Freight coordinators are administrative professionals who work for shipping, transportation and logistics companies. Though their duties are mostly clerical in nature, some freight coordinators also handle billing functions for warehouses and manage customer orders and pickups. Freight coordinators must juggle a variety of tasks and have a strong attention to detail to perform their jobs effectively.

Multiple Duties

Freight coordinators are responsible for routing incoming and outgoing communication regarding freight shipments and transportation needs for their companies. These positions usually support freight executives by answering and transferring phone calls and recording and relaying phone messages. Coordinators also process shipping and receiving reports by entering data into spreadsheets and electronic databases. Other freight coordinator duties include stocking office equipment and supplies, filing freight and transportation documentation, distributing and sending out office shipments and acting as a front office receptionist.

Vocational Training Helps

Freight coordinators should have a high school diploma and basic office training. Professionals can receive training at a vocational school or community college that offers office administration courses in computer technology, bookkeeping, transcription and project management. Online classes are also available for administrative and secretarial professionals.

Communication and Project Management Skills

Since freight coordinators occupy primarily administrative roles, employers prefer candidates with strong communication and project management skills. Experience with computer software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Access is a plus. Freight coordinators should also possess analytical, time management and customer service skills. Some employers require that freight coordinators have knowledge of accounting standards and principles, as well as previous work experience in the freight industry.

Salary

Freight coordinators earn an average salary of $32,000, as of May 2014, according to the jobs website Indeed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, shipping, receiving and traffic clerks earned a median salary of $31,060 as of May 2013.

Technology Influencing Job Outlook

The BLS projects that clerk positions in shipping, receiving and traffic companies will remain about the same through 2022. Some of the factors contributing to this slow growth include the introduction of computer software and document scanning technology, as well as large-scale automation in warehouses that use robotics and machines to collect, process and direct shipments. Administrative and secretary positions are expected to increase 11 percent during the same period. Administrative professionals with strong communication and computer experience will have the best job opportunities