The logistics industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. A lot of opportunities are being presented to individuals who wish to engage in a career that is fulfilling and something that will definitely bring good pay. For some, thinking about career in logistics might be dull. But that could not be farther from the truth. If you have the idea that knowing how to drive a prime mover would immediately qualify you for the job, then you certainly have a lot to learn about the industry. It takes a lot more than driving skills to be able to survive and thrive in this competitive field. So is this career path right for you? Read on to find out.
Skills needed to thrive in the logistics industry
Aside from the obvious requirement that you should be one of the best drivers out there who can maneuver large vehicles, you should also have the following skills and characteristics.
- You have to be a natural problem-solver – When you go on a trip across the country, you will spend many hours, even days on the road. During such times, a lot of problems can occur. For example, if you will have engine trouble in the middle of nowhere, you cannot just sit in the corner and wait for help. You have to try to solve a problem on your own. If you are not a natural problem solver, you will have difficulty dealing with similar situations.
- You should manage stress well – The logistics industry is a very unpredictable field. There could be a lot of problems that you did not anticipate that might happen anytime. Not to mention the fact that you have tight deadlines to meet and many customers to please. With all of this piling up, you can easily be distracted and fall out of focus. That is why, it is very important that if you were to become a freight driver, you should be able to manage your stress levels properly. Just like other types of jobs, you can be exposed to a lot of stressful situations on a daily basis and you should be able to navigate through that.
- You need to know how to think out of the box – If you are going on an interstate trip alone, driving for many hours, a lot could go wrong. That is why, it should be your second nature that you know how to think out of the box. This type of thinking has been defined as being able to think in a “creative or original way”. This means that you should not be afraid to try new ideas whose aim is to make your job and your life easier. Of course, these methods should always abide by your company policies. This type of thinking is needed so that your team can feel that they can always rely on you to deliver whenever you are on your own on the road.
- You have to have forward-thinking – As mentioned before, most of the time, your trips will be a one-person job. Your goal is to reduce, if not eliminate any possibility of problems that you may experience when you finally go on your trip. To do that, you must be able to think ahead. You have to anticipate any problems before they even happen. For example, you must always check that your vehicle is roadworthy before even leaving the warehouse. You must check that all the cargo is complete and that all the papers are properly signed off. These responsibilities are very important because the logistics industry is a fast-moving one, and any type of delay will cost your company and the customer a lot of money.
Qualifications needed to work in the logistics industry
Now that you are already familiar with the skills and characteristics that are needed to work in the logistics industry, let us take a look at the qualifications needed.
- Education – For freight truck and van drivers, most companies will not require that you have a college degree. But depending on the position that you are applying for, a degree might be needed. However, even though not always required, a degree in Business Communication, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or Inventory Management will give you an edge. With that said, as long as you have the proper attitude and right character for the job, this career might be a good fit for you.
- Experience – Each company will have different requirements when it comes to experience. But, there are a lot out there who would be willing to give you a chance even if you do not have any exposure to similar roles before. However, having a logistics background would give you an advantage. Depending on the position, you might be required to have a certain number of years of experience to be considered for the job. But as mentioned earlier, many companies will accept you as long as you have the right skills and attitude. So read each job posting carefully and give it a try.
These are only some of the most common skills and characteristics that are required from you if you want to explore a career in logistics. Like all other fields, each job has its pros and cons. But you have to ask yourself and honestly answer if this field would be best for you. Evaluate yourself properly and assess your skills and character. We hope that this article has given you an idea of what to expect if you are planning to enter or shift to a logistics career.
