Rail logistics coordinator

Rail logistics coordinator manage shipments by rail including or excluding other transport modes. They coordinate the timely allocation of transport means and equipment and ensure a timely delivery. They design and maintain efficient supply chains for clients and shippers.

The following job titles also refer to rail logistics coordinator:

rail transportation coordinator
railway transportation specialist
rail transportation specialist
rail logistics analyst
railway logistics analyst

A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum required to work as rail logistics coordinator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Rail logistics coordinator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to rail logistics coordinator.

train dispatcher
cattle pedicure
mail clerk
shunter
train attendant

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of rail logistics coordinator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of rail logistics coordinator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

wholesale merchant in agricultural machinery and equipment
wholesale merchant in agricultural raw materials, seeds and animal feeds
wholesale merchant in beverages
wholesale merchant in chemical products
wholesale merchant in china and other glassware

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of rail logistics coordinator.

• Multimodal transport logistics: Understand logistics and multimodal transport as the planning and control of the movement of goods or people, and all related logistical supporting activities.
• Health and safety measures in transportation: The body of rules, procedures and regulations related to health and safety measures intended to prevent accidents or incidents in transportation.
• Markets for modes of transport: Know about different modes of transport and their market opportunities in Europe.

These skills are necessary for the role of rail logistics coordinator.

• Comply with railway safety standards: Ensure compliance with minimum safety standards for freight cars operated by railway companies subject to European legislation.
• Resolve shipment issues: Provide solutions and settlements for all issues related to product shipment.
• Track shipments: Track and trace all shipment movements on a daily basis by utilising information from tracking systems and proactively notifying customers about the location of their shipments.
• Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
• Track shipping sites: Track the different shipping sites where packages arrive in order to maintain an efficient distribution system and on-time tracking systems for customers.
• Handle shipment risks: Handle risky or dangerous cargo; ensure that that every shipment operation is executed in an appropriate manner; calculate cargo weight; ensure that cranes are correctly positioned; see that containers fit into shipment.
• Negotiate logistics services: Reach an agreement on the planning and control of the movement of goods, and all related logistical supporting activities without losing sight of one’s own or others’ goals.
• Analyse transportation costs: Identify and analyse transportation costs, service levels and availability of equipment; make recommendations and take preventive/corrective measures.
• Apply transportation management concepts: Apply transport industry management concepts in order to improve transportation processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve schedule preparation.
• Ensure compliance with shipment regulations: Ensure compliance with shipment laws, regulations and policies; keep shipments secure and damage free; ensure the safety of staff members handling the cargo.
• Enforce railway safety regulations: Promote and enforce safety procedures and EU regulations to ensure that railway safety is generally maintained and continuously improved, taking into consideration the development of European legislation.
• Handle shipment documentation: Check bills, purchase orders and other documentation in order to verify the correct shipment of goods.
• Operate railway communication systems: Operate railway communication systems; make announcements over the public address system or communicate with central train administration.
• Keep track of shipment payments: Monitor the progress of payments made for shipping products.
• Prepare freight shipment reports: Compose and submit freight shipment reports. Include detailed information on freight conditions and freight handling; report problems if necessary.
• Prepare shipments in time: Prepare product for shipment as scheduled.
• Work in a logistics team: Ability to work confidently within a logistics team, with each member of the team fulfilling a role designed to increase the efficiency of the whole.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of rail logistics coordinator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Physical characteristics of railways: Familiar with all physical aspects of the railway, including train stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits.
• Statistics: The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of rail logistics coordinator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Comprehend financial business terminology: Grasp the meaning of basic financial concepts and terms used in businesses and financial institutions or organisations.
• Build business relationships: Establish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.
• Maintain financial records: Keep track of and finalise all formal documents representing the financial transactions of a business or project.

4323 – Transport clerks

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References

1. Rail logistics coordinator – ESCO