Logistic Supervisor

A Logistics Supervisor essentially oversees the shipping and delivery of materials and warehouse personnel. They mainly work in warehouse settings and for retailers and wholesalers and are involved in managing the loading of trucks, setting up delivery routes and unloading of material. Logistic Supervisors also manage inventory and maintain communications with carriers, suppliers, warehouses, custom brokers and others involved in the shipping and delivery of merchandise.
Logistics Supervisors must attend to many tasks to ensure that goods are shipped and delivered in a timely manner and that inventory levels are sufficiently maintained. We reviewed several job listings and found the following among the core Logistics Supervisor duties and responsibilities.

Schedule Shipments and Deliveries

A main responsibility of a Logistics Supervisor is to oversee the transportation of products from one location to another, such as from loading docks to warehouses or warehouses to stores. To do so, they will arrange product pickups and deliveries with transportation companies and route drivers accordingly. A Logistics Supervisor will typically conduct a cost analysis of several transportation companies in order to select one that is cost-efficient and able to handle the shipment loads.

Build Relationships with Vendors
It is up to the Logistics Supervisor to communicate with trucking companies, warehouse supervisors, customs brokers, sales forces and customers. They must ensure that all parties are working together to guarantee that shipments are packed, sent and delivered in a timely manner. This responsibility includes contacting various transportation companies to get shipping quotes and deciding on the best carriers based on cost, availability and reliability.

Maintain Warehouse Inventory

A Logistics Supervisor will study client or customer needs and manage inventory based on these needs. This often includes analyzing product orders to research the need for keeping certain items in stock. They are responsible for re-ordering product as needed to maintain sufficient inventory levels.

Logistics Supervisor Skills

Strong verbal and written communication, analytical, organizational and customer service skills are all a must for successful Logistic Supervisors. The ability to meet sometimes short deadlines and to be detail-oriented are also essential. They should be team players that can motivate and manage various individuals to work together to achieve the same goal. In addition to these general skills, a Logistics Supervisor could be expected by potential employers to possess the following skills.
Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Logistics Supervisors with these core skills. If you want to work as a Logistics Supervisor, focus on the following.

Understanding planning, shipping, warehouse management and inventory systems
Managing daily routes/schedules of shipments and deliveries
Tracking the progress of shipments
Knowing all aspects of warehouse operations
Reviewing inventory needs and keeping adequate stock