How to become a Logistics Clerk
Logistics clerks record and coordinate the flow of work and materials between departments, examine orders for goods, and prepare production schedules.
Personal requirements for a Logistics Clerk
- Enjoy clerical and administrative activities
- Good numeracy skills
- A methodical approach to work
- Good communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Sound interpretation and analysis skills
- Attention to detail
Education & Training for a Logistics Clerk
To become a logistics clerk you usually have to complete a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. You can also become a logistics clerk through a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a business or commerce degree with a major in logistics, supply chain management or a related field. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Additional information
Logistics clerks who are required to operate a forklift will need to obtain a Perform High Risk Work Licence.
Duties & Tasks of a Logistics Clerk
Logistics clerks:
- Requisition supplies from stock and send orders to production departments and other firms
- Confirm completion of orders and compliance with specified details
- Receive and check purchase requests against inventory records and stock on hand
- Examine orders and compile data for production schedules
- Check inventories and prepare delivery schedules
- Investigate and identify supply sources, and prepare and process purchase orders
- Count incoming stock and reconcile it with requisitions
- Update inventory and stock location records.
Tasks
- Counting incoming stock and reconciling it with requisitions, and updating inventory and stock location records
- Providing price and other information about goods to prospective customers
- Establishing and coordinating the operating procedures for receiving, handling, storing and shipping goods
- Receiving and checking purchase requests against inventory records and stock on hand
- Examining orders and compiling data for production schedules
- Investigating and identifying supply sources and preparing and processing purchase orders
- Requisitioning supplies from stock and sending orders to production departments and other firms
- Confirming completion of orders and compliance with details specified, signing tally sheets and attaching to checked items
- Examining containers to ensure that they are filled, and recording quantities
- Checking inventories and preparing delivery schedules
Working conditions for a Logistics Clerk
Logistics clerks may work in offices, storerooms and warehouses. Conditions in warehouses may be hot and dusty during summer and cold during winter. They usually work regular business hours, but may be required to work longer hours during busy periods. Logistics clerks may use specially designed electronic inventory data collection devices. They may also be required to operate forklifts or other heavy machinery, and to wear high-visibility clothing and other safety equipment in warehouse situations.
Employment Opportunities for a Logistics Clerk
Logistics clerks are employed by firms involved in the movement of goods. These include shipping agents, import/export companies, freight forwarding and storage companies, and road haulage firms. Wholesalers and large manufacturing firms may also employ logistics clerks.
Specializations
Logistics Clerk
Logistics clerks record and coordinate the flow of work and materials between departments, examine orders for goods, and prepare production schedules.
Average age
40
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
58% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Entry level
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
81%
Employment Size
4,500
Employment by state
ACT: 1.3%
NSW: 31.6%
NT: 0.8%
QLD: 19.7%
SA: 6.3%
TAS: 1.4%
VIC: 27.6%
WA: 11.2%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.7%
20-24: 7.7%
25-34: 25.3%
35-44: 25.1%
45-54: 23.1%
55-59: 8.9%
60-64: 5.5%
65 and Over: 2.5%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.6%
Bachelor degree: 14.8%
Below Year 10: 1.8%
Certificate III/IV: 19.1%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 5.2%
Year 10 and below: 14.8%
Year 11: 7%
Year 12: 26.5%
Years 11 & 10: 20.2%
