Benoit Montreuil, president of the College Industry Council on Material Handling Education, identifies certified logistics operators as ''the future of the material handling workforce.'' He outlines the job responsibilities of a certified logistics operator as follows:
Certified logistics operators are the center of logistics operations. Certified logistics operators are trained to operate, physically and mentally, all logistics equipment and technology. Certified logistics operators manage information technology that deals with transactions and requests. Certified logistics operators are also responsible for operation-wide communications. Certified logistics operators manage teams within logistics operations, overseeing the completion of projects and assignments. Certified logistics operators are also responsible for staying on budget and manage all accounting duties. A major aspect of a certified logistics operator job is implementing and sustaining effective systems to improve the operations of a logistics company. Certified logistics operators are also crucial in counseling team members with their individual logistics career goals and aspirations.
How to Become Certified in Logistics
There are programs one can complete to become certified in logistics. One example is the program offered at California State University at Long Beach. This program consists of 100 hours of training and prepares students for ''entry-level positions in the international trade and logistics industry.'' Students learn logistics industry software programs, such as Shipping Solutions, and eight ''key documents for import/export documentation,'' among other things. The program’s close proximity to the Port of Long Beach provides additional learning experiences and exposure to logistics job opportunities.
Another example is the program offered at Estrella Mountain Community College’s Southwest Skill Center. The highlight of this program is its guarantee of an interview with companies that hire logistics professionals.
Where You Can Work as a Certified Logistics Operator
The first place to look for work as a certified logistics operator is at one of the top logistics companies. Transport Intelligence, a research company providing industry and market information to the logistics field, compiled a list of the top 50 logistics organizations in the world. The top US logistics employers from the list are:
1. United States Postal Service (mail, express)
2. United Parcel Service (express, logistics)
3. FedEx (express)
4. Union Pacific Corporation (rail freight, logistics)
5. Burlington Northern Santa Fe (rail freight, logistics)
Certified logistics operators can work in a variety of fields, from manufacturing to transportation to aviation to logging to rail to marine and many more.
Certified Logistics Operators’ Jobs Are Important in the Logistics Industry
The logistics field is the network behind many of the processes that make businesses run. Certified logistics operators are the crux of logistics and therefore are important within the logistics industry.
