• Book freight and compare carrier and broker rates for cost and transit time
• Schedule pickups, deliveries, and dock appointments
• Track shipments in a TMS and proactively flag delays
• Prepare and check shipping documents: bills of lading, packing lists, commercial invoices
• Coordinate customs documentation for international shipments
• Communicate with carriers, brokers, warehouses, and suppliers daily
• Resolve exceptions: delays, damages, lost freight, and detention issues
• Update the ERP and keep shipment and inventory records accurate
• Reconcile freight invoices and flag billing discrepancies
• Coordinate with warehouse and inventory teams on inbound and outbound flow
• Report on on-time delivery, freight spend, and carrier performance
• Maintain carrier relationships and help negotiate rates

• 2+ years coordinating freight, shipments, or supply chain operations
• Hands-on experience with a TMS and an ERP (NetSuite, SAP, or similar)
• Solid understanding of freight modes, carriers, lead times, and shipping documents
• Strong Excel skills for tracking, reconciling, and reporting
• Excellent written and spoken English for daily carrier and supplier communication
• A calm, resourceful problem-solving style under time pressure
• Strong organization and the ability to juggle many shipments at once

What Logistics Coordination Work Should Your New Hire Own?

A Logistics Coordinator managing domestic truckload shipments has different responsibilities from someone coordinating international freight, overseeing e-commerce fulfillment, or tracking inbound materials for a manufacturing company.

Some professionals specialize in carrier coordination and dispatch support, while others focus on freight documentation, shipment visibility, warehouse scheduling, or transportation cost control.

The right hire depends on how your goods move, how many shipments your business manages, and which logistics activities need dedicated ownership.

Some experienced Logistics Coordinators can support several of these functions, particularly when they've worked with different transportation modes and logistics providers.

However, experience with your freight network, systems, and most common operational problems should determine which capabilities you prioritize.

For example, a distributor shipping several truckloads each day may need someone comfortable coordinating full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, reviewing rate confirmations, and tracking delivery appointments.

An importer receiving products from overseas may prioritize experience with ocean freight, freight forwarders, commercial invoices, customs documentation, and container availability.

Meanwhile, an e-commerce company working with several fulfillment warehouses may benefit from a coordinator who understands order management systems, warehouse management systems (WMS), and parcel delivery exceptions.

Before hiring, document your shipment volume, transportation modes, service requirements, and the systems your new employee will use.

How Should a Remote Logistics Coordinator Fit Into Your Operations Team?

A remote Logistics Coordinator can manage shipment schedules, communicate with carriers, maintain transportation records, and investigate delivery problems while working alongside your U.S.-based warehouse, purchasing, customer service, and operations teams.

The arrangement works best when the employee has clear responsibility for shipment execution, reliable access to transportation information, and established procedures for responding to disruptions.

Define Ownership Between Logistics, Procurement, and Warehouse Teams

Logistics requires several departments to coordinate their work.

The procurement team may negotiate supplier agreements and place purchase orders.

The warehouse team prepares goods for pickup, receives deliveries, and maintains physical inventory.

The Logistics Coordinator manages the transportation activities connecting those locations.

For example, imagine your company purchases inventory from a supplier in Ohio and needs it delivered to a distribution center in Texas.

Your purchasing team confirms the order and expected availability date.

The supplier prepares the shipment.

Your Logistics Coordinator books the appropriate carrier, confirms the pickup schedule, shares the necessary shipping information, and monitors transportation progress.

The receiving warehouse prepares for the expected arrival.

If the truck experiences a delay, the coordinator communicates the revised ETA and helps the warehouse adjust its receiving schedule.

Establish ownership of:

• Freight booking and carrier communication
• Pickup and delivery scheduling
• Shipment tracking and status updates
• Transportation documentation
• Shipment exception management
• Delivery appointment coordination
• Freight invoice verification
• TMS and ERP updates
• Coordination with warehouse teams
• Communication with suppliers and customers
• Transportation performance reporting
• Escalation of service failures

Your new hire should know which transportation decisions they can make independently and which require approval from the logistics manager or another authorized employee.

For example, a coordinator may be allowed to select carriers from an approved list when rates fall within an established threshold.

An expensive expedited shipment may require management approval.

These boundaries allow the employee to respond promptly without creating unexpected transportation expenses.

Establish a Shipment Tracking and Exception Management Process

One of the most important responsibilities for a Logistics Coordinator is identifying transportation problems before they disrupt warehouse operations or customer commitments.

For example, a shipment expected to arrive at a distribution center on Wednesday may encounter a mechanical breakdown on Tuesday afternoon.

If the problem isn't identified until the receiving team asks where the truck is, the company may have limited options.

A proactive coordinator should monitor shipment milestones and investigate unexpected status changes.

A typical process may include:

• Confirming the shipment has been booked
• Verifying pickup requirements
• Confirming that the carrier accepted the load
• Monitoring actual pickup
• Tracking transportation progress
• Reviewing estimated arrival times
• Identifying potential delivery delays
• Communicating changes to stakeholders
• Coordinating recovery actions
• Confirming delivery completion
• Closing the shipment record

For example, a transportation management system may show that a carrier hasn't provided the expected departure update.

The coordinator should investigate whether the load was collected, whether tracking has failed, or whether the pickup was delayed.

The next action depends on the cause.

If the truck hasn't arrived, the coordinator may contact the carrier and warehouse to establish a revised plan.

If tracking data is missing, the coordinator may obtain a manual status update and correct the shipment record.

For time-sensitive freight, establish clear thresholds for escalation.

A small delay may be manageable without affecting the delivery commitment.

A delay threatening a manufacturing production schedule may need immediate attention.

The goal is to maintain reliable shipment visibility and give stakeholders enough time to respond to problems.

Coordinate Carrier Selection and Transportation Cost Decisions

Logistics Coordinators may help compare freight options based on price, transit time, reliability, and service requirements.

For example, your company may need to ship two pallets of finished goods from Chicago to Atlanta.

One carrier offers a lower rate with a longer estimated transit time.

Another offers a faster service at a higher price.

The best option depends on the delivery commitment, shipment characteristics, and the company's approved transportation guidelines.

Your coordinator should understand how to evaluate:

• Freight mode
• Shipment dimensions and weight
• Pickup and delivery locations
• Transit time
• Carrier availability
• Service commitments
• Quoted transportation charges
• Potential accessorial fees
• Carrier performance
• Special handling requirements

For businesses using freight brokers or third-party logistics providers, the coordinator may also be responsible for requesting and comparing quotes.

However, negotiating transportation agreements or selecting new carriers may remain with the logistics manager or procurement team.

Establish decision rules before assigning this responsibility.

For example, the coordinator may be authorized to book an approved carrier for shipments within a certain rate range.

If a quote exceeds the threshold, they should present the available alternatives and seek approval.

A useful rate comparison should explain the total expected transportation cost and the service implications of each option.

Maintain Accurate Transportation Documentation

Shipping documents connect the physical movement of goods with the records used by carriers, warehouses, suppliers, and customers.

An experienced Logistics Coordinator should understand which documents are required for the transportation modes they support.

For domestic freight, common documents include:

• Bills of lading (BOLs)
• Rate confirmations
• Packing lists
• Delivery receipts
• Proof of delivery (POD)
• Freight invoices
• Shipment reference numbers

International freight may involve additional documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates or declarations required for a shipment, transport documents, and customs-related records.

For example, a commercial invoice may include the seller, buyer, shipment description, value, and other information needed for the transaction.

An incorrect product description or inconsistent shipment detail may create delays during customs processing.

Your Logistics Coordinator can help review records for completeness and coordinate corrections with the responsible parties.

However, customs classifications, filings, and regulated customs representation should be handled by appropriately authorized professionals according to the applicable requirements.

Establish documentation standards covering:

• Required documents by shipment type
• Source of each document
• Verification responsibilities
• Approval requirements
• Document naming conventions
• Storage locations
• Retention procedures
• Handling of discrepancies

For example, an employee should know how to verify that the shipment weight and piece count match the relevant records before releasing documentation to the carrier.

They should also know where to store signed delivery records and how to retrieve them when a customer or finance team needs supporting evidence.

Accurate shipping documentation reduces preventable delays and supports freight reconciliation, claims management, and customer communication.

Coordinate With Warehouses and 3PL Providers

A Logistics Coordinator may work with several internal warehouses, outside fulfillment providers, suppliers, and distribution centers.

The employee should understand how transportation schedules connect to warehouse capacity.

For example, a distribution center may have limited receiving appointments on Friday afternoon.

Booking a truck without confirming warehouse availability could result in a missed appointment or additional carrier waiting time.

Your coordinator should establish procedures for:

• Confirming goods are available for pickup
• Scheduling dock appointments
• Coordinating warehouse receiving windows
• Sharing shipment identification details
• Reviewing special handling requirements
• Communicating revised arrival times
• Resolving discrepancies at pickup or delivery
• Confirming actual received quantities
• Following up on damaged shipments
• Updating the ERP or WMS

For companies using third-party logistics providers, the coordinator may need to work with the provider's portal and internal account representatives.

For example, an e-commerce company may use a 3PL to fulfill orders from several warehouses.

If a fulfillment location experiences a delay, the coordinator should investigate the affected shipments, establish recovery expectations, and notify relevant customer service personnel.

Your company should define which warehouse or fulfillment decisions the coordinator can influence and which remain with the warehouse manager or 3PL provider.

Build Freight Invoice and Accessorial Charge Controls

Transportation invoices can contain discrepancies involving rates, shipment details, additional services, or duplicated charges.

A Logistics Coordinator may help identify those differences before invoices are approved for payment.

For example, a carrier may invoice a shipment at a higher rate than the approved quote.

Alternatively, an invoice may include detention charges because the driver waited longer than the agreed loading or unloading period.

The coordinator should understand how to compare the invoice with the supporting transportation records.

A useful review process may include:

• Confirming the shipment reference
• Comparing billed charges against the approved rate
• Checking weight and shipment details
• Reviewing fuel surcharges
• Verifying accessorial fees
• Investigating duplicate invoices
• Confirming proof of delivery
• Documenting unresolved differences
• Requesting corrections from carriers
• Sending approved records to accounts payable

Common accessorial charges may include detention, layover, liftgate service, residential delivery, and other shipment-specific services.

The relevant charges depend on the carrier agreement and transportation mode.

For example, a detention charge may be valid if the carrier experienced documented waiting time outside the agreed allowance.

Your coordinator should review the supporting information before disputing or approving the fee.

For companies with substantial freight spending, consistent invoice review can help identify recurring cost problems.

The value of freight auditing comes from verifying charges accurately and identifying opportunities to prevent avoidable expenses.

Coordinate International Shipments and Cross-Border Exceptions

International freight introduces additional milestones, documentation requirements, and service providers.

For example, a U.S. company importing manufactured goods from Mexico may work with a supplier, carrier, customs broker, and destination warehouse.

Your Logistics Coordinator may be responsible for tracking the shipment and ensuring the relevant parties have the information needed for their part of the process.

Depending on the company's operations, responsibilities may include:

• Confirming shipping instructions
• Tracking freight forwarder milestones
• Coordinating with customs brokers
• Reviewing shipping document completeness
• Monitoring border or port delays
• Confirming pickup and delivery appointments
• Updating estimated arrival times
• Escalating documentation problems
• Maintaining shipment records

Candidates should understand basic Incoterms concepts when the position involves international trade.

For example, the selected Incoterms rule helps define transportation responsibilities between the buyer and seller, although it doesn't replace the underlying contract or determine every legal obligation.

Your company should clearly define which party arranges transportation, purchases cargo insurance where relevant, handles customs formalities, and assumes responsibility at each stage.

A Logistics Coordinator may support the documentation and operational coordination while customs brokers, trade compliance specialists, and management handle specialized regulatory responsibilities.

For businesses shipping across the U.S.–Mexico border, Spanish-English communication can be particularly valuable when coordinating with carriers, suppliers, and warehouses.

Establish Logistics Performance Reporting

As shipment volume increases, leadership needs reliable information about transportation costs, service levels, and operational problems.

A Logistics Coordinator can maintain recurring reports that help managers identify problems and improve carrier performance.

Useful metrics include:

• On-time pickup rate
• On-time delivery rate
• Shipment exception rate
• Average exception resolution time
• Carrier acceptance rate
• Transportation cost per shipment
• Freight spend by carrier or lane
• Number of unresolved shipments
• Freight invoice discrepancy rate
• Damage and claims frequency
• Detention and other accessorial charges
• Proof-of-delivery collection rate

The most useful metrics depend on your business model.

For example, a manufacturer may prioritize inbound delivery reliability because delays can affect production.

An e-commerce brand may focus on fulfillment delivery performance and customer-facing exceptions.

A freight brokerage may prioritize shipment visibility, carrier performance, and transportation profitability.

Establish clear metric definitions before evaluating the employee.

For example, on-time delivery rate should be calculated against an agreed delivery commitment, with a consistent approach to revised appointments and exclusions.

Similarly, freight cost per shipment should be segmented when shipments vary significantly by distance, mode, size, or service requirements.

Managers should evaluate the coordinator's performance alongside the factors they can influence.

Carrier breakdowns, extreme weather, and customer-requested changes may affect delivery outcomes even when the coordinator responds appropriately.

Related Roles to Consider

Logistics coordination overlaps with supply chain management, purchasing, inventory planning, and general operations.

Depending on your business requirements, another professional may be a better fit or a useful addition to your team.

• Supply Chain Coordinator: Coordinates broader supply chain activities, including supplier communication, procurement workflows, inventory movement, and shipment tracking.
• Inventory Planner: Focuses on inventory levels, replenishment planning, stock availability, and inventory forecasting.
• Procurement Specialist: Manages supplier sourcing, purchasing processes, procurement records, and supplier-related cost decisions.
• Purchasing Agent: Handles purchase orders, supplier communication, order confirmations, and purchasing transactions.
• Supply Chain Analyst: Analyzes inventory, transportation costs, supplier performance, and supply chain data to support operational decisions.
• Operations Manager: Oversees wider business operations, process improvement, departmental performance, and resource coordination.
• Operations Assistant: Supports recurring operational tasks, documentation, administrative coordination, and internal workflow management.

A Logistics Coordinator is generally the strongest fit when your company needs consistent ownership of transportation execution, shipment visibility, carrier communication, freight documentation, and delivery exceptions.

If your primary challenge involves stock availability and replenishment, an Inventory Planner may be more appropriate.

If you need someone to coordinate purchasing, supplier relationships, and broader supply chain processes, consider a Procurement Specialist or Supply Chain Coordinator.

And if your organization needs someone to design transportation processes, supervise employees, and manage carrier strategy, an Operations Manager or more senior logistics leader may be the better hire.

South can help you identify professionals whose experience aligns with your freight network, systems, and operational priorities.

How to Evaluate Logistics Coordinator Candidates

Logistics Coordinator candidates may list transportation management systems, SAP, NetSuite, Excel, CargoWise, ShipStation, and freight forwarding experience on their résumés.

Those qualifications provide useful context, but the strongest candidates should demonstrate how they manage shipment exceptions, maintain accurate records, coordinate transportation partners, and make sound decisions under time pressure.

A practical assessment can help you evaluate those capabilities.

Use a Realistic Logistics Coordination Assessment

Consider giving shortlisted candidates the following scenario:

Your company distributes commercial equipment to customers across the United States.

It's Tuesday morning, and your logistics team is managing 35 active shipments.

Four shipments require immediate attention:

• Shipment A: A truck carrying time-sensitive equipment from Ohio to Texas has experienced a mechanical breakdown and may miss its Wednesday delivery appointment.
• Shipment B: A carrier invoice includes $450 in detention charges that weren't included in the original rate confirmation.
• Shipment C: A warehouse reports that an inbound delivery contains fewer cartons than the packing list indicates.
• Shipment D: A shipment is marked delivered in the carrier portal, but the customer hasn't received the proof of delivery.

Your manager wants to understand which issues need immediate action and how you'll resolve them.

How would you prioritize the cases, communicate with the relevant parties, and maintain accurate shipment records?

Provide candidates with:

• A fictional shipment tracking report
• A simplified TMS export
• Sample rate confirmations
• Bills of lading
• Packing lists
• A freight invoice
• A carrier status report
• Warehouse appointment information
• An escalation policy
• A list of customer delivery commitments

Ask candidates to prepare an action plan.

They should identify the most urgent operational risks, explain which information they'd verify, and outline their next steps.

For example, Shipment A may require immediate communication with the carrier to establish the breakdown's impact, obtain a revised ETA, and evaluate approved recovery options.

Shipment B requires reviewing the carrier agreement, detention documentation, and applicable approval process.

Shipment C requires comparing the shipment documents with the warehouse's receiving records and determining whether a shortage should be documented.

Shipment D requires obtaining signed delivery evidence and checking whether the shipment was delivered to the correct location.

Ask candidates to prepare a short written update for the relevant stakeholders.

Use the following evaluation scorecard:

Test Their Ability to Manage Transportation Disruptions

A strong Logistics Coordinator should be able to respond to unexpected problems without losing control of the broader shipment workload.

Consider asking:

"A carrier informs you that a truck won't arrive in time for its scheduled delivery, and the customer needs the goods urgently. What would you do?"

Strong candidates should explain how they'd verify the latest shipment status and determine the consequences of the delay.

They may need to investigate:

• The shipment's current location
• The cause of the disruption
• The revised ETA
• Available carrier recovery options
• The destination's receiving hours
• The customer's delivery requirements
• Potential additional transportation charges
• Whether management approval is required

They should also explain how they'd communicate the situation.

For example, the warehouse may need a revised appointment, while customer service may need information to update the recipient.

Look for candidates who can distinguish between issues they can resolve directly and decisions that require approval.

Assess Freight Knowledge and Carrier Selection Judgment

A candidate who has worked extensively with parcel fulfillment may have limited experience booking domestic truckload freight.

Similarly, someone familiar with ocean freight may need additional training to manage specialized U.S. LTL shipments.

Ask which transportation modes they've supported.

Relevant experience may include:

• Full truckload (FTL)
• Less-than-truckload (LTL)
• Parcel shipping
• Intermodal transportation
• Ocean freight
• Air freight
• Cross-border trucking
• Refrigerated transportation
• Specialized or oversized freight

For example, ask:

"You need to move four pallets from New Jersey to Florida. How would you choose a transportation option?"

Strong candidates should consider the shipment's characteristics, service deadline, pickup and delivery requirements, and available carrier options.

They should also recognize when more information is necessary.

For example, shipment dimensions, weight, commodity classification, and delivery access may influence the quote.

A candidate should understand how to compare the total expected cost and service reliability before making a recommendation.

Evaluate Documentation Accuracy

Shipping documents are a useful way to test a candidate's attention to detail.

Provide a fictional bill of lading, packing list, and shipment record containing several discrepancies.

For example:

• The BOL shows eight pallets while the packing list shows nine.
• The delivery address has an incorrect ZIP code.
• The shipment weight differs between records.
• A required contact number is missing.
• The consignee information is inconsistent.

Ask candidates to identify the discrepancies and explain how they'd resolve them.

A strong candidate should verify the correct information with the relevant source rather than guessing.

They should also explain when documentation needs to be corrected before the shipment proceeds.

For international logistics positions, include a commercial invoice and ask how the candidate would coordinate with the customs broker or freight forwarder.

The objective is to assess documentation quality, verification habits, and understanding of operational consequences.

Test TMS and ERP Proficiency

Candidates may list transportation management systems on their résumés, but their actual level of experience can vary.

Ask which software they've used and what work they performed directly.

Relevant platforms may include:

• MercuryGate
• McLeod
• CargoWise
• AscendTMS
• SAP
• Oracle NetSuite
• Microsoft Dynamics 365
• ShipStation
• FourKites
• project44

For example, someone may have used CargoWise to track international shipments and maintain shipping documentation.

Another candidate may have worked in MercuryGate to create shipments, tender loads, and monitor carrier updates.

For your assessment, provide a simplified shipment record and ask the candidate to explain which fields should be updated after a delivery delay.

They should understand the importance of recording accurate milestones, exception notes, revised ETAs, and supporting documents.

For Excel, consider testing lookup functions, filtering, duplicate identification, and basic reconciliation.

Direct experience with your existing logistics software is especially valuable when the new hire will be responsible for active shipments quickly.

Assess Carrier Communication and Escalation

Logistics Coordinators communicate with carriers, warehouse personnel, suppliers, customers, and internal teams.

Their communication should remain clear and professional, particularly when shipments encounter problems.

Consider asking candidates to write two short messages based on the delayed shipment scenario.

The first is an update to the carrier requesting a confirmed ETA and available recovery options.

The second is an internal update explaining the risk and what the team should do next.

A strong response should include:

• The relevant shipment reference
• The known facts
• The current delivery risk
• Information still being verified
• The proposed next actions
• The responsible parties
• Any decisions requiring approval

For remote positions, evaluate written and spoken English, responsiveness, and the ability to communicate during U.S. working hours.

The strongest candidates should demonstrate calm problem-solving, accurate information sharing, and a clear sense of ownership.

What Should a Logistics Coordinator Accomplish in the First 90 Days?

The first three months should demonstrate whether your new Logistics Coordinator understands your transportation network, can maintain accurate shipment records, and is helping your company manage freight more consistently.

First 30 Days: Understand the Freight Network and Complete Initial Shipments

During the first month, your employee should become familiar with your transportation processes, systems, and carrier relationships.

Initial responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing approved carriers and brokers
• Learning the company's freight modes
• Understanding major shipping lanes
• Reviewing pickup and delivery procedures
• Learning the TMS and ERP
• Reviewing shipment documentation requirements
• Understanding warehouse receiving schedules
• Learning exception escalation procedures
• Reviewing freight rate approvals
• Understanding claims and damage reporting
• Meeting purchasing, warehouse, and customer service teams
• Coordinating selected shipments under supervision

A useful first milestone is successfully managing a defined group of shipments while maintaining accurate documentation and providing timely updates.

For example, a coordinator joining a distribution company may begin by tracking several inbound shipments and confirming delivery appointments with the receiving warehouse.

They should know how to identify missing information and communicate potential problems.

Managers should evaluate attention to detail, timeliness, system accuracy, and communication.

The priority is developing familiarity with the company's freight network before assigning more complicated transportation decisions.

Days 31–60: Take Ownership of Daily Logistics Workflows

During the second month, your Logistics Coordinator should begin managing a more substantial shipment workload.

Depending on the position, responsibilities may include:

• Booking shipments with approved carriers
• Scheduling pickups and deliveries
• Maintaining shipment tracking records
• Monitoring delivery milestones
• Investigating delays
• Coordinating warehouse appointments
• Preparing shipping documentation
• Reviewing freight invoices
• Updating ERP and TMS records
• Handling routine carrier inquiries
• Maintaining exception logs
• Reporting unresolved delivery problems

For example, a coordinator working with a manufacturer may take ownership of inbound freight from selected suppliers.

They can track shipment availability, coordinate carrier pickups, monitor delivery dates, and communicate delays affecting production.

A coordinator supporting an e-commerce business may manage shipping exceptions and communication with several fulfillment partners.

Managers should evaluate accuracy, follow-through, responsiveness, and the employee's ability to keep shipments moving within established procedures.

Days 61–90: Demonstrate Measurable Logistics Value

By the third month, your Logistics Coordinator should be handling assigned transportation activities with increasing independence.

Useful performance indicators include:

• On-time pickup performance
• On-time delivery performance
• Timely identification of shipment exceptions
• Average exception resolution time
• Accurate shipment status records
• Completion of required documentation
• Freight invoice discrepancy identification
• Appropriate escalation of high-risk issues
• Reduction in avoidable scheduling errors
• Reliable warehouse and carrier communication
• Timely closure of completed shipments
• Consistent operational reporting

Performance expectations should reflect the types of shipments involved.

For example, a coordinator managing domestic FTL freight may focus on pickup scheduling, delivery reliability, and carrier communication.

Someone handling international ocean freight may be measured through milestone tracking, document coordination, and appropriate management of customs-related delays.

A specialist supporting e-commerce fulfillment may focus more heavily on parcel delivery exceptions and warehouse communication.

The first 90 days should also establish a baseline for transportation performance.

That allows your manager to identify meaningful improvements without relying on arbitrary targets.

A successful first 90 days should establish dependable shipment ownership, accurate logistics records, and improved visibility into the transportation issues affecting your business.

How South Helped a Procurement Technology Company Hire Two Logistics-Experienced Operations Specialists

Companies managing large supplier networks depend on accurate order information, reliable documentation, and consistent communication across different parties.

As transaction volume increases, even small errors can create delays in purchasing and fulfillment.

One growing procurement technology company faced this challenge while expanding its operations.

The company operated a platform that allowed customers to process orders through a centralized purchasing system.

It needed additional professionals who could handle high-volume order processing and maintain accurate supplier information.

The Challenge: Expanding Procurement Operations Capacity

The company needed two full-time employees capable of processing supplier purchase orders through its proprietary platform.

The positions required strong attention to detail, comfort working with spreadsheets and web-based systems, and the ability to follow established operational procedures.

Candidates also needed experience with procurement, logistics, or supply chain operations.

The responsibilities included:

• Processing daily purchase orders
• Verifying supplier order information
• Maintaining accurate records
• Identifying and resolving order discrepancies
• Following operational procedures
• Communicating through Slack and email
• Supporting high-volume purchasing workflows

The company wanted professionals who could work independently while maintaining consistent accuracy.

The Solution: Two LATAM Specialists With Supply Chain Experience

South helped the company hire two Data Entry Specialists from Latin America in 21 days.

Although their official positions focused on data entry and procurement operations, both candidates brought experience relevant to logistics and supply chain workflows.

The first professional, from Colombia, had worked with international e-commerce and customs operations.

Her background included high-volume order processing, data cleansing, procurement workflows, and operational reporting.

She had also identified recurring customs rejections linked to updated HTS codes in previous work and created a process guide to help improve accuracy.

The second professional, from Peru, brought direct experience working for an international logistics company.

His previous responsibilities included:

• Processing purchase orders using bills of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists
• Maintaining shipment databases
• Updating delivery information
• Managing international shipping documentation
• Tracking shipments
• Coordinating with customers and internal teams

He also had experience with CargoWise, QuickBooks Online, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace.

These backgrounds helped the client expand its operations team with professionals familiar with the documentation and accuracy requirements involved in moving goods.

The Results: Additional Capacity and Reduced Hiring Costs

According to South's published case study, the company completed both hires in 21 days.

The placements generated approximately 75% savings per role compared with the client's estimated U.S. hiring costs.

The company gained two full-time professionals with experience in procurement, logistics, and international operations.

South's case study also reports that the client continued partnering with South as its operations team expanded.

What This Means for Companies Hiring Logistics Coordinators

These placements involved Data Entry Specialists supporting procurement operations rather than dedicated Logistics Coordinators.

However, one candidate had direct experience in shipment tracking, freight documentation, and international logistics systems.

That experience illustrates the importance of evaluating the specific workflows a candidate has performed.

For example, a company hiring a Logistics Coordinator for international freight should prioritize experience with shipping documents, carrier and forwarder communication, tracking systems, and exception management.

A domestic freight operation may need stronger experience with truckload scheduling, transportation management systems, and carrier rate comparisons.

An e-commerce business may prioritize fulfillment coordination, warehouse communication, and parcel shipping workflows.

The right hiring decision comes from matching the candidate's logistics experience to the shipments, systems, and operational responsibilities your company needs managed.

South can help U.S. companies identify professionals from Latin America with relevant freight, transportation, and supply chain backgrounds.

Read the full success story: Hire Two Remote Data Entry Specialists and Save 75% per Role.

Hire a Logistics Coordinator in Latin America With South

Every shipment creates a series of deadlines, documents, and communications that need to stay aligned.

As your business grows, managing those details becomes more demanding. Carriers need timely instructions, warehouses need accurate arrival information, and customers expect reliable delivery updates.

An experienced Logistics Coordinator can help your company maintain shipment visibility, coordinate transportation partners, resolve delivery problems, and keep freight records organized.

South helps U.S. companies hire full-time, pre-vetted Logistics Coordinators from Latin America, matched to their freight operations, systems, industry, and experience requirements.

Whether you need someone managing domestic transportation, international shipments, warehouse deliveries, freight documentation, or transportation reporting, we can help you find candidates with relevant hands-on experience.

You'll benefit from overlapping U.S. working hours, English-screened professionals, one consolidated monthly invoice, no minimum commitments, and free replacement support if a hire doesn't work out.

Schedule a free call with South to find a Logistics Coordinator who fits your transportation requirements and hiring budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Hire a Logistics Coordinator or a Supply Chain Coordinator?

Hire a Logistics Coordinator when your company primarily needs someone to manage transportation, shipment tracking, carrier communication, shipping documents, and delivery exceptions.

A Supply Chain Coordinator typically works across a broader set of activities, which may include purchasing, supplier communication, inventory movement, and transportation.

The responsibilities overlap in smaller organizations.

If your main challenge involves freight execution and delivery performance, a Logistics Coordinator is generally the stronger fit.

If you need someone coordinating purchasing, inventory, and shipments together, consider a Supply Chain Coordinator.

What's the Difference Between a Logistics Coordinator and a Dispatcher?

A Dispatcher generally focuses on assigning or coordinating loads, communicating with drivers, and supporting transportation execution.

A Logistics Coordinator may handle a broader process involving booking freight, scheduling warehouses, managing shipping documents, tracking shipments, resolving delivery issues, and reviewing freight charges.

However, the titles can overlap significantly within trucking companies and freight brokerages.

Choose according to the responsibilities your business needs managed.

Can a Remote Logistics Coordinator Handle Domestic Freight Shipments?

Yes. Remote Logistics Coordinators can book approved carriers, schedule pickups, monitor active shipments, maintain transportation records, and coordinate delivery appointments.

They can also communicate with carriers, warehouses, and customers when problems arise.

For domestic freight positions, prioritize experience with the relevant transportation modes, such as FTL, LTL, or parcel shipping.

Your company should establish carrier selection rules, escalation thresholds, and procedures for approving additional transportation costs.

Can a Logistics Coordinator Manage International Shipments?

Yes. Logistics Coordinators with international freight experience can help track shipments, communicate with freight forwarders, coordinate shipping documents, and monitor customs-related milestones.

However, the specific responsibilities depend on the transportation mode and countries involved.

Customs declarations and other regulated activities may require authorized customs brokers or specialized trade compliance professionals.

For international positions, prioritize candidates familiar with the relevant shipping documents, Incoterms, and transportation processes.

What Software Should a Logistics Coordinator Know?

Common systems include transportation management systems such as MercuryGate, McLeod, CargoWise, and AscendTMS.

Depending on the company, candidates may also need experience with SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or warehouse management platforms.

For shipment tracking, tools such as project44 or FourKites may be relevant.

Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills can also support reporting and reconciliation.

Prioritize candidates with experience in your existing technology stack.

Does a Logistics Coordinator Need Experience With Bills of Lading?

For many freight-focused positions, yes.

A bill of lading is a key transportation document containing information about the shipment and relevant parties.

Logistics Coordinators may prepare, review, distribute, or maintain bills of lading as part of the shipping process.

They should understand how to verify shipment details and identify discrepancies.

The required knowledge depends on whether the company handles domestic trucking, ocean freight, international shipments, or other transportation modes.

Can a Logistics Coordinator Help Reduce Freight Costs?

Yes. Logistics Coordinators can support transportation cost control by comparing approved carrier options, reviewing freight invoices, identifying discrepancies, and monitoring accessorial charges.

They may also help investigate recurring causes of detention, failed deliveries, or inefficient shipment scheduling.

However, the ability to reduce costs depends on freight volume, carrier agreements, transportation requirements, and the coordinator's authority.

Evaluate cost control alongside delivery performance and service quality.

How Do I Measure a Logistics Coordinator's Performance?

Useful performance indicators include on-time pickups, on-time deliveries, shipment status accuracy, exception resolution time, freight invoice discrepancies, and documentation completeness.

For some operations, freight cost per shipment and accessorial charges may also be important.

The right scorecard depends on shipment complexity and the transportation modes involved.

Set clear baselines and evaluate performance according to the factors the employee can influence.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Logistics Coordinator From Latin America?

South's Logistics Coordinator page lists an average U.S. salary of approximately $4,500 per month, compared with an all-in monthly rate of $2,900 for Latin American talent through South.

That represents approximately 35% potential savings.

Actual hiring costs depend on seniority, transportation specialization, international shipping experience, software requirements, and the complexity of the logistics responsibilities.

Should I Hire a Junior, Mid-Level, or Senior Logistics Coordinator?

Junior Logistics Coordinators may be suitable for tracking shipments, updating records, preparing basic documents, and supporting transportation activities under supervision.

Mid-level coordinators can typically manage active shipments, communicate with carriers, investigate routine exceptions, and maintain accurate freight records with greater independence.

Senior coordinators may be better suited to complex transportation networks, international freight, difficult exception management, cost analysis, and process improvements.

Choose seniority according to shipment complexity and the amount of independent decision-making required.

Can One Logistics Coordinator Support Multiple Warehouses?

Yes. An experienced Logistics Coordinator may support shipments involving several warehouses or fulfillment centers when the workload is manageable.

For example, an employee may track inbound freight to three distribution locations and coordinate appointments with each receiving team.

However, the number of facilities alone doesn't determine workload.

Shipment volume, transportation modes, delivery deadlines, exception frequency, and reporting requirements all affect capacity.

Estimate the workload using actual shipment activity and coordination time.

Can a Remote Logistics Coordinator Work With U.S. Carriers and Warehouses?

Yes. Logistics Coordinators based in Latin America can work remotely with U.S. carriers, freight brokers, suppliers, and warehouses.

Overlapping U.S. working hours help them respond to shipment problems, coordinate delivery appointments, and communicate with operational stakeholders during the same business day.

Your company should establish secure systems access, approved communication channels, and clear escalation procedures.

If your operation requires evening, overnight, or weekend coverage, define those scheduling requirements before hiring.

Can a Logistics Coordinator Manage Freight Claims?

A Logistics Coordinator can support freight claims by collecting delivery records, documenting damage or shortages, communicating with carriers, and tracking case status.

However, claim submission, liability decisions, settlement approval, and other specialized responsibilities may remain with the logistics manager, insurer, broker, or authorized claims personnel.

For companies managing frequent claims, prioritize candidates familiar with freight documentation, proof of delivery, and the relevant claims procedures.

What Should I Prepare Before Hiring a Logistics Coordinator Through South?

Start by documenting your transportation modes, shipment volume, main shipping lanes, carrier relationships, and the operational issues your company needs to address.

Identify the systems your new employee will use and whether the role involves domestic transportation, international freight, fulfillment coordination, or freight invoice review.

You should also establish expectations for English communication, working hours, technical independence, performance reporting, and escalation authority.

If possible, prepare a fictional shipment exception report, sample shipping documents, and an outline of your current transportation workflow.

South can use these requirements to identify Logistics Coordinator candidates whose experience aligns with your company's needs.