How To Become A Logistics Lead: What It Is and Career Path

What is a logistics lead and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Warren Beeler

Logistics leads are responsible for organizing and monitoring the storage and distribution of goods. They primarily manage the overall supply chain to ensure business development, business sustainability, and customer satisfaction. They also supervise, coach, and train the warehouse workforce and maintain metrics and analyze data to assess performance and implement improvements. Logistics leads earn a median sum of $73,000 annually or $35 per hour.

Logistics leads supervise the movement, distribution, and storage of supplies and materials in a company. They organize the warehouse, label goods, plot routes, and process shipments. They also respond to any issues or complaints and work with other departments to incorporate logistics into company procedures and operations. Logistics leads need to have exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills to succeed.

Logistics leads typically hold a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or other relevant disciplines. They are expected to have some years of experience working in a warehouse or as a manager and in-depth knowledge of the consumer goods industry.

What general advice would you give to a Logistics Lead?

Warren Beeler

Western Kentucky University

1. Work hard, 2. be a good listener and learn. 3. be a team player

ScoreLogistics LeadUS Average

Salary

4.2

Avg. Salary $53,263

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.8

Growth Rate 28%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 6.16%

Black or African American 11.37%

Hispanic or Latino 18.87%

Unknown 4.31%

White 58.87%

Gender

female 24.05%

male 75.95%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress Level

6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.6

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.6

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a logistics lead

Explore logistics lead education requirements

Most common logistics lead degrees

Bachelor's

54.2 %

Associate

16.7 %

High School Diploma

13.7 %

Start to develop specific logistics lead skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	16.69%
Continuous Improvement	9.36%
Inventory Control	5.16%
Inventory Management	4.83%
Commodities	3.69%

Complete relevant logistics lead training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New logistics leads learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a logistics lead based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real logistics lead resumes.

Research logistics lead duties and responsibilities

Manage human resources operations including employee record maintenance, leave time reporting/verification, payroll and driver team supervision.
Implement and train WMS system with barcoding technologies.
Work closely with expeditors and freight forwarders in advance to meet client s expectations.
Maintain and monitor procedures for transfilling compress or liquid gas according to FDA guidelines.

Get logistics lead experience

Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a logistics lead. The most common roles before becoming a logistics lead include sales associate, logistics specialist team lead and assistant manager.

Prepare your logistics lead resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your logistics lead resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a logistics lead resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Logistics Lead Resume templates

Build a professional Logistics Lead resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Logistics Lead resume.

Apply for logistics lead jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a logistics lead job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do logistics leads rate their job?