The world of commerce and transportation is a wide, complicated arena. Without a talented, detail-oriented person in logistics and freight, it’s easy to watch a perfectly soluble company fall apart. Any business needs to run like a well-oiled machine, without any missing or broken cogs gumming up the supply chain.
Moreover, it’s a degree that leaves you with no shortage of job options, as everything from city planning, government structure and global corporations all require a logistics and freight professional. That’s why it’s somewhat surprising there aren’t enough people to fill positions. According to Forbes, the logistics business was looking to employ 1.4 million jobs in 2018.
Oddly enough, one of the best dramatizations of logistics jobs – one that displays the often unsung work – comes from Pixar. Monsters Inc. tells the story of two friends working the ground floor in monster city, scaring children in our world and harnessing the power of their screams to power the city. But none of this is possible without the keen eye of some floor monsters, each keeping the flow of canisters moving at a pace, preventing any work stoppage.
So for those of you considering going into this industry, here are the seven best jobs in logistics and freight:
1. Analyst Jobs
A logistics and freight analyst is the most common entry-level position for a fresh graduate. This is likely the first you’ll receive when getting started in this career. They regularly observe and gather data, foreseeing future potential issues within the organization. As part of your job, you may work and collaborate with professional freight audit companies to analyze key areas of improvements. Based on the results of the audit, this will establish the groundwork for your analyst job.
Like any logistics job, one must have a good handle on math and be computer-literate. While it’s an entry-level job, the knowledge of logistics planning one gains from a few years in the organization will no doubt prove beneficial and lead to other, more advanced positions.
It’s also a great starting place, giving you on-the-job training within a team setting rather than working solo.
2. Logistics Engineer Jobs
Many of the tasks of a logistics engineer are learned while being an analyst; they are responsible for gathering and evaluating data. With that data, the engineer then has to predict trends or potential issues in the supply chain.
However, it’s then up to the engineer to implement some kind of solution. They would oversee a team of analysts, which is where any managerial skills one might have will come into play. An engineer is also responsible for writing and presenting technical proposals for the higher-ups, each suggesting new ways the organization can run more smoothly.
3. Consultant Jobs
Being a logistics and freight consultant is where the job starts to get fun, as you’re often a free agent. One can fancy themselves a lone gunman, the kind that wandered town to town, city to city fixing the problems of locals before packing up and mosy-ing on to the next gig on 70s TV shows.
A consultant works directly with every client, trying to find solutions for specific problems. It’s especially important for a consultant to have excellent project management, as without that skill the job can often feel overwhelming. But if you like life on the road, a consultant is the kind of life you want.
4. Customer Service Jobs
While customer service people in logistics don’t necessarily require a degree, a solid understanding of the basics of the field are ideal. Customer service representatives serve as an intermediary between the logistics team and customers.
As you’ll be responsible for relaying client concerns to the logistics team and vice versa, the better grasp you have on the subject, the better you’ll be at your job and the more positively the customer will respond. A successful run in customer service can easily lead to a managerial position.
5. Purchasing Manager Jobs
Not every organization requires a purchasing manager, but that doesn’t make the position less significant. Most companies require someone who can gather the raw materials for the industry, sign the appropriate orders and contracts while also maintaining a good relationship with the supplier.
For these types of jobs in logistics and freight, it’s also important to keep an open line of communication with the warehouse and inventory managers, ensuring they have the materials they need, when they need them.
6. International Logistics Manager Jobs
While the purchasing manager is there to gather materials, it’s the international logistics manager’s job to maintain relationships with partners worldwide. This requires not just a good grasp of logistics, but also international business.
Part of the job means understanding and staying abreast of different customs, political situations, laws and regulations. In this globalized market, it’s important to pay special attention to such matters in business.
7. Inventory Manager Jobs
Inventory managers tend to have experience in importing/exporting and logistics. Basically, their position is necessary to keep track of orders, manage the materials stored or on the way using computer systems and keep a close eye on trends.
The latter part of their responsibilities will help an inventory manager anticipate what is necessary in the near-future, working closely with the purchasing manager.
