Logistics Careers – A Detailed Guide
The term “logistics” originated in the military, referring to the coordination and movement of troops and supplies, their accommodation, and their storage.
Given the complexity and dynamism of these activities, the term “logistics” quickly came to describe the organization, transportation, and storage of goods in commercial operations.
Today, the scope of logistics encompasses the procurement, transportation, warehousing, sales, and distribution of goods. Logistics is an integrated supply chain network that connects producers and end customers through various modes of transportation.
The global market handles and ships approximately 800 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, valued at roughly $18 trillion. Imagine the sheer scale of the global logistics market and the vast number of job opportunities!
Why Choose Logistics?
The logistics industry is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years and is one of the fastest-growing sectors. While growth rates vary across markets and reporting entities, an annual global growth rate of 4% to 7% is generally considered conservative.
Managing an organization’s supply chain requires experienced and skilled personnel. Work environments vary, may require movement between locations, and require proficiency in operating a variety of equipment and software. The challenge of the logistics industry lies in meeting deadlines efficiently.
Achieving these goals and overcoming potential obstacles along the way requires considerable diligence and planning. Effective communication and the ability to remain calm even under pressure are key to success in the logistics industry.
Logistics is a field of supply chain management (SCM). Programs offered by leading institutions in SCM and logistics can help you gain a comprehensive and clear understanding of supply chain management, allowing you to outperform your competitors.
While there are many associate’s degrees available in the fields of supply chain, logistics, and transportation, a bachelor’s degree is currently considered the most suitable for careers in logistics.
Positions in the logistics field include: transportation manager, purchasing manager, sales order processing manager, logistics supervisor, logistics manager, supply chain manager, logistics operations manager, transportation manager, purchasing manager, and many more. These are some of the key positions in today’s logistics industry.
Some Jobs in the Logistics Field
Let’s take a quick look at the job descriptions for these logistics positions.
Purchasing Manager
Purchasing managers are responsible for submitting approved purchase orders to relevant suppliers. They monitor and track all purchase orders and report any potential delays or shortages to their supervisor. They also perform inventory adjustments, prepare customs documentation required for imported goods, and more.
They may also be responsible for calculating shipping costs and selling prices for goods based on the organization’s cost and pricing policies. Purchasing managers typically report to either the head of purchasing or the purchasing manager.
Sales Order Processing Manager
The primary responsibilities of a sales order processing manager (SOPA) include entering approved and authorized sales orders into the organization’s sales order system for warehouse staff to receive and deliver to customers. The SOPA issues approved credit notes and processes other related sales transactions. SOPA duties typically report to the head of logistics.
Freight Forwarding Manager
Freight forwarding managers are responsible for preparing and compiling all necessary customs or export clearance documents. They may also be responsible for calculating duties and taxes on shipments.
Accurate documentation and accounting are essential for the timely customs clearance of incoming goods and the timely dispatch of outgoing shipments.
A freight manager may report directly to a logistics supervisor, or to a supply chain manager or transportation manager.
Logistics Supervisor
The general responsibilities of a logistics supervisor include planning and executing daily warehouse activities, shipping, supervising logistics personnel, and communicating with customers. They are responsible for receiving and storing goods and overseeing inventory. When processing sales orders, they ensure that goods are received and delivered to customers on time.
Logistics Manager
A logistics manager is responsible for the overall management of an organization’s logistics operations, including inbound and outbound operations.
A logistics manager is responsible for planning, directing, and managing physical inventory to effectively and efficiently meet order cycles. In addition to ensuring the security of warehouse infrastructure and material handling equipment (MHE), supply chain managers are responsible for maintaining employee discipline and motivation for optimal performance.
Supply Chain Manager
What are the responsibilities of a supply chain manager? Simply put, a supply chain manager is responsible for sourcing the right merchandise at the right time and at the right price. They work closely with the purchasing team, sales department, warehouse, and suppliers to plan and forecast the organization’s inventory.
Supply chain managers must ensure optimal inventory and availability, minimize shortages or stockouts, and maintain costs.
Purchasing Manager
The primary responsibility of a purchasing manager is to manage an organization’s procurement activities. Purchasing managers maintain a robust supplier database and build and maintain strong relationships with them. Contract and price negotiation are important components of their responsibilities, as they are responsible for designing, planning, and implementing procurement strategies.
Transportation Manager
Transportation managers manage an organization’s transportation-related operations. Activities such as dispatching freight, planning vehicle routes, scheduling drivers, maintaining and servicing vehicles to ensure payload and roadworthiness, and tracking vehicles and cargo are crucial to the transportation industry. Transportation managers are responsible for coordinating and managing all of these activities to ensure they run smoothly.
What are the qualifications required to succeed in these positions? Strong personal management skills, communication skills, and maintaining good working relationships with all employees are essential. These qualities are crucial to an individual’s performance within the organization, whether in a management position or as a junior employee.
Managers must foster a positive work culture within the organization that emphasizes trust and mutual respect. They should be committed to helping employees advance their careers through appropriate training and mentoring.
Every employee has strengths and weaknesses. Managers have a strong responsibility to leverage these strengths and overcome weaknesses for the benefit of the organization.
The above positions and their general descriptions are for reference only. Each organization has job titles tailored to its unique functions.
Supply Chain and Logistics Management Course Specializations
The following are some of the main specializations you may encounter when searching for supply chain and logistics management courses:
- Supply Chain Principles
- Inventory Management
- Transportation and Distribution Management
- Purchasing and Managing Relationships
- International Business Management
- Supply Chain Management Information Systems
- Business Research and Analytics
- Supply Chain Risk Management
These courses provide individuals with a solid foundation of skills and abilities to pursue a variety of careers in logistics or transportation.
Qualification requirements and eligibility standards for different courses may vary from organization to organization. Anyone with a basic education can enroll in a foundational course, but other courses may require a higher level of education and relevant experience.
Let’s take a look at some of the leading institutions offering the most recognized degrees in supply chain and logistics management.
Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport
The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport is one of the oldest professional bodies in the supply chain, logistics, and transportation fields, headquartered in Corby, UK.
The popular CILT academies, with locations in 30 countries, offer courses and support to students and members. In addition to helping them obtain qualifications in supply chain, logistics, and transportation, the academy helps members identify best practices, conduct benchmarking, and meet other industry requirements.
To enroll in CILT courses, you must first become an associate member. Criteria for associate membership include academic qualifications and experience.
As a student member, you can complete certification courses and advance to MILT (Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport), CMILT (Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport), and FCILT (Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport). FCILT is the highest level offered by CILT.
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India
The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) is located in Uttarakhand, India. Despite its relatively young history, UPES has rapidly established itself as a leading institution, collaborating with experts in the supply chain, logistics, and transportation fields and adhering to best practices. The academy also maintains strong partnerships with numerous industry leaders.
UPES College maintains up-to-date curricula and offers international learning opportunities through faculty and student exchange programs, collaborative workshops, and joint research with international universities. The college also offers study programs in Germany and Canada.
UPES Business School offers several undergraduate degrees in areas such as Logistics Management and Aviation Management. Graduate programs include an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Planning, an MBA in Aviation Management, and an MBA in Ports and Maritime Management.
Admission to all undergraduate programs requires a minimum pass score of 50% in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) secondary and higher secondary examinations.
Admission to the MBA program requires a minimum score of 50% in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Higher Secondary Certificate Examination. Furthermore, candidates must have graduated from a recognized university in any field with a minimum score of 50% in the final examination.
UPES Business School also offers a doctoral program, which leads to a PhD in Transportation Management.
To be admitted to this doctoral program, candidates must possess a master’s degree or its equivalent with a minimum score of 55%. Universities generally favor applicants with strong academic or professional backgrounds in logistics or transportation.
US Universities
Several reputable US universities offer degrees in logistics and transportation. Some of these institutions include:
- Portland State University – Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Transportation
- University of Memphis – Graduate Certificate in Trucking
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Master of Science in Transportation
- New York University – Master of Science in Transportation
- University of New Orleans – Master of Science in Transportation
- Arizona State University – Master of Science in Global Logistics
Studying in the US requires strong scores on the SAT or ACT and IELTS. Students must have completed 16 years of formal education and hold a valid student visa.
Being proactive is key to success and advancement in life. Motivated employees are consistently sought after and considered the most promising candidates for leadership roles. Furthermore, to be part of any successful logistics business, even after completing multiple courses and participating in various logistics training programs, staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the field is essential.
