The rise and demand for logistics coordinators
Supply chain challenges have been on the rise since the early part of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive global economic upheaval and continue disrupting the functionality and effectiveness of supply chain.
This was compounded by the Ever Given, one of the largest container ships which ran aground last year, 2021. Blocking the Suez Canal, a channel believed to be handling 10% of the global marine traffic. In South Africa, the challenges were worsened by the Durban Unrest and Transnet Cyber Attack. Currently, Cape Town Container Terminals are facing severe delays which have been attributed to ageing equipment and infrastructure, and limited reefer opportunities were worsened by bad weather conditions.
How does all this affect logistics coordination, you may wonder. Be at ease that the purpose of the current blog is to enlighten you about what it means to be a logistics coordinator and the skills required to succeed in this role. Efficient logistics are an integral part of a successful value chain, resulting in an increasing demand for candidates with specialised experience in fresh produce logistics. Logistics is that part of the business that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services, and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet customers’ requirements.
With each activity in the supply chain, starting from post-harvest, fruit is sorted and packaged at a packing house. At this point of the chain, there are multiple career options which include quality control, stock management and logistics coordination, to mention a few. As a logistic coordinator placed at a packing house you will work directly with the fruit. Here the role focuses on moving the fruit straight from the packhouse to the cold storage. Knowledge of the product/fruit is of high importance. Understanding export market requirements, fruit sanitary measures and having a sense of urgency will be beneficial.
And yes, trucks do play a vital role within the logistics network. However, trucks are not the alpha and the omega of logistics within the fruit export industry. As a logistics coordinator you organise and communicate with the shipping lines or freight forwarders regarding the quantity and type of container you need, loading point and port of discharge just to name a few. You will communicate with transporters/truckers on where the container must be collected, where it must be delivered and placed for loading onto the vessel, and most importantly with cold store managers. Communication with cold store managers is vital to ensure that they are provided with loading instructions that clearly state the count and quality of the fruit, which will be loaded into the containers.
Working with fresh produce means as a logistics coordinator, you are constantly chasing time. Your responsibility is to ensure successful transportation of fresh produce in a timely manner to ensure that fruit quality is not compromised.
Currently, I work as a logistics coordinator at Zest Fruit, exporting mainly citrus to the Middle East. In addition to my job description, I have learnt that I have the responsibility to maintain the sustainability and profitability for all parties involved. Which means I must constantly find ways to cut costs. Additionally, I have learnt that effective communication is the backbone of logistics. Transparency and traceability are important. Everything you do should be done in a way that anyone who was part of the initial communication chain can be able to pick up where you left and proceed. Lastly, I have learnt that teamwork is of outmost importance, and building relations internally and externally will ensure that you succeed with your job. One of my senior colleagues constantly remind me that for every single successful shipment, there are many people involved, from PPECB quality inspectors, Cold Store personnel to freight forwarders. Therefore, you must communicate and build trust. Know that every individually will equally work hard to ensure a successful shipment.
A logistics coordination or supply chain management degree is not mandatory. I hold a BSc in Plant and Soil Science and an MSc in Entomology. To sharpen my logistics skills, I have completed a short course in Supply Chain Management at University of Cape Town. Currently, I am doing a programme in International Freight Management and Administration for Importers and Exporters via UNISA. I believe in constantly empowering myself. The School of Shipping offers a wide range of courses online at affordable rates. Additionally, the industry does offer tailor made courses, such as the Citrus Academy – Citrus Export Supply Chain. One can enrol to supplement an agricultural degree and improve your employability.
Compiled by: Makhosazana Shantelle Ngwenya – AgriJob Blog Coordinator