Find out more about this job, its responsibilities, required skills, and much more, with Fed Supply, transport job provider.

What is a transport coordinator

A transport coordinator, often referred to simply as a coordinator, is primarily a master planner and organizer. This pivotal role involves orchestrating the seamless movement of goods, raw materials, or individuals from one location (point A) to another (point B). The coordinator conducts a meticulous logistical ballet, diligently considering deadlines, safety, costs, and the quality of service.

What they’re not

The transport coordinator should not be confused with the logistics coordinator or the transport manager. While the logistics coordinator may have a broader scope, covering the management of the entire supply chain, the transport coordinator focuses on the management of specific transport operations. Compared to the transport manager, the coordinator has more operational responsibilities and does not make major strategic decisions. He/she supervises, plans, but does not manage budgets or transport teams when it comes to long-term decisions.

What does a transport coordinator do

There are many duties and responsibilities for a transportation coordinator. These include:

• Planning transport routes.
• Coordination of shipments and deliveries, including last-mile delivery management.
• Management of transport schedules.
• Communication with carriers to organize the movement of goods.
• Track goods movements in real time.
• Supervise returns in reverse logistics.
• Manage logistical problems, such as delays or vehicle breakdowns.
• Ensure compliance with transport and road safety regulations.
• Optimize transport costs while maintaining service quality, considering the company's push-pull strategy.
• Manage transport-related documents, such as delivery notes and invoices.
• Collaboration with other departments, such as shipping, receiving and logistics.
• Resolution of unforeseen shipping issues, such as customs or quality problems.
• Maintaining records and reports on transport operations.
• Monitoring carriers' performance and evaluating their efficiency.
• Implement continuous improvement processes to optimize transport operations.

In other words, he's the transportation orchestra conductor!

What skills are required?

To excel as a transport coordinator, a diverse set of skills is essential.

First and foremost, a solid knowledge of logistics and transportation is required. Understanding logistics processes, transport regulations and shipping methods is fundamental to making informed decisions.

In addition, operational skills are crucial. These include time management to plan shipments efficiently, as well as communication skills to collaborate with carriers, internal teams such as dispatchers, and customers. Real-time problem-solving is an indispensable skill for dealing with unforeseen logistical challenges.

Cost and quality management also play a key role. A transport coordinator must be able to optimize processes to reduce costs while maintaining quality of service, thus guaranteeing the company's profitability.

As for slightly more personal skills, stress management is essential to cope with the stressful situations that can arise in the transport business. Adaptability is important for adjusting to the unexpected, while strategic planning helps optimize long-term processes.

Transport coordinator salary

The salary for a coordinator in Quebec is around $50,000. With more experience, it's possible to earn up to $75,000: however, this salary varies according to several factors, including experience, company size, sector of activity and geographic region.

What training is required?

You need a DEC in logistics or any relevant field. An AEC in transport and logistics management may well help access the profession. In some cases, a few years' experience as a truck driver, or with customs, may be required to fully understand the issues facing workers in this sector. These experiences are crucial assets that are not mandatory.

Coordinators, Fed Supply is looking for you!

At Fed Supply, our logistics placement agency, we understand the importance of a qualified transport coordinator to keep a supply chain running smoothly.

Do you think you have what it takes to be an orchestra conductor in this field? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Send us your spontaneous application or apply for one of our job offers.😊