The thriving eCommerce industry and shortage of drivers have put the transportation and logistics sector under continuous pressure. The demand for delivery drivers is high, resulting in tough competition. Additionally, there is always a high demand for logistics managers, warehouse managers, and warehouse operatives.
To recruit the best talent in transportation and logistics, it's crucial to have an effective hiring strategy. A crucial part of this strategy is creating an accurate and precise job description that can be used for creating job ads and social media posts. Using a job description template can help you highlight the necessary skills and requirements.
We can provide you with transportation and logistics job description examples and resources to help you attract qualified candidates.
What Do Transportation and Logistics Staff Do?
In the transportation and logistics sector, it's crucial to have a comprehensive job description that outlines the various supply chain functions and how they fit into the company's logistics and distribution culture. For effective transportation activities that meet safety and legal requirements, companies need a workforce that possesses a suitable mix of experience and skills.
Depending on the company size and type, logistics employees may oversee:
- Managing the supply chain and order cycle
- Scheduling transport, managing costs and delivery times
- Inventory management of raw materials and goods
- Developing the business
- Automating services
- Ensuring health and safety standards
- Auditing inventory and stock
- Safely transporting goods and people to their destinations
- Loading and unloading finished goods
- Moving products or equipment in and out of storage
Transportation and Logistics Positions and Titles
The tasks and duties of the transportation department are completed by individuals in roles titled as:
- Logistics Coordinators
- Transport Manager
- Cabin Crew
- Delivery Driver
Transportation and Logistics Responsibilities and Duties
The transportation sector is characterized by essential duties and responsibilities that require careful execution to ensure efficient and safe operations. As an employer, your primary focus should be on hiring transportation management and specialist personnel with the skills and experience needed to perform these tasks effectively.
The core responsibilities of transportation management and specialists may include:
- Planning efficient and cost-effective transportation routes
- Providing excellent customer service and responding to customer queries
- Managing inventory levels in larger units and warehousing
- Coordinating and providing training for drivers and other staff
- Conducting regular safety checks on vehicles and storage equipment
- Loading and unloading goods in warehouses
- Processing and tracking shipments
- Developing and implementing logistics strategies
- Scheduling transportation services for optimal performance
- Ensuring compliance with industry regulations
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards
While these duties may seem standard, it's crucial to communicate how each responsibility should be executed. For example, "You will oversee supply chain management by developing and implementing transportation policies, managing logistics staff, and allocating resources and equipment for optimal performance."
Essential Transportation and Logistics Skills
Ensuring that your company meets its strategic objectives and adheres to best practices and legal requirements requires hiring supply chain staff with the appropriate skills.
Transport and logistics workers require both hard and soft skills to perform their essential duties, and companies should prioritize hiring individuals who possess:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Customer service skills, including handling customer complaints
- Employee management skills for roles like Transport Manager or Logistics Coordinator
- Specialist knowledge of the business sector or industry
- Geography and location knowledge
- Data analysis abilities
- Strong organizational skills
- An innovative and solutions-oriented mindset
- Accountability for their actions
- Effective time management skills
- Team-working capabilities
- Politeness in communication
- Numeracy skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Active listening skills
- Trustworthiness
- Negotiating skills
- Being target-driven
- Adaptability to change
- Leadership skills
- Strategic thinking abilities
- Proficiency in business administration
- Physical fitness for longer shifts and working hours
Transportation and Logistics Education and Qualifications
The qualifications and education required for a transportation and logistics role vary depending on the level of seniority, and may include:
- Extensive knowledge of legal requirements
- Proficiency using logistics software
- HGV license
- Forklift license
- An Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation, Logistics, or Business Administration
- Pre-entry Postgraduate Qualification
- High School Diploma
Transportation and Logistics Training and Experience
At a junior level, work experience may not be necessary for supply chain operations staff. However, for senior logistics staff, they may have obtained a Supply Chain Practitioner Advanced Apprenticeship or possess certifications accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transportation and Logistics Job Descriptions
Here we answer your transportation and logistics job description frequently asked questions.