Applying for Logistic Jobs

The term logistics began with military applications, the online dictionary defines logistics as ''the science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces'' While it still carries that meaning and application today we have logistics concerns in many fields. It still carries the same basic meaning, however, in an industry such as trucking it can apply to the planning of truck routes, loads assignments and keeping up with the federal guidelines governing the industry. Here we will look at some different logistic positions. We will cover the job descriptions, expected pay and experience requirements as well as looking at some of the better positions that are available.

Logistics Jobs

Logistics Manager


According to the Center for Logistics Management, logistics management can be defined as "that part of supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services, and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customers' requirements."

As you can see the job requirements of a logistics manager is much more than getting goods and services from point A to point B. A job in logistics can include management of the warehouse in which goods are stored, return product and the placement of orders for both finished product and the raw material that goes into the product. A sample list of job requirements might look something like this:

- Inventory
- Supplier management
- Paperwork on all transactions
- Purchasing
- Transportation of goods
- Customer Satisfaction

All of these responsibilities may fall on one person or to a team of personnel. The average median income of a distribution center manager according to salary dot com is $87,264 per year. Experience and education requirements may vary by location and size of the company; however, the basic break down should resemble the following:

• Four-year college degree
• 3-5 years' commensurate experience
• Basic knowledge of current computer software applicable to the business
• Strong leadership and motivational skills

Trucking Industry

When it comes to the moving freight in this country the bulk of that responsibility falls directly on the trucking industry. Up to 71% of all the freight moved in this country is on a truck. Logistics jobs in this industry are very important to the flow of commodities and goods.

Drivers
Truck drivers are the hands on end in logistics jobs. They are directly responsible for the arrival and condition of the freight they carry. Though federal regulations have stiffened over the years, qualifying for a position is not extremely difficult. The median salary range is just over $37,000 annually with special consideration for experience and specialty license such as hazmat or doubles. To get into this field you must first complete a course of study at an approved school and then pass the written and driving tests that are administered. You can study the required information on your own and rent a vehicle for the driven part of the test, however your chances of employment are practically zero, due to insurance requirements.

The highest pay in trucking is the logistics contract jobs. This is what is commonly referred to as an owner operator. You maintain your own vehicle, retain the right to refuse loads, and are your own boss, with limits. Should you refuse too many loads you become an unreliable driver and the better routes will go to other O/O. The pay is generally better to compensate for the cost of the vehicle and all applicable license and insurance.

Aviation Logistic Jobs
Aviation logistics jobs are similar to other logistics based jobs. Common job postings include logistics analyst positions. This would fall under the administrative and clerical classification and have requirements such as the following:

• Monitor and analyze material requirements
• Maintain records
• Collect and maintain data for analysis
• Good understanding of logistics
• Able to travel
• Experienced in PC/Windows applications particularly spreadsheets and databases
• Four-year college degree (some companies allow experience to override degree requirements)

This is a great field to get into as the salary rate with experience can increase dramatically. For a level one logistics analyst the median income is approximately $38,000. When you reach, level IV median income reaches to about $80,000 annually.

Best Logistic Jobs
Logistics jobs as a whole are a growing field with the continued increase in outsourcing the distances between product and consumer are getting longer and more complex. At the same time product life in some cases is getting shorter. This is quite obvious in the food supply but did you also know that the time it takes to get electronics to the shelf could also greatly impact their market value?

The best logistics job for you depends a lot on your personality and preference. If you thrive in high-pressure situations then a position such as a logistical dispatcher may be right up your alley. On the other hand, if you are a real homebody who enjoys family time and friends then you should probably avoid being a truck driver. Moreover, if you are a numbers cruncher who likes to process data and streamline actions accordingly a logistics systems analyst could be your forte.

The best logistics job is not only the highest paying position. Whatever area you are thinking about it is obvious that the transportation industry is not going anywhere anytime soon. Many jobs may be lost in different sectors but this is one that our entire economy depends on. Therefore, in the way of job security any area of jobs in logistics should be safe.