You’ll need to be organised and plan your work methodically so resources are transported efficiently and safely. Because you may need to manage multiple shipments and customers at the same time, you’ll be able to stay calm under pressure to meet deadlines. Sometimes things won’t go to plan, so you’ll need to work quickly and think strategically to re-route goods and overcome obstacles.

If you start with no previous experience, you’ll learn on the job with instruction from experienced logistics workers. Once trained, you’ll work as part of a team in logistics hubs, warehouses, freight yards and manufacturing facilities. Some roles will be hands on, in busy and dynamic workplaces with many coordinated activities taking place. You may spend long periods of time standing or walking. You’ll wear protective equipment and follow rigorous safety procedures. In other roles, you may work in an office with customers and colleagues to plan deliveries, prepare dispatch paperwork, and resolve shipment issues. You can find work in logistics all around Australia. Most jobs are in cities and towns. Some are in remote areas.

Logistics workers may not need qualifications to get started. However, a Certificate III – Supply Chain Operations, Diploma of Logistics, or degree specialising in logistics and supply chain management will give you useful skills for the role. Experienced logistics workers may consider senior positions which are often advertised as a logistics manager. You may need a general construction induction card (White Card) to access some work locations. A forklift licence and dangerous goods licence may also be beneficial. Your employer will usually provide rail specific safety and induction training. Our industry values diverse personal and work experience. Many employers can provide you with opportunities to gain new qualifications and industry experience to help you succeed.