Hiring Expeditors
An expeditor expedites and facilitates the flow of materials from one place to another. They simplify the process of conveying goods from one place to another for both the sender and the receiver. These professionals function as coordinators of deliveries on behalf of companies. They negotiate deals and ensure that the deliveries are cleared on time and in accordance with the standards requested. They work individually and in teams, assisting the purchasing and logistics manager with delivery arrangements. The average expeditor salary is $60,000, but the base pay may vary based on the industry employed in and the assigned tasks. Other benefits include health and disability insurance, 401(k), retirement savings plan, training, and personnel development programs. Individuals in the profession can progress into various roles, such as: operations manager, purchasing manager, and logistics coordinator, among others.
Major tasks and responsibilities
One of the primary responsibilities is to develop a professional relationship with various internal and external stakeholders. Expeditors are responsible for coordinating and maintaining an open line-of-communication between the supplier and the customer, thereby ensuring on-time delivery. They must interact with customers to have a clear understanding of their requirements, ensuring that the company service standards are met. These professionals are in charge of receiving shipments of materials and monitoring deliveries to ensure accuracy. Expeditors liaise with vendors to ensure timely delivery of goods. If needed, they must collaborate with the management to assess the reliability of these suppliers and vendors. In general, they facilitate the flow of materials between the parties involved. They identify and provide solutions for any ongoing problems. Apart from this, they are tasked with examining the job cost reports for inconsistencies and incorrect charges. In addition, they are in charge of the cleanliness and tidiness of the warehouse. They also perform other clerical and administrative tasks as necessary. All jobs assigned must be done following established guidelines, policies, instructions, and procedures.
Job qualifications and requirements
Expeditors are usually required to have a high school or a bachelor's degree in a related discipline. Some employers prefer candidates with a qualification in engineering or management. Professionals who have proven skills in areas such as SAP, ERP, SCM, and Microsoft Dynamics have an advantage when applying for the role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is also essential for the job role. The ideal candidate should come from an operational background and have an understanding of both international and domestic transportation and logistics systems. The ability to work independently is critical to the role. The candidate must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be customer service focused. They should have a professional attitude to accept and exemplify the work. The candidate should have strong attention to detail, be extremely organized, and have excellent time management skills. They should have demonstrated the ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should also be a team player and be willing to help out whenever required.
