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What does a logistics planner do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A logistics planner is responsible for tracking and monitoring the shipment operations of warehouse and distribution centers. Logistics planners assist with the project management procedures, identifying resources, calculating cost and expenses reports, and the manufacturing timetables. They also coordinate with suppliers and third-party vendors to verify delivery and shipment details and ensure clear and accurate specifics. A logistics planner must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on data processing procedures and updating product information on the database.

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Logistics planner responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real logistics planner resumes:

  • Manage communication among freight forwarders, trucking companies, and warehouse representatives.
  • Navigate ERP system, while planning, to determine shipment needs shown in the EDI.
  • Develop spreadsheet macros to extract critical data from ERP reports that reduce processing time from hours to minutes.
  • Assist military personnel in scheduling line haul, tanker, flatb, HAZMAT and triple / double missions.
  • Ensure safety regulations are follow included HAZMAT regulations.
  • Facilitate pilot requirements of MRP application for fuel tank business.
  • Generate software license keys using an internally develop SQL database application.
  • Ensure MRP information are valid and accurate, incorporating into all necessary secondary databases.
  • Direct touch contact with vendors to ensure customer satisfaction and expedite repair material being ship when necessary.
  • Coordinate planning & scheduling activities for assign commodities utilizing advance planning tools to model simulate, & release optimize material plans.
  • Maintain daily contact with suppliers to support production requirements and expedites as necessary.
  • Handle incoming calls regarding shipment eta's, or complaints by customers due to shortages, or damage bedding.
  • Arrange all documentation require by shipping line ensuring BOL coincides with sales invoice, packing list, and customer's specifications.
  • Facilitate the monitoring of incoming and outgoing freight to ensure accurate count via BOL while following the proper procedures for handling.
  • Check inventory utilizing AS400 to determine availability of request parts.

Logistics planner skills and personality traits

We calculated that 17% of Logistics Planners are proficient in Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Continuous Improvement. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer service skills, Organizational skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Logistics Planners that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 17%

    Reported to the director of Logistics/Customer Service, Manager of Customer Service and assisted logistics, New Business and Manufacturing Departments.

  • Supply Chain, 14%

    Performed supply chain analyses and developed logistical estimates to supply future military operations worldwide.

  • Continuous Improvement, 6%

    Conducted regular continuous improvements and process effectiveness/efficiency reviews.

  • DOD, 5%

    Coordinated all emergency planning within the logistics directorate that covered multiple DOD organizations in the Continental United States and Alaska.

  • On-Time Delivery, 4%

    Managed geographically disperse hubs while ensuring on-time delivery to customer locations.

  • Provide Technical Assistance, 4%

    Originate support plans for offer to potential customers and provide technical assistance to existing customer personnel.

Common skills that a logistics planner uses to do their job include "customer service," "supply chain," and "continuous improvement." You can find details on the most important logistics planner responsibilities below.

Customer service skills. One of the key soft skills for a logistics planner to have is customer service skills. You can see how this relates to what logistics planners do because "logisticians must know the needs of their customers in order to coordinate the movement of materials between suppliers and customers." Additionally, a logistics planner resume shows how logistics planners use customer service skills: "increased service levels by updating/creating iso work instructions and sop's related to safety areas of the operations. "

Organizational skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling logistics planner duties is organizational skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "logisticians must be able to keep detailed records and simultaneously manage several projects in a fast-paced environment." According to a logistics planner resume, here's how logistics planners can utilize organizational skills in their job responsibilities: "developed organizational processes, policies and cost savings initiatives through efficient verbal and written communication skills. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of logistics planners is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday logistics planner duties, as "logisticians must handle unforeseen issues, such as delivery problems, and adjust plans as needed to resolve the issues." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "maintained, analyzed and resolved fulfillment issues at distribution centers. "

Communication skills. For certain logistics planner responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a logistics planner rely on this skill, as "logisticians need strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and do business with suppliers and customers." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what logistics planners do: "managed client needs and concerns by providing customer service through effective communication, relationship development, and regular site visits. "

See the full list of logistics planner skills

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Compare different logistics planners

Logistics planner vs. Supply chain analyst

A supply chain analyst is responsible for handling the supply chain operations of an organization, aligning processes, and identifying areas of improvement to initiate procedures and create smooth supply delivery transactions. Supply chain analysts monitor the adequacy of stock inventory, including the trends in the market industry, to meet the public demands and ensuring that the business provides those interests. They also evaluate the supply cycle, from the planning stages to the final distribution, and analyzing aspects to minimize complexities and cost-reduction without compromising the quality of services.

If we compare the average logistics planner annual salary with that of a supply chain analyst, we find that supply chain analysts typically earn a $3,896 higher salary than logistics planners make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both logistics planner and supply chain analyst positions are skilled in customer service, supply chain, and continuous improvement.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between logistics planners and supply chain analyst. For instance, logistics planner responsibilities require skills such as "dod," "provide technical assistance," "provisioning," and "tms." Whereas a supply chain analyst is skilled in "logistics," "power bi," "chain management," and "data analysis." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Supply chain analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $71,146. On the other hand, logistics planners are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $64,486.The education levels that supply chain analysts earn slightly differ from logistics planners. In particular, supply chain analysts are 5.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a logistics planner. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics planner vs. Supply coordinator

A supply coordinator is primarily in charge of overseeing a company's supply chain operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data to identify and understand the company's needs, coordinating with procurement managers, liaising and negotiating contracts with vendors and suppliers, and monitoring the procedures and arrival of supplies. Furthermore, as a supply coordinator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with internal and external parties, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

Supply coordinator positions earn lower pay than logistics planner roles. They earn a $9,222 lower salary than logistics planners per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both logistics planners and supply coordinators have skills such as "customer service," "data entry," and "inventory management. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that logistics planner responsibilities requires skills like "supply chain," "continuous improvement," "dod," and "on-time delivery." But a supply coordinator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "patients," "patient care," "purchase orders," and "rehabilitation."

Average education levels between the two professions vary. Supply coordinators tend to reach similar levels of education than logistics planners. In fact, they're 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics planner vs. Planning specialist

A planning specialist is responsible for monitoring the project management procedures of an organization's operations, ensuring that the team meets budget goals and deadline deliverables. Planning specialists coordinate with suppliers and other third-party vendors for materials needed in the operations, as well as inspecting the efficiency and performance of equipment to prevent delays. They also manage the team's adherence to production schedule, task delegations, and output deliveries. A planning specialist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing progress reports and performing other related administrative duties.

On average, planning specialists earn higher salaries than logistics planners, with a $5,616 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on logistics planners and planning specialists resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "customer service," "continuous improvement," and "dod.rdquo;

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a logistics planner is likely to be skilled in "supply chain," "on-time delivery," "provide technical assistance," and "provisioning," while a typical planning specialist is skilled in "logistics," "project management," "data analysis," and "strong analytical."

Planning specialists make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $75,251. On the other hand, logistics planners are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $64,486.Most planning specialists achieve a similar degree level compared to logistics planners. For example, they're 3.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Logistics planner vs. Planner/buyer

The role of buyers/planners is to ensure that office materials and equipment are well-supplied within their organization. They decide and purchase the materials needed for use or resale by their organization. They are responsible for evaluating prospective suppliers based on their cost, product quality, and delivery times. They are also the ones who negotiate contracts specifying the payment terms, price, and delivery schedules. Most employers prefer their buyer to have earned a bachelor's degree with a major in operations management or business management.

Planner/buyers tend to earn a lower pay than logistics planners by an average of $9,293 per year.While their salaries may vary, logistics planners and planner/buyers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "customer service," "supply chain," and "on-time delivery. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A logistics planner uses "continuous improvement," "dod," "provide technical assistance," and "provisioning." Planner/buyers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "purchase orders," "logistics," "kanban," and "supplier performance. "The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for planner/buyers, with average annual pay of $62,806. Comparatively, the highest logistics planner annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry.planner/buyers reach similar levels of education compared to logistics planners, in general. The difference is that they're 1.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of logistics planner

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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