Key Takeaways
- Understand the daily tasks and expectations for this role.
- Learn about Australian freight carriers and customs requirements.
- Get a ready-to-use template for your next hire.
- Discover the difference between various logistics titles.
- Find out how to manage Proof of Delivery (POD) and tracking systems.
Finding the right person for your warehouse starts with a clear logistics coordinator job description. You need someone who can manage the movement of goods from one place to another without errors. In Australia, this means dealing with local transport companies and strict border rules. This guide helps you understand the role and provides a template to find the best talent for Righteo.
What does a logistics coordinator do?
You might wonder, what does a logistics coordinator do on a daily basis? This person acts as the link between your suppliers, transport companies, and customers. They make sure that products move from the warehouse to the final destination on time. They spend a lot of time on the phone and computer to track orders and solve problems.
In an Australian setting, they work with local carriers like Toll, Linfox, or Team Global Express. They must understand the geography of the country to plan the best routes. They also handle the paperwork that comes with moving goods across state lines or into the country.
Main logistics coordinator duties
The logistics coordinator duties involve a mix of office work and warehouse communication. You will need them to handle the following tasks:
- Freight Bookings: They contact transport companies to book trucks, planes, or ships. They compare prices to find the best deal for the business.
- Carrier Liaison: They talk to drivers and transport managers every day. They build good relationships with companies like TNT or Aurizon to make sure your freight gets priority.
- Shipment Tracking: They use software to see where a truck or container is at any time. If a delay happens, they tell the customer right away.
- TMS Use: They use a Transport Management System (TMS) to log all movements. This data helps the business see how much they are spending on freight.
- POD Management: They collect Proof of Delivery (POD) documents. These papers prove the customer received the goods in good condition.
Key logistics coordinator responsibilities
While duties are the tasks, logistics coordinator responsibilities are the bigger goals they must meet. You should expect them to take ownership of these areas:
- Documentation Accuracy: They must check all import and export papers. This includes Commercial Invoices and Packing Lists.
- Customs Compliance: In Australia, goods coming into the country must meet Australian Border Force rules. They work with customs brokers to avoid fines or delays.
- Cost Control: They look for ways to save money on shipping without losing quality.
- Inventory Support: They work closely with the warehouse team. While this role focuses on transport, you may also need to hire for other roles, so check our Warehouse Manager Job Description to build your whole team.
- Safety Standards: They make sure all transport follows Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws in Australia. This keeps drivers safe and keeps the company out of legal trouble.
How a freight coordinator job description differs
Sometimes you will see a freight coordinator job description instead of a logistics one. Usually, a freight coordinator focuses only on the transport part. They might not look at the bigger supply chain or warehouse stock. They spend most of their time talking to shipping lines and trucking firms. If your business only moves large bulk items, this title might fit better. However, most Australian businesses prefer the logistics title because it covers more ground.
Working as a supply chain coordinator in Australia
A supply chain coordinator often has a broader role. They look at the product from the moment the raw materials are bought until the customer gets the finished item. In Australia, this role is popular in manufacturing and retail. They look at lead times from overseas factories and manage the risk of shipping delays at major ports like Port Botany or the Port of Melbourne. If you need someone to look at the "big picture," use this title.
Logistics Coordinator Job Description Template
You can use this job description template to create your own job ad. Just fill in the details for your specific company.
Position Title: Logistics Coordinator Location: Australia (State/City) Reports to: Operations Manager
About the Role: We are looking for a detailed person to manage our transport and shipping. You will be the main point of contact for our carriers and will make sure our customers get their orders on time.
Key Responsibilities:
- Book daily freight with Australian carriers.
- Track all outgoing and incoming shipments.
- Prepare customs and export documents for international orders.
- Manage and file all Proof of Delivery (POD) records.
- Use our TMS to update shipment status and costs.
- Solve delivery issues and handle customer complaints about transport.
- Check freight invoices for any mistakes.
Skills and Experience:
- Experience in a warehouse or transport office.
- Knowledge of Australian freight companies and their networks.
- Basic understanding of Australian Customs and DAFF requirements.
- Strong computer skills, especially with Excel and TMS software.
- Great communication skills for talking to drivers and clients.
- Ability to work under pressure when deliveries are late.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important skill for a logistics coordinator?
Attention to detail is the most important skill. One small mistake on a customs form can cause a shipment to be held for weeks. They must also be good at solving problems quickly.
Do they need a degree to work in this role?
Not always. Many people start in the warehouse and work their way up. However, a Certificate IV or Diploma in Logistics can help you understand the legal parts of the job in Australia.
What software do they use?
Most use a Transport Management System (TMS) or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system like SAP or Oracle. They also use GPS tracking tools provided by carriers like Linfox or Toll.
Is this a warehouse job or an office job?
It is usually a mix. The desk is in the office, but they often go into the warehouse to check on stock or talk to the loaders. It is a very active role.
Conclusion
A clear logistics coordinator job description helps you find a person who can keep your goods moving. By focusing on duties like freight booking and responsibilities like customs compliance, you protect your business from delays. Whether you call them a supply chain coordinator or a freight coordinator, the goal is the same: getting the right product to the right place at the right time. Use the template provided to start your search for a great team member today. Righteo is here to help you build a strong workforce for your Australian logistics operations.