Logistics Planner
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Create shipment and delivery plans based on demand forecasts and inventory levels
- Select shipping methods and carriers to meet cost and service targets
- Schedule pickups and deliveries with warehouses, carriers, and customers
- Track shipments and resolve delays, damage, and missing items
- Maintain accurate logistics data in planning and tracking systems
- Coordinate with procurement, manufacturing, and sales to align supply and demand
- Monitor inventory positions and recommend replenishment moves
- Review logistics performance and report on service levels and costs
- Identify process improvements to reduce waste and improve delivery reliability
- Support compliance with safety, trade, and documentation requirements
Top Skills for Success
Planning
Problem Solving
Communication
Stakeholder Management
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Data Analysis
Spreadsheet Skills
Inventory Management
Transportation Planning
Carrier Management
Route Optimization
Demand Forecasting
Warehouse Operations
Freight Documentation
Cost Management
Service Level Management
ERP Systems
Transportation Management Systems
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Logistics Planner
Transportation Planner
Supply Chain Analyst
Logistics Operations Supervisor
Warehouse Supervisor
Transition Opportunities
Supply Chain Manager
Transportation Manager
Distribution Manager
Procurement Specialist
Operations Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Advanced Spreadsheet ModelingTransportation Management System ProficiencyERP ReportingRoot Cause AnalysisKPI ReportingCost to Serve AnalysisNegotiationChange Management
Development SuggestionsStrengthen spreadsheet modeling and reporting skills, learn a transportation management system and an ERP reporting workflow, practice structured root cause analysis, and build confidence in cost focused decisions and supplier negotiations.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000
Mid LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000
Senior LevelUSD 80,000 to 105,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand. Hiring remains strong across manufacturing, retail, and transportation, with added focus on cost control, on time delivery, and resilient supply chains.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
AmazonWalmartTargetFedExUPSDHLMaerskXPORyderPepsiCoCoca-ColaProcter and GambleUnileverTeslaBoeing
Industry Sectors
RetailEcommerceManufacturingFood and BeverageAutomotiveAerospaceThird Party LogisticsTransportationHealthcareConsumer Goods
Recommended Next Steps
1
Build a weekly logistics dashboard using shipment volume, on time delivery, cost per shipment, and delay reasons2
Create a standard process for delay escalation with clear owner, timeline, and customer updates3
Take a course in transportation planning fundamentals and inventory management basics4
Practice spreadsheet skills by modeling lead time, safety stock, and carrier rate comparisons5
Learn one transportation management system through demos, tutorials, or a sandbox environment6
Document one process improvement each month and quantify time saved or cost avoided7
Prepare interview stories that show a shipment issue, the actions taken, and measurable results