What a logistics coordinator does
A logistics coordinator plans and tracks the movement of goods. Working from the office, they book inbound and outbound freight with carriers and third-party logistics providers, prepare or check shipping documents such as bills of lading, schedule warehouse appointments and follow shipments until they arrive. When a load is delayed or damaged, they are the person who sorts out the claim, rebooks the delivery and tells the customer or production team what to expect.
This is a planning and coordination role, distinct from a dispatcher who directs your own drivers through the day or a shipping and receiving clerk who handles goods at the dock. Finch recruits those roles separately. A strong coordinator compares carrier quotes, keeps freight costs visible, audits invoices against agreed rates and builds relationships with carriers so your shipments get priority when capacity is tight.
Typical responsibilities
- Book LTL, truckload, courier and intermodal shipments with carriers and 3PL partners
- Prepare and check bills of lading, packing lists and delivery paperwork
- Track shipments and update customers, sales and production on delays
- Request and compare carrier quotes, and maintain current rate sheets
- Audit freight invoices against agreed rates and resolve discrepancies
- File and follow up on claims for damaged, short or lost shipments
Qualifications and credentials
- A college diploma or certificate in supply chain, logistics or business is common
- Experience coordinating freight for a manufacturer, distributor, retailer or 3PL
- Working knowledge of a transportation management system or ERP shipping module
- ASCM's CLTD or Supply Chain Canada coursework is an asset but rarely required
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) training where your products require it
Who hires a logistics coordinator
- Manufacturers shipping to customers across Canada and the United States
- Wholesale distributors and importers
- Retailers and e-commerce businesses
- Third-party logistics providers and freight brokers
Where we recruit logistics coordinator candidates
We fill logistics coordinator roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- The shipment types they coordinated, and the carriers and modes they used
- Hands-on use of a TMS, carrier portals or ERP shipping screens
- How they handled a missed pickup, damaged load or frustrated customer
- Attention to detail on documents, rates and freight invoices
- Eligibility to work in Canada and availability for your office hours
Interview questions to ask
- A customer's order missed its pickup and is due tomorrow. Walk me through your next hour.
- How do you choose between two carriers when one is cheaper and the other is more reliable?
- Tell me about a freight invoice error you caught. How did you spot it?