100 Esential Logistics Coordinator Interview Questions
Q – 1 Explain what is export declaration?
Ans- Export declaration is a government document that defines the goods to be supplied out of the country. This declaration should be filed by exporter to the U.S government.
Q – 2 What is TEU?
Ans- TEU stands for Twenty foot Equivalent Unit. It is a method of calculating vessel load or capacity, in units of containers that are twenty feel long. For example, a 40ft long container measure 2TEUs.
Q – 3 What is cross docking?
Ans- Cross docking is a process of unloading materials from an incoming semi-truck and loading directly into out-bounds trucks or trailers. It reduces handling costs, operating costs and the storage of inventory.
Q – 4 What is blanket way bill?
Ans- A way bill which covers two or more consignment of freight is referred as blanket way bill.
Q – 5 How do you motivate staff?
Ans- Motivation is a key management requirement, and your answer should stress strong values like positive reinforcement for performance, training in higher duties, and other incentives.
Q – 6 What is your training as event coordinator?
Ans- Training may include higher education and/or on-the-job training from past jobs. BA’s in public relations, hospitality services, marketing, business communication, etc. are highly valued, especially by business companies.
Q – 7 Explain what is declared the value for carriage?
Ans- Declared value for carriage is the value of the goods, declared by the shipper on the bill of lading, to determine the limit of the carrier’s liability or a freight rate.
Q – 8 What is affreightment?
Ans- Affreightment is a contract between ship owner and merchant, where ship owner provides or rented the space in the ship to the merchant for an agreed amount and for a specific period. In this contract, merchant is liable for the payment whether or not the ship is ready for the shipment.
Q – 9 Mention what is freight class based on?
Ans- Freight class is based on four factors
• Density: Weight per cubic foot
• Freight Stowability: width and length based on carrier mode rules
• Ease of handling: Evaluation of the effort required in transporting
• Liability: It includes liability to damage, breakability and perishability, freight price per pound and susceptibility of theft
Q – 10 On what basis would you fire a staff member?
Ans- The only lawful bases for dismissal are well defined into types:
► Misconduct
► Performance
► Theft or fraud (A real problem in supply chains)
► Drug or alcohol abuse
Important: Please note that you must also refer to employer guidelines and staff policies for these issues.
Q – 11 What do you bring to our business, in terms of values?
Ans- This is an open ended question, and you can use it very effectively as a statement of your abilities. You will need to address each area of the logistics manager job’s responsibilities, showing strong values and experience in each area.
Q – 12 Explain what is documents against acceptance?
Ans- A documents against acceptance are an arrangement or provision, where exporter instructs a bank to hand over shipping and title documents to the importer only if the importer agrees the accompanying bill of exchange or draft by signing it. This provision ensures that the buyer is legally bound to pay the full price to the exporter for the shipments, before ownership is transferred.
Q – 13 Tell me about your teamwork skills for logistics coordinator position?
Ans- Logistics coordinator have to play important roles in a team or group. Your ability in setting relationships with other team members should be appeared in your interview answers and you should mention your contribution into the team success.
Q – 14 What is Anti-Dumping duty?
Ans- Anti-dumping duty is an import duty levied in cases where imported goods are priced at less than the normal price in the exporter’s domestic market and cause material loss to the domestic industry of the importing country.
Q – 15 Are you a freelancer or do you have experience working as an employee?
Ans- This is a flexible issue. Some coordinators work alternately, depending on the opportunity. Others prefer to be either freelance or corporate workers. Companies naturally prefer someone with experience as an employee. On the other hand, there are many clients who require a highly capable freelancer.
Q – 16 Explain what is supply chain management?
Ans- Supply chain management includes an integrated approach of planning, implementing and controlling the flow of information, materials and service from raw material to the finished good for the ultimate distribution to the customer.
Q – 17 This position requires familiarity with a fully automated warehouse, including an integrated accounts database. Can you tell us about your experience working with these systems?
Ans- This question requires a full answer detailing particular systems you’ve worked with in the past. The interviewers evaluate this experience in relation to the job requirements.
Q – 18 How do you promote Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace?
Ans- OHS is critically important in all areas of supply chain work. You need to cite a working example of full OHS awareness programs, including training where required.
Q – 19 What are some of the important characteristics of an efficient event coordinator?
Ans- To organize events, a coordinator must be organized, have no time management problems, and be detail oriented. In addition, communication must be on a high level, since events require cooperation and rapport with many different types of people.
Q – 20 What is ASN (Advance Shipping Notice)?
Ans- It is a notice that is sent to the customer about the detailed shipment information in advance of delivery. It may also include carrier and shipment related information like time of shipment and expected time of arrival.
Q – 21 What are the activities performed at operational level in logistics’?
Ans- Various activities at operational level includes
• Goods receipt and checking
• Bulk storage
• Order picking
• Stock replenishment
• Order marshalling
• Load Scheduling
• Returns
• Availability of Personnel
• Update of stock
• Completion of documentation
Q – 22 Explain what is the difference between document against acceptance and document against payment?
Ans- • Document against payment: The document remains with bank and importers have to pay the exporter before they release the documents. In this payment is immediate, and document is released quickly
• Document against acceptance: In this importer gives 30-45 days to bank to deduct the amount and then release the documents. In this provision, there is much risk, and if there is no sufficient balance in the account then, the process will get delayed.
Q – 23 Give us an example of client relationship management in a problem scenario in which the client has a legitimate reason for complaint?
Ans- Customer relationships are a key point in logistics manager jobs. This is also a problem solving question, requiring you to illustrate the situation, define the customer relationship issues, and how you solved the problem.
Q – 24 Give us an example of a performance management method which provides staff options for additional work?
Ans- Some forms of performance management encourage increased participation by staff, involving training programs, extra duties on a career track basis, and other incentives. Your answer needs to outline clear standards in this approach.
Q – 25 What experience do you have in this field or for logistics coordinator position?
Ans- ► Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
► If you are being asked this question from your employer then you can explain your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing during your job. You can tell what programs you developed and what modules you worked on. What were your achievements regarding different programs.
► I have been working with computers since 2001. I also have a degree in network support/computer repair. I have built my last 3 computers, have work with Dell as an employee. So I have around 15 years experience working with computers.
Q – 26 What have you done to improve your knowledge for logistics coordinator position in the last year?
Ans- ► Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
► Employers look for applicants who are goal-oriented. Show a desire for continuous learning by listing hobbies non-work related. Regardless of what hobbies you choose to showcase, remember that the goal is to prove self-sufficiency, time management, and motivation.
► Everyone should learn from his mistake. I always try to consult my mistakes with my kith and kin especially with elderly and experienced person.
► I enrolled myself into a course useful for the next version of our current project. I attended seminars on personal development and managerial skills improvement.
Q – 27 Tell us are you comfortable with long hours and travel?
Ans- Much of the work of the coordinator is office work and communication. But often travel is required as part of the coordination process. Coordinators also attend the events they have organized and continue to provide service and support during the event.
Q – 28 What does a bill of lading include?
Ans- A bill of lading includes following details
• Name and complete address of shippers and receivers
• Special account numbers or PO used between business for order tracking
• Instruction for the carrier for secure delivery
• Date of the shipment
• Number of shipping units
• Types of packaging that includes cartons, pallets, skids and drums
• Description about the shipped items (common name & material of manufacture)
• Declared value of the goods being shipped
• Note included if there is any hazardous substance in it
• Exact weight of the shipments – for multiple commodities, weight for each commodity is mentioned separately
• Freight classification of the items shipped, according to NMFC (National Motor freight classification)
Q – 29 Can you tell me what some of the challenges working as an event coordinator are?
Ans- Tight deadlines and a multitude of simultaneous tasks is a typical challenge. The job requires efficiency in many different areas. Flexibility and quick thinking are required to be able to adapt to changing requirements, last minute changes, mistakes, etc.
Q – 50 What knowledge do you have about our ABC company?
Ans- You should do your research prior to the interview. Look into background history of the company, this will help you stick out. Learn about main people, have they been in the news lately? The interviewer doesn’t expect you to know dates and certain people, but showing that you have enough interest to research the company is a positive impression.
Q – 51 What is deadweight tonnage?
Ans- Deadweight tonnage is the difference between the laden and unladen weight of the ship. In other words, it is the weight of everything that ship carries except the ship itself.
Q – 52 What do you consider to be your best strength as Logistics Coordinator?
Ans- This question allows you to brag on yourself, but keep in mind that the interviewer wants strengths relative to the position. For example, being a problem solver, a motivator, and being able to perform under pressure, positive attitude and loyal. You will also need examples that back your answers up for illustration of the skill.
Q – 53 What is the advice of shipment and advising bank?
Ans- • Advice of shipment: It is a notice sent to a foreign buyer or local trader informing them that the shipment has processed forward and carried information about packing, routing, etc. A copy of the invoice is often sent with it and if recommended a copy of landing also attached along with that.
• Advising Bank: Advising bank is a bank operating in the seller’s country, that handles letters of credit in behalf of a foreign bank
Q – 54 What have you done to improve your knowledge for logistic coordinator position in the last year?
Ans- ► Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
► Employers look for applicants who are goal-oriented. Show a desire for continuous learning by listing hobbies non-work related. Regardless of what hobbies you choose to showcase, remember that the goal is to prove self-sufficiency, time management, and motivation.
► Everyone should learn from his mistake. I always try to consult my mistakes with my kith and kin especially with elderly and experienced person.
► I enrolled myself into a course useful for the next version of our current project. I attended seminars on personal development and managerial skills improvement.
Q – 55 How to organize storage area for bulk items?
Ans- Look storage place which has the facility of single, double or multiple depth locations
• Bulk storage in vertical or straight direction: It is the most common method of organizing the container, it is organized in a vertical direction piling the container over each other.
• Bulk storage at angle: It is one of the solutions that can be applied in a situation when there is a limited place to accommodate containers. But it is applicable in special cases only, depending upon what material it carries.
Q – 56 Why do you believe we should hire you as Logistics Coordinator?
Ans- This question needs to be carefully answered as it is your opportunity to stick out from the rest of the applicants. You should focus on skills that you have, including those not yet mentioned. Simply responding “because I’m really good” or “I really need a job” isn’t going to work.
You shouldn’t assume the skills of other applicants or their strengths, focus on yourself. Tell the interviewer why you are a good fit for the position, what makes you a good employee, and what you can provide the company. Keep it brief while highlighting achievements.
Q – 57 What is LTL (Less than truckload)?
Ans- LTL (Less than Truckload) shipment is a contract between the shipper and transport owner. According to the contract, instead of the entire truck, the shipment are priced according to the weight of the freight and mileage within designated lanes.
Q – 58 Do you know what behavioral interview questions are, and can you answer them?
Ans- Behavioral interview questions are widely used by employers to gauge a candidate’s leadership skills. For example, an employer might ask the following: “Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.” Working in logistics requires tremendous versatility and a can-do attitude, so be prepared to answer a few tough questions.
Q – 59 What are the responsibilities of a logistician?
Ans- Primary role of a logistician is to
• Manage the supply chain
• Transportation and storage of material
• Transportation management
Q – 60 What not to ask in Logistics Coordinator Interview?
Ans- Don’t ask about your salary first up – wait for them to bring it up.
And don’t ask for the same information that they’ve already provided on their website or in the job description, but ask for greater detail and elaboration.
Q – 61 What is the different position a person can work in logistic industry?
Ans- A person can work under various position
• Logistic director
• Logistic supervisor
• Logistic associate
• Logistic engineer
• Logistic coordinator
• Logistic specialist
• Logistic analyst
Q – 62 What do you see yourself doing in five years as Logistics Coordinator?
Ans- This is another question looking towards job commitment. Some people go through jobs like socks because they don’t have a life plan, and your answer can show insight into this. It can also be used for finding out if you are the type that sets goals at all in life, because those that make long-term goals are usually more reliable. Also, your goals can provide insight on your personality too.
You should respond with an answer that shows progression in your career is on track with your route in the company. It’s important to do your research on company prospects, this way you understand what to expect and if it’s in your long-term goal. Interviewers don’t want to set you on a path that won’t provide the results you want, resulting in you resigning.
Q – 63 Do you have work experience as Logistics Coordinator?
Ans- If you’re a recent grad, this might be tough one, but not impossible. An internship provides you with the experience employers want, perhaps more importantly, you’ll have an opportunity to network with other logisticians, perhaps securing a job after you graduate. It’s important though to balance internships with work because generally work experience is more highly sought after.
Q – 64 What do you consider to be your best weakness as Logistics Coordinator?
Ans- This can be a tricky question to respond to, if you suggest you have no weaknesses you’re going to appear as a lair or egotistical. You should respond realistically by mentioning small work related weaknesses. Although many try to answer using a positive skill in disguise as a weakness, like “I expect co-workers to have the same commitment” or “I am a perfectionist”.
However, it is recommended that there is some honesty and the weaknesses are true, and then emphasize on how you have overcome it or working to improve it. The purpose of this question is to see how you view and evaluate yourself.
Q – 65 Ask about what systems do they have in place?
Ans- Another question you could ask is about what kind of systems they have in place. If their present systems are inadequate, will it be your job to change or develop them? It’s good to show the interviewer that you’re proactive and have initiative, but you first have to determine if they’re open to that. If you’re someone who likes to implement change, you wouldn’t want to work for an organisation that is change-averse and doesn’t like to fix things that ain’t broke.
Q – 66 What are your salary expectations as Logistics Coordinator?
Ans- This question is like a loaded gun, tricky and dangerous if you’re not sure what you are doing. It’s not uncommon for people to end up talking salary before really selling their skills, but knowledge is power as this is a negotiation after all. Again, this is an area where doing your research will be helpful as you will have an understanding of average salary.
One approach is asking the interviewer about the salary range, but to avoid the question entirely, you can respond that money isn’t a key factor and you’re goal is to advance in your career. However, if you have a minimum figure in mind and you believe you’re able to get it, you may find it worth trying.
Q – 67 Why are you leaving last job as Logistics Coordinator?
Ans- Although this would seem like a simple question, it can easily become tricky. You shouldn’t mention salary being a factor at this point. If you’re currently employed, your response can focus on developing and expanding your career and even yourself. If you’re current employer is downsizing, remain positive and brief. If your employer fired you, prepare a solid reason. Under no circumstance should you discuss any drama or negativity, always remain positive.
Q – 68 What experience do you have in this field or for logistic coordinator?
Ans- ► Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
► If you are being asked this question from your employer then you can explain your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing during your job. You can tell what programs you developed and what modules you worked on. What were your achievements regarding different programs.
► have been working with computers since 2001. I also have a degree in network support/computer repair. I have built my last 3 computers, have work with Dell as an employee. So I have around 15 years experience working with computers.
Q – 69 Do you have the five universal skills to be successful in a logistics-related position?
Ans- When it comes to getting a job, it’s important to be able to at least somewhat expect what types of questions will be thrown at you. Employers look for candidates with a variety of skills, but you can almost depend on them to be looking for those who possess the following traits:
► People skills
► Analytical skills
► Communication skills
► Computer skills
► Flexibility
Q – 70 Tell me about your Logistics Coordinator skills?
Ans- This is a common question during an interview, possibly the most asked. It is used as an ice breaker, gets you talking about something comfortable, but you need to have something prepared for a response. However, you don’t want it to sound memorized.
The fact is, the interviewer isn’t interested in your life story. Unless asked otherwise, focus on education, your career and present situations. You should work chronologically, starting as far back as possible and working until present.
Q – 71 Tell me about your teamwork skills for logistic coordinator position?
Ans- Logistic coordinator have to play important roles in a team or group. Your ability in setting relationships with other team members should be appeared in your interview answers and you should mention your contribution into the team success.
Q – 72 Ask about your role, the company and their industry!
Ans- After doing as much research as you can about the company and carefully reading the job description, ask specific questions about the organisation and your role there. What’s their vision for your position? Will it change and evolve over time? What are the company’s goals? Asking industry-specific questions is good too, especially if you’ve read something topical in the news or if recent government legislation has affected the industry. This will show the interviewer that you’re keen, have done your homework and are a go-getter. They’re sure to be impressed.