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Logistics Analysts

People classed as Logistics Analysts analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. The skills rated most useful are reading comprehension, critical thinking, and complex problem solving. The job can ask you to maintain databases of logistics information. With a code of CEI, this is mostly a job for people drawn to orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. Enterprising interests also help, rated 4.5 out of 7. Getting in usually takes a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience, a level O*NET calls considerable preparation. If you want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing.

Main tasks

  • Maintain databases of logistics information.
  • Remotely monitor the flow of vehicles or inventory, using Web-based logistics information systems to track vehicles or containers.
  • Communicate with or monitor service providers, such as ocean carriers, air freight forwarders, global consolidators, customs brokers, or trucking companies.
  • Track product flow from origin to final delivery.
  • Interpret data on logistics elements, such as availability, maintainability, reliability, supply chain management, strategic sourcing or distribution, supplier management, or transportation.
  • Recommend improvements to existing or planned logistics processes.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening
  • Systems Evaluation
  • Systems Analysis

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and critical thinking.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CEI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Global Logistics Analyst
  • Logistics Analyst
  • Logistics Management Analyst
  • Material Supply Planner
  • Supply Chain Analyst

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.