Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What does a Logistician do?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

A logistician has three areas of responsibility: manage the supply chain, arrange transportation and storage of materials, and transportation management. A logistician is a certified professional who has completed specialized training and a certification program that focuses on the movement of materials. There are a number of international certification organizations, which are responsible for this professional designation. They include the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport and the International Society of Logistics.

Most logisticians work for either large shipping firms or international distribution companies. They are responsible for organizing, scheduling, and managing the distribution of materials. This career experienced a rapid growth in the mid-1980s as manufacturing firms shifted to just in time delivery. As a result of this change, it was necessary to schedule and manage the movement of large volumes of materials all over the world, with delivery scheduled to fall into a very small window. This career has continued to grow, with the enhancement of computer technology that allows more firms to take advantage of this cost-reduction measure.

Logisticians may study the speed with which intermodal containers can be moved within a transportation system.
Logisticians may study the speed with which intermodal containers can be moved within a transportation system.

People who can work with details, enjoy scheduling and are natural problem solvers report the greatest satisfaction as a logistician. In this career, you will meet with parts suppliers, transportation firms, and clients. The ability to interact with others while communicating clearly and effectively is very important.

Managing the supply chain is the top priority for a logistician. The supply chain refers to every step in the process from the procurement of materials to the production and shipment of those materials to different locations. The timing, costs, and efficiency of this process is the responsibility of the logistician.

Managing the supply chain is the top priority for a logistician.
Managing the supply chain is the top priority for a logistician.

Making transportation arrangements involves coordinating the efforts of the shipper from the supply firm, the selection and scheduling of the transportation company, and the completion of the customs documentation, if required. It is important to note that these shipments are typically very large and may require specialized containers, unique transportation solutions or include hazardous materials.

Although most firms prefer just in time delivery, facilities must be available for the storage of items. This can be long- or short-term storage, depending on the material, the schedule, and what is the most cost-effective solution. The type of storage required also varies, depending on the material and the intended usage.

Transportation management includes working with the shipping company to select the right method of transportation, the relative cost of that method and the route taken. This is an important consideration for large shipments of valuable materials moving around the world, as weather, politics, and other variables need to be considered.

Discussion Comments

anon293720

What they don't tell you here is that in most parts of the world, you don't need to be educated at some university to work as a logistician. They mostly prefer people whom the companies will train themselves and then adding them to the logistic tasks. It's kind of bad for us who have dedicated years studying at the best universities to be one, and there are many of us unemployed.

If you don't have strong contacts it's going to be hell getting a job in this field. It's all about contacts nowadays.

Proxy414

When you see a large group of vehicles on the highway which all say "oversize load," there was likely a skilled logistician involved in the detailed planning of the transportation and safety of a given object. The legal and organizational planning needed to be put into this kind of endeavor is a regular occurrence which requires good logisticians to execute without a problem. Free radical issues which may come up always need to be taken into account as well.

anon142032

thanks for this article.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Logisticians may study the speed with which intermodal containers can be moved within a transportation system.
      By: Binkski
      Logisticians may study the speed with which intermodal containers can be moved within a transportation system.
    • Managing the supply chain is the top priority for a logistician.
      By: Monkey Business
      Managing the supply chain is the top priority for a logistician.