How to hire a Logistics Operator

How to hire a logistics operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step logistics operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a logistics operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new logistics operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a Logistics Operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a logistics operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A logistics operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, logistics operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of logistics operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type Of Logistics Operator	Description	Hourly Rate
   Logistics Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show More	$14-22
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show More	$12-18
   Transportation Coordinator	A transportation coordinator is responsible for monitoring the timely deliveries of goods and services based on the shipment agreement. Transportation coordinators track the delivery logistics, assigning fast routes to drivers to avoid possible delays, and adhere to the deadline... Show More	$12-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • Pallets
   • Basic Math
   • Pallet Jack
   • Warehouse Operations
   • Dynamic Environment
   • Customer Orders
   • Management System
   • Delivery Truck
   • Safety Observations
   • Data Entry
   • Inventory Management
   • Shipping Receiving
   • Delivery Functions
   • Logistics Operations

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Participate in warehouse operations including product selection, labeling, moving and securing pallets, wrapping and staging for proper shipment.
   • Comply with all safety, HAZMAT regulations and company policies.
   • Exercise a FIFO base inventory system for project raw materials.
   • Participate on the ISO 9001 team to prepare for ISO certification.
   • Operate PC, RF and other computer accessories require for material handling and transfer.
   • Use RF scanner to obtain bi-weekly inventory counts, and recounts to maintain systematic and physical warehouse inventory.

   More Logistics Operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your logistics operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A logistics operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, logistics operators' average salary in tennessee is 31% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level logistics operators earn 35% less than senior-level logistics operators.
   • Certifications. A logistics operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a logistics operator's salary.

   Average logistics operator salary

   $37,336yearly

   $17.95 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level logistics operator salary

   $30,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 25, 2025

   Average logistics operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
   1	Virginia	$45,736	$22
   2	New York	$43,514	$21
   3	Wyoming	$41,914	$20
   4	California	$41,757	$20
   5	Oregon	$38,922	$19
   6	New Jersey	$38,072	$18
   7	Arizona	$37,374	$18
   8	Ohio	$37,125	$18
   9	Indiana	$36,871	$18
   10	Kansas	$36,679	$18
   11	Washington	$36,122	$17
   12	Texas	$36,025	$17
   13	Missouri	$35,849	$17
   14	Illinois	$35,615	$17
   15	North Carolina	$35,284	$17
   16	Georgia	$35,241	$17
   17	Michigan	$34,441	$17
   18	Pennsylvania	$33,302	$16
   19	Alabama	$32,798	$16
   20	Tennessee	$31,387	$15

   Average logistics operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average Salary	Hourly Rate	Job Openings
   1	DSM Services USA Inc	$42,690	$20.52	3
   2	Mars	$42,361	$20.37	15
   3	Lockheed Martin	$41,567	$19.98	125
   4	KLA	$41,493	$19.95
   5	Magellan Midstream Partners	$41,488	$19.95
   6	Andersen	$40,839	$19.63	3
   7	Applied Materials	$40,495	$19.47	11
   8	American Outdoor Brands	$40,306	$19.38	1
   9	Utz Brands	$40,133	$19.29	3
   10	nLIGHT	$39,818	$19.14
   11	Expeditors	$39,611	$19.04	48
   12	Turner Industries	$39,415	$18.95	2
   13	J D Irving Limited	$39,171	$18.83
   14	Ems-Chemie	$38,955	$18.73
   15	Meta	$38,907	$18.71	11
   16	McKenney's	$38,854	$18.68	2
   17	Mane USA Inc.	$38,788	$18.65	2
   18	Smith & Wesson	$38,656	$18.58	1
   19	Mainfreight	$38,565	$18.54	1
   20	Woods Services	$38,008	$18.27

4. Writing a Logistics Operator Job Description

   A logistics operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a logistics operator job description:

   Logistics Operator job description example

   Logistics Operator
   Department: Operations
   Reports To: Director of Processing
   Classification: Hourly
   Work Days: Monday - Friday
   Hours: 11:30 am - 8:00 pm
   
   BENEFITS:
   Join our team and develop a successful career with Health Care Logistics (HCL). We have developed a casual and fun work environment with the necessary tools and resources to help you build success and growth within the company. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to treat our employees the same way we treat our customers. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:
   6 Paid Holidays
   Full time benefits after 60 days, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending
   Competitive paid time off - 7 vacation days and 8 personal days starting at your first full year of service! (Prorated hours are given after 60 days)
   401(k) retirement including 4% company match
   Company paid Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
   
   Excellent work-life balance - never take work home with you! Our benefits are incredible - we offer two medical plan options with low deductibles. Save even more by qualifying for our wellness rates!
   
   JOB SUMMARY:
   A Logistics Operators function is to relabel and repackage products as scheduled and directed.
   
   DUTIES:
   Repackaging or labeling products into selling units
   Inspect product and verify consistency or changes in appearance, size, color, etc.
   Follow written directions consistently and without deviation from product spec sheet
   Perform other duties as assigned by the Processing Manager
   
   REQUIREMENTS:
   Required to have High School Diploma or GED
   Must be willing to work overtime as needed to meet business needs
   Ability to read, understand and follow written and verbal instructions
   Detail oriented with strong follow-through; able to read and type numbers accurately
   Basic math and computer skills
   Self-motivated and team oriented; works harmoniously and effectively with others
   Must be able to work in heat
   
   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
   Ability to stand for a long period of time, alternating between sitting and standing
   Frequently perform the following: reach with both arms; twisting/turning; bending; kneeling; squatting; pushing; pulling; lifting; carrying; climbing ladders
   Lifting: Frequently lift and carry 11 to 20 lbs. Occasionally lift and carry 21 to

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right logistics operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your logistics operator job on Zippia to find and recruit logistics operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with logistics operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new logistics operator

   Once you've found the logistics operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a logistics operator?