Purchasing/Logistics Specialist

In a third-party logistics (3PL) environment, the Logistics Specialist is responsible for planning and coordinating transportation arrangements for clients’ cargo, including domestic deliveries and international shipments (air and sea freight). This role requires close communication with carriers, customs brokers, shipping lines, airlines, and customers to ensure timely, secure, compliant, and cost-effective delivery of goods to designated destinations. The position also involves handling import/export documentation, tracking shipment status, and responding promptly to unforeseen logistics issues to maintain high service quality.

General Responsibilities

• Plan and arrange domestic and international transportation operations, including truck dispatching, air freight, sea freight, and multimodal transport.
• Select and coordinate with appropriate carriers and logistics service providers based on customer requirements and cargo characteristics.
• Track and monitor shipment status through freight portals, TMS, WMS, or ERP systems to ensure real-time visibility and timely delivery.
• Prepare, review, and verify import/export documentation, including Bills of Lading (B/L), Air Waybills (AWB), commercial invoices, and packing lists.
• Coordinate customs clearance activities and ensure compliance with import/export regulations, including HS codes, required certificates, and clearance procedures.
• Actively communicate with customers, freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to resolve shipment issues such as delays, damages, or customs holds.
• Escalate operational issues appropriately and proactively propose solutions to minimize business impact.
• Support logistics cost control, billing reconciliation, and transportation performance tracking (KPIs).
• Continuously improve logistics workflows, shipment tracking processes, and customer service quality.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a related field.
• Experience:
• At least 1 year of experience in logistics, freight forwarding, transportation coordination, or 3PL operations.
• Hands-on experience with logistics or freight-forwarder operations, including shipment tracking and carrier coordination.
• Language Skills:
• Business-level English for email communication and shipping documentation.
• Chinese (Mandarin) proficiency required for coordination with stakeholders.

Skills & Systems

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and basic macros.
• Experience with ERP, WMS, TMS, or freight management systems.
• Familiar with freight portals and shipment tracking platforms.
• Strong documentation handling skills related to import/export and international shipping.

Knowledge

• Basic understanding of international logistics and freight forwarding operations.
• Familiar with HS codes, customs clearance processes, and required import/export certificates.
• Knowledge of international shipping terms and documents (Incoterms, B/L, AWB).

Soft Skills

• Strong negotiation and customer-service skills.
• Proactive problem-solver with the ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Able to escalate issues appropriately while maintaining customer satisfaction.