Freight Logistics Specialist in Delaware Career Overview

As a Freight Logistics Specialist, you play a vital role in the movement of goods and materials throughout the supply chain. Your responsibilities encompass various tasks that ensure the efficient and timely transportation of products from one location to another.

  • Coordinating Shipments: You manage and oversee the logistics involved in shipping goods, working closely with shipping companies, warehouses, and suppliers to schedule and track shipments.

  • Optimizing Transportation: You analyze transportation methods and routes, striving to reduce costs and improve efficiency while maintaining service quality.

  • Documentation Management: You ensure all necessary paperwork, including shipping labels, customs documentation, and invoices, is in order to facilitate smooth transit of products.

  • Problem-Solving: You address any logistical challenges that arise, such as delays or routing issues, to keep goods moving and meet customer demands.

  • Communication: You serve as the communication hub between various parties involved in the transportation process, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned on delivery schedules and expectations.

  • Regulatory Compliance: You ensure that all shipping procedures comply with industry regulations and standards, minimizing risks associated with freight transportation.

Your role is essential in supporting supply chain operations, impacting inventory management, customer satisfaction, and the overall efficiency of the logistics industry. Through your efforts, you contribute to the seamless flow of commerce, making it possible for businesses to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Freight Logistics Specialist Salary in Delaware

Annual Median: $98,140
Hourly Median: $47.18

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Freight Logistics Specialist in Delaware

To become a Freight Logistics Specialist, you typically need to pursue a specific educational pathway. Here are the key degree programs that will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills:

  • Air Transportation: A degree in this field covers the logistics of air freight, including regulations, safety, and operations specific to air cargo handling. Understanding the intricacies of air transportation enhances your ability to coordinate air freight operations effectively.

  • Logistics: A Logistics degree provides a thorough understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, and transportation logistics. This program focuses on managing the flow of goods and services efficiently.

  • Transportation and Highway Engineering: This program combines principles of civil engineering and transportation systems, allowing you to understand infrastructure impacts on freight movement. It is beneficial for those involved in logistics planning that requires knowledge of road networks and highway compliance.

  • Transportation Mobility Management: This area of study focuses on improving transportation systems and strategies to enhance the movement of goods and services. The program typically covers topics such as traffic management, public transportation, and sustainable logistics.

  • Operations Management and Supervision: This degree emphasizes managing operations within a logistics context. You'll learn about process optimization, resource management, and supervisory skills necessary for overseeing logistical operations efficiently.

Pursuing any of these educational paths will prepare you to enter the field of freight logistics and help form a strong foundation for your career.

Best Schools to become a Freight Logistics Specialist in Delaware 2024

#1Orange County

Valencia College

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,984
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,933
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:43,370
#2Jefferson County

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

In-State Tuition:$6,840
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,840
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:48,668
#3Ellis County

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

In-State Tuition:$4,140
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,580
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:51%
Total Enrollment:12,949
#4Merrimack County

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091
#5Ingham County

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

In-State Tuition:$16,437
Out-of-State Tuition:$42,427
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:82%
Total Enrollment:50,023
#6Knox County

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN

In-State Tuition:$11,332
Out-of-State Tuition:$29,522
Admission Rate:68%
Graduation Rate:73%
Total Enrollment:33,805
Freight Logistics Specialist Job Description:
  • Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes.
  • May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing.

Freight Logistics Specialist Required Skills and Competencies in Delaware

  • Analytical Thinking: You should possess strong analytical skills to evaluate shipping data, understand trends, and make informed decisions that optimize logistics processes.

  • Attention to Detail: Being detail-oriented is essential for managing documentation, tracking shipments, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

  • Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary to coordinate with vendors, customers, and team members. You must be able to convey information clearly and negotiate with stakeholders.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: You need to interpret complex logistics scenarios and develop practical solutions for challenges such as delays, compliance issues, or inventory management.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with logistics management software and tools, as well as data analysis applications, will enhance your efficiency in handling logistics operations.

  • Organizational Skills: Being organized helps you manage multiple shipments, deadlines, and documentation without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

  • Time Management: You should be adept at prioritizing tasks and managing your time effectively to meet shipping deadlines and service level agreements.

  • Customer Service Orientation: A strong focus on customer satisfaction will guide your interactions, ensuring that client needs are met and fostering long-term business relationships.

  • Knowledge of Compliance and Regulations: Understanding industry regulations, safety standards, and international shipping codes is necessary to ensure that all logistics activities adhere to legal requirements.

  • Negotiation Skills: Your ability to negotiate contracts and shipping rates with suppliers and carriers will directly impact the cost-efficiency of logistics operations.

  • Team Collaboration: Working effectively as part of a team is important, as you will often need to coordinate efforts with various departments and external partners to achieve goals.

  • Adaptability: You should be able to respond to changes in the shipping landscape, such as fluctuating costs, new regulations, or shifting customer demands, demonstrating flexibility in your approach.

  • Project Management Skills: The ability to plan and execute logistics projects efficiently will help ensure that operations run smoothly and meet business objectives.

Job Duties for Freight Logistics Specialists

  • Communicate with or monitor service providers, such as ocean carriers, air freight forwarders, global consolidators, customs brokers, or trucking companies.

  • Maintain databases of logistics information.

  • Remotely monitor the flow of vehicles or inventory, using Web-based logistics information systems to track vehicles or containers.

Technologies and Skills Used by Freight Logistics Specialists

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP software

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  • Cadre Technologies Accuplus Integrated Distribution Logistics System
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Logistics

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Freight Logistics Specialist in Delaware

The job market for Freight Logistics Specialists in Delaware is characterized by robust demand and diverse opportunities. As industries increasingly rely on efficient supply chain management, the need for skilled professionals in freight logistics continues to grow.

  • Demand for Specialists: The rise in e-commerce and global trade has heightened the need for logistics expertise. Delaware's strategic location along the Eastern Seaboard, combined with its proximity to major ports and shipping lanes, makes it a hub for logistics companies.

  • Growth Potential: Projections indicate steady growth in the logistics sector. As businesses expand their operations and seek to optimize shipping and transportation processes, there are opportunities for continual advancement in this field. Employment growth is expected to remain strong as organizations invest in technology and infrastructure to streamline logistics.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Wilmington: As the largest city in the state, Wilmington hosts a variety of logistics companies, from freight brokers to major shipping firms. The area is home to critical infrastructure, including the Port of Wilmington, which plays a significant role in international shipping.
    • Dover: The state capital is also emerging as a logistics center, with many companies establishing distribution centers to serve the Mid-Atlantic region efficiently. Its location offers easy access to major highways, making transportation more manageable.
    • Newark: This city benefits from its proximity to the University of Delaware and a growing number of startups and tech companies with logistics needs. The area is increasingly recognized for its logistics capabilities, catering to both local and regional demands.

  • Growing Industries: Various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, are experiencing growth in logistics roles. The integration of technology in the supply chain, particularly in areas like inventory management and shipment tracking, has led to an increase in the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate these systems.

These dynamics in the job market for Freight Logistics Specialists in Delaware present numerous opportunities for those looking to establish or advance a career in this field.

Top Related Careers to Freight Logistics Specialist 2024

Distribution Network Analyst
Route Optimization Analyst
Transportation Planner

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Freight Logistics Specialist in Delaware

  • American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL)

    • A professional organization that provides education, certification, and networking opportunities for logistics professionals.
      ASTL Website

  • Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)

    • An authority in supply chain management, offering a wealth of resources, including research, education, and networking events.
      CSCMP Website

  • Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

    • ISM provides insights and certifications in procurement and supply management, which can enhance your knowledge base as a Freight Logistics Specialist.
      ISM Website

  • Logistics Management Magazine

    • A publication that offers articles, industry trends, and news pertinent to all areas of logistics and supply chain management.
      Logistics Management Website

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Occupational Outlook Handbook

    • This government resource provides information on job responsibilities, salaries, and job outlook for logistics professionals.
      BLS Website

  • FreightWaves

    • A multimedia news source that covers various aspects of the freight and logistics industry, including market trends and technology advancements.
      FreightWaves Website

  • Supply Chain Management Review

    • This resource offers news, case studies, and analysis that pertain to supply chain management trends and challenges.
      SCMR Website

  • LinkedIn Learning

    • Offers online courses specific to logistics, supply chain management, and related skills that can enhance your capabilities as a Freight Logistics Specialist.
      LinkedIn Learning

  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

    • ASCM’s certification program that is recognized in the industry and can help elevate your career prospects in freight logistics.
      ASCM CSCP Certification

  • National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

    • Supports professionals in the logistics field by offering certification programs that can bolster your credibility and expertise.
      NICET Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Freight Logistics Specialist in Delaware

  • What does a Freight Logistics Specialist do?
    As a Freight Logistics Specialist, you coordinate the movement of goods from one location to another. Your responsibilities include planning routes, managing transportation schedules, and liaising with shipping companies and suppliers to ensure timely delivery.

  • What skills are essential for a career in freight logistics?
    Important skills include strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. Familiarity with logistics software and an understanding of supply chain management are also beneficial.

  • What educational background is typically required?
    Many positions require at least an associate's degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree or relevant certifications.

  • Are there certification options for Freight Logistics Specialists?
    Yes, certifications such as the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) can enhance your qualifications and career prospects.

  • What are the typical work environments for this role?
    Freight Logistics Specialists work in a variety of settings, including warehouses, shipping companies, and offices. You may spend significant time on the phone or using computers to manage logistics.

  • What is the job outlook for Freight Logistics Specialists in Delaware?
    The demand for Freight Logistics Specialists is expected to grow as e-commerce continues to expand, creating more opportunities in Delaware's logistics sector.

  • What type of experience is beneficial for entering this field?
    Experience in customer service, inventory management, or any role related to transportation and supply chain processes can be beneficial. Internships or entry-level positions in logistics can provide practical exposure to the industry.

  • What are the advancement opportunities in this career?
    With experience, you can advance to roles such as logistics manager, supply chain manager, or operations manager. Continuous education and networking within the industry can also facilitate career growth.

  • What are the salary expectations for Freight Logistics Specialists in Delaware?
    Salary can vary based on experience, education, and company size. On average, Freight Logistics Specialists in Delaware may earn between $45,000 and $70,000 annually.

  • What challenges might I face as a Freight Logistics Specialist?
    You may encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, unexpected delays, or fluctuating shipping costs. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these issues.

  • Is this a remote-friendly job?
    While some aspects of the job may be managed remotely, especially with digital tools, many logistics roles require on-site presence to oversee shipments and warehouse operations.