What Does a Logistics Coordinator Do? (With Salary)

Updated 8 September 2023

Logistics refers to the transportation and delivery of goods from one location to another. Logistics coordinators play an important role in this process, and they help to facilitate the logistics processes within an organisation to ensure that its supply chain doesn't experience any disruptions. Understanding what a logistics coordinator does can help you decide if you want to pursue this career. In this article, we examine what a logistics coordinator does, look at a sample logistics coordinator job description and discover how much a logistics coordinator makes.

What does a logistics coordinator do?

A logistics coordinator is an individual who manages the various supply chain processes within a company. Logistics coordinators often provide directions and instructions for other members of the logistics team to load, unload, deliver and transport goods and equipment between different locations. They're usually experts at supply chain management, and they often seek to ensure that their hiring organisation's supply chain processes are as efficient as possible.

In some organisations, logistics coordinators may also be responsible for ensuring that goods transit smoothly from one country to another. These organisations tend to be multinational corporations with warehouses in various global markets. To do their jobs effectively, logistics coordinators often liaise with their counterparts in other countries. They may also apply for the relevant import and export permits for shipments of goods.

Duties and responsibilities of a logistic coordinator

The duties and responsibilities of a logistic coordinator may vary depending on the hiring organisation. Here are some of the most common duties and responsibilities of logistics coordinators:

Improving supply chain processes

In performing their daily tasks, logistics coordinators observe and identify flaws and potential drawbacks within an organisation's supply chain processes. They use their knowledge of supply chain best practices to suggest and implement improvements to the supply chain. In doing so, they contribute to the organisation's overall performance by improving the efficiency and smoothness of its supply chain processes. Some companies may also hire logistics coordinators to use modern software and systems to optimise their supply chain. Some of these software programs may include stock-taking and inventory management software.

Coordinating and supervising daily operations

Logistics coordinators also play an important role in coordinating and supervising daily operations. Many logistics coordinators plan delivery schedules for a company's warehouse and delivery staff. They ensure that there are no conflicting schedules so that goods arrive at their designated locations on time. They may also perform daily upkeep tasks in the warehouse, including stocktaking, organising different pallets of goods and equipment and keeping detailed records of incoming and outgoing shipments to and from the warehouse.

Recruiting and training logistics personnel

Another common responsibility of logistics coordinators is to recruit and train logistics personnel. They may post advertisements on behalf of the organisation to find and hire new delivery drivers and warehouse assistants. They may also plan training programmes and schedules for these new hires to ensure that they're familiar with the company's internal processes.

What's the average salary of a logistics coordinator?

The national average salary for a logistics coordinator is $2,461 per month. There are many factors that may affect your salary as a logistics coordinator. These factors include your level of education and any relevant work experience that you have in the logistics industry. In addition, you can also consider getting some additional certifications as these can increase your potential salary as a logistics coordinator. Here are some related careers that you can consider:

Supply chain manager: $5,491 per month
Logistics associate: $2,589 per month
Logistics specialist: $3,384 per month
Logistics analyst: $4,293 per month
Supply chain specialist: $4,100 per month
Logistics manager: $5,316 per month

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate’s experience, academic background and location.

Related: What Is a Logistic Assistant? (Plus Duties and Skills)

Useful skills for a logistics coordinator

Here are some skills that may be useful to have if you're interested in a career as a logistics coordinator:

Attention to detail

Attention to detail is one of the most useful skills that a logistics coordinator can have. Logistics coordinators often review many documents throughout the day. These may include airway bills, datasheets, delivery schedules and order forms. Having keen attention to detail can enable them to identify any discrepancies and mistakes in these documents. They can then address these issues before they escalate, potentially saving the employer time and money.

Interpersonal communication

Logistics coordinators often work with many different stakeholders in a supply chain. These stakeholders may include internal staff such as warehouse assistants and delivery drivers or external stakeholders such as clients and suppliers. Thus, having strong interpersonal communication skills can enable a logistics coordinator to avoid miscommunication with others. In addition, it can also help them build strong working relationships with their colleagues, clients and suppliers.

How to become a logistics coordinator

Here are some steps that you can follow to get a logistics coordinator job:

1. Pursue the necessary education

Depending on the hiring organisation, the level of education required may vary. Many job openings for logistics coordinators only require applicants to have a diploma or higher NITEC certification. There are some logistics coordinator jobs that require applicants to possess at least a bachelor's degree. Thus, it may be a good idea to browse various logistic coordinator job listings to find out the educational requirements for your desired role. Then, you can pursue the required educational qualifications. Some of the relevant areas you can major in for your degree, diploma or NITEC certification include:

logistics
supply chain management
production
engineering
construction management

2. Gain relevant experience

If you're interested in getting a job as a logistics coordinator, it can also be helpful to get some relevant experience while you're still studying. You can consider getting an internship at a logistics company while you're still pursuing your degree, diploma or NITEC certificate. This can give you a clearer perspective on the responsibilities of a logistics professional and can help guide your decision on whether to pursue a career in the industry.

If you're a fresh graduate, you may also consider getting an entry-level job in the logistics industry. Some entry-level positions include those of logistics associates and logistics specialists. Starting from one of these positions can enable you to gain relevant working experience in the logistics industry. This can help you later in your career as you earn promotions to eventually become a logistics coordinator in the organisation.

3. Apply for logistics coordinator jobs

Many logistics coordinator job openings require applicants to have at least two years of work experience in the logistics industry. Once you've gained sufficient experience for your desired role, you can apply for logistics coordinator jobs. When applying for logistics coordinator positions, it can be helpful to highlight any relevant projects that you've worked on before. For example, you can bring up any supply chain improvements that you helped to implement in your previous company. This may increase your chances of getting a job offer.

Apart from applying for logistics coordinator jobs at other companies, you can also check to see if there are any available openings at the current organisation you're working at. If there are available openings, you may want to apply for a transfer to that position instead. Alternatively, you can also consider asking for a promotion at your present company.

4. Pursue further qualifications

After you've gotten your desired job as a logistics coordinator, it can still be helpful to constantly upgrade your supply chain management and logistics skills. Doing so can make you a more attractive candidate to recruiters and potential employers if you intend to switch jobs or companies in the future. Additionally, you may also be able to increase your salary at the current company by taking on a larger portfolio.

Logistics coordinator job description

Here's a sample logistics coordinator job description to help you gain a better understanding of the role:

Cepat Transport is looking for an experienced logistics coordinator to assist with supply chain management for our local freighting business. You'll be responsible for liaising with suppliers and other companies on the supply chain to arrange for the transport and delivery of goods to our local warehouses. You'll also be responsible for identifying potential improvements to our supply chain processes and applying for the relevant import and export permits. The ideal candidate must be meticulous and self-motivated. They should also have at least two to four years of experience working in the logistics sector.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What Does a Logistics Coordinator Do? (With Salary)