree in logistics takes two years for a full-time student and includes courses in supply chain management, transportation management and information systems. 

Additionally, you will benefit from majoring in areas like logistics and supply chain management, operations and materials management, business communication, human resource management, and organisational behaviour while continuing your study.

However, given the complexity of managing logistics and supply networks, employers may favour hiring candidates with a bachelor's degree or higher in logistics and supply chain management, industrial or process engineering, or business with a logistics-related specialisation, such as global supply chain management. A degree program in supply chain and logistics management aims to give students a thorough understanding of the various components of a supply chain and how they interact. It also fosters the students’ problem-solving, leadership, and logical thinking skills.

Coursework typically includes operations & database management and system dynamics. Training in relevant and commonly used software and technologies, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID), may also be a part of the program. An optional or obligatory internship that gives students practical work experience may be embedded in some degree programs. 

Graduates can land jobs such as logistics analyst, transportation manager, or supply chain management consultant. A bachelor’s or master’s degree also helps you advance your career.

A master’s degree specialising in a branch of logistics, particularly an area connected with applied science or engineering, is helpful to progress to managerial roles. Additionally, students can pursue an MBA, specialising in supply chain management.

Aspiring Logisticians can strengthen their foundation by enrolling in appropriate high school courses including mathematics, geography, computer science, business studies, economics and communication.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field. 

Certification demonstrates a Logistician’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Check for the certifications available and recognised in your region. The credentials you earn will typically qualify you for front-line material handling and logistics roles in warehouses, distribution centres, fulfilment centres, transport companies and factories. Given the demand for entry-level industry certification, Logisticians usually seek certifications to understand and apply the critical strategies that will help enhance customer service and boost the efficiency of a company’s logistics and supply chain operations. Specific certifications may be required and available for Logisticians to work in the armed forces.

Early in your career, you may acquire the credentials of Demonstrated Logistician, Demonstrated Senior Logistician and Demonstrated Master Logistician from the International Society of Logistics (SOLE) upon fulfilling the requirements of continuous experience and professional development. The highest credentials offered to expert and experienced Logisticians by SOLE include the exam-based Certified Master Logistician (CML) and Certified Professional Logistician (CPL).

Internationally recognised certification options are also offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), such as the APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD).

Those seeking to learn the fundamentals of computer networking and security should start with the Security 5 certification, which equips participants with the fundamental networking literacy needed to create advanced IT programmes.

Logisticians may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

Earning a bachelor’s degree may help you land entry-level jobs such as a Clerk, Transportation Specialist or Logistics Coordinator. Moving to a logistics profession from a business management career is also possible. With experience, you may advance to a Junior or Assistant Logistician position with greater responsibilities and decision-making power. You could then advance to become a Senior Logistician, who oversees the logistics operations and has extensive experience in logistics.

You may also take on the role of a Logistics Account Executive, who spends the majority of their time corresponding with customers and carriers.

You may progress to managerial and executive roles with further training and success in a Senior Logistician role. A Logistics Manager manages the complete supply cycle, from planning and overseeing storage to the efficient distribution of goods, to promote organisational success, assure sustainability and maximise customer satisfaction.

After earning a master's degree in logistics and supply chain management, you could progress to positions like Purchasing Director, Supply Chain Manager or Operations Research Analyst. You will manage multiple teams in such roles to ensure the entire supply chain works smoothly and efficiently. Eventually, you may reach the level of a Director in your company. 

With extensive experience, you may become a Consultant, specialising in transportation, warehousing or procurement.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Candidates with the necessary skills, education or certification in logistics & supply management and previous experience using logistical software or carrying out logistical work for the armed forces have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Logistician build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to continually upskill regardless of age, job, or level of knowledge. Staying up to date with new technology is crucial to surviving in the competitive and constantly evolving field of logistics. 

Individuals can read industry publications and participate in training sessions, workshops, online courses and conferences, which provide opportunities to learn about the latest industry trends, innovative techniques and best practices. Through such avenues, you can also foster your knowledge and skills in supply chain management, transportation, warehousing and inventory management. 

Joining professional associations provides access to resources, events and networking opportunities with other industry experts to gather knowledge, best practices and fresh concepts. Receiving mentoring or coaching from professionals with extensive experience in logistics and supply chain management can also help Logisticians overcome career hurdles and make use of opportunities.

Individuals can gain valuable insights, refine existing skills and learn new ones through job rotations or by working on diverse projects, handling new challenges and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Logisticians can also grow in their careers by undertaking continuing education (CE) through a master's or doctorate in logistics. You can also pursue your MBA (Master of Business Administration) with a concentration in logistics & supply chain management. Another way to advance your career apart from education includes acquiring certifications in logistics & supply management.

Some Important Skills a Logistician Needs

• Knowledge of Supply Chain Management: A thorough understanding of the supply chain is critical for Logisticians to streamline and optimise an organisation’s supply chain by cutting costs and boosting profits. It enables them to manage several supply chain components, including warehouses, inventory, transportation, fleets and order fulfilment. With their comprehensive knowledge, they may even help businesses minimise their supply chain’s carbon footprint.
• Critical Thinking: Logisticians must create, modify, and implement complex logistical plans and procedures, finding strategies to optimise efficiency and reduce expenses. 
• Communication: Logisticians must clearly explain expectations, delivery schedules, and any changes to plans daily to suppliers, clients and other stakeholders, as well as their team and colleagues, to avoid miscommunication and delays. Excellent communication skills will enable them to establish solid relationships with clients and negotiate in their company's favour, potentially leading to higher productivity. 
• Problem-Solving: Logisticians must deal with delivery issues and other challenges, sometimes unexpected ones, and resolve them by modifying plans as necessary.
• Organisation: Staying organised is critical when handling the multiple moving components involved in logistics. Working in a fast-paced environment, Logisticians must oversee several projects in parallel and maintain meticulous records for each, using project management software, spreadsheets and calendars for logistics-related tasks, such as scheduling and keeping track of deliveries.
• Customer Service: Logisticians must understand the needs of their customers or clients to manage the transportation of raw materials, supplies and finished goods transportation between suppliers and customers. The key lies in listening carefully to the needs and limitations of the stakeholders and fulfilling them by tying in your knowledge of their products and systems. Ensuring a seamless and efficient supply chain requires cultivating trustworthy relationships with suppliers and customers.
• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI): With automation and artificial intelligence (AI) being increasingly integrated into supply chains, businesses seek Logisticians with AI capabilities. Some universities and colleges now offer specialised programs in AI, or you may earn online certification.

Related Careers

• Logistics administrators organise and coordinate the movement of commodities between locations, overseeing a company’s incoming and outgoing shipments. They collaborate with the sales, distribution and manufacturing departments to achieve timely and efficient transportation processes.
• Warehouse managers are in charge of the smooth running of warehousing facilities. They liaise with other logistics departments, supervise the warehouse staff and train them to process shipments. They are in charge of data analysis, budgeting and reporting to help improve warehouse operations and the overall shipment process.
• Inventory managers use data analysis to track, forecast and manage inventory levels, ensuring that businesses have enough stock to meet their manufacturing and supplier needs. They also supervise the transportation of finished products from warehouses to stores or consumers and manage their team of inventory personnel.
• Load planners organise orders for delivery into truckloads and chalk out optimal delivery routes for the transportation fleet crew.
• Purchasing managers strategically source and order inventory for the company, building a robust and lasting rapport with suppliers. They may also be charged with maintaining the company’s inventory database.
• Demand & inventory planners may overlap in their responsibilities with purchasing managers, given that they also depend on the inventory database to optimise the logistics process and guide the logistics team based on supply and demand. They must be skilled in data analysis to assess current consumer demand and plan purchase strategies for future requirements. 
• Logistics analysts use data to maintain and enhance the quality of a company's logistic procedures.
• Logistics managers process and get orders ready for shipping, thereby contributing to the storage and delivery of products. They also gather feedback from various stakeholders in the supply chain to boost customer satisfaction and productivity.
• Supply chain managers play a role throughout the production process, helping manage inventory, storage and transportation. They also liaise with vendors to build healthy relationships that can help enhance the quality of the supply chain. 
• Fleet & transportation managers organise the purchase and maintenance of distribution vehicles, taking care of their registration records and ensuring the safety of stock and staff. They also keep tabs on pickup and delivery times to ensure smooth transportation flows with minimal bottlenecks.
• Land managers help logistics firms buy properties and negotiate land-use agreements in compliance with relevant legislation and government agencies.

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current jobs), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a company’s logistical and supply chain processes play a significant role in enterprise profitability. Given the rise in e-commerce, the complexity of supply and distribution systems and the need for improvements, positive growth is expected in the employment of Logisticians.  

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Logisticians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, full-time Logisticians have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

UPS (United Parcel Service) estimates that the daily driver miles saved by dynamic routing, which constantly assesses varying conditions and feeds optimised routes to drivers, can save $50 million/year.

Logisticians plan, execute and oversee multiple steps and processes in an organisation’s supply chain from procurement to distribution. By ensuring the timely, safe, effective and efficient flow of commodities, services and information, they help reduce waste, save costs and boost customer satisfaction. Logisticians work across industries, overseeing and optimising purchasing, transportation, inventory and warehousing activities, all of which influence the profitability and success of any firm.

The best of transportation and logistics plans can go off track due to unpredictable reasons. Make sure to have contingency plans in place to help you tackle problems in real time.