Logistics Industry Resume: Examples & Template for 2026
Why Your Logistics Resume Isn't Getting Interviews
Most logistics resumes fail because they don't speak the language of supply chain efficiency. Hiring managers in logistics want to see one thing—proof that you can move product faster, cheaper, and more reliably.
Your resume needs to demonstrate operational impact, not just list job duties. If your bullet points say "Responsible for managing inventory" instead of "Reduced inventory holding costs by 22% through ABC classification system," you're losing to candidates who quantify their value.
The industry is increasingly data-driven. Modern professionals must showcase proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and ERP platforms. This guide shows exactly how to format your logistics resume for ATS success. For comprehensive strategies on optimizing your resume language, our professional impact dictionary covers the exact verbs and metrics for logistics roles.
Essential Components of a Logistics Resume
Your logistics resume must include these core sections in this specific order for optimal ATS scanning:
1. Contact Information
Keep it concise and professional:
- Full Name
- Phone Number (mobile preferred)
- Professional Email Address (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com)
- LinkedIn Profile URL (ensure it's updated and professional)
- City, State (e.g., "Chicago, IL" – full address is unnecessary)
Example:
Alex Chen | (555) 123-4567 | alex.chen@email.com | linkedin.com/in/alexchenlogistics | Chicago, IL
2. Professional Summary (or Resume Objective)
This is your elevator pitch—a 3-4 sentence paragraph at the top of your resume that immediately tells the hiring manager who you are and what value you bring.
For experienced professionals: Focus on your years of experience, key achievements, and specialized skills.
Example (Experienced Logistics Manager):
Highly accomplished Logistics Manager with 10+ years of experience optimizing supply chain operations for Fortune 500 companies. Proven track record of reducing transportation costs by up to 25%, improving on-time delivery rates to 98%, and implementing WMS solutions that increased warehouse efficiency by 30%. Seeking to leverage expertise in strategic planning and team leadership to drive operational excellence at [Company Name].
For entry-level or career changers: Use a resume objective that highlights transferable skills, relevant education, and career aspirations.
Example (Entry-Level Logistics Coordinator):
Detail-oriented and proactive recent graduate with a B.S. in Supply Chain Management, eager to apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to an Entry-Level Logistics Coordinator role at [Company Name]. Proficient in inventory management principles and data analysis, with a commitment to optimizing operational workflows and contributing to efficient supply chain execution.
3. Core Competencies (Keywords Section)
To pass ATS screenings, list 8-12 keywords matching the job description:
Common Logistics Keywords:
- Supply Chain Management
- Inventory Control
- Warehouse Operations
- Transportation Management
- Logistics Optimization
- Freight Forwarding
- Customs Compliance
- Vendor Management
- ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle)
- WMS (Warehouse Management Systems)
- TMS (Transportation Management Systems)
- Data Analysis
- Process Improvement
- Lean Six Sigma
- Demand Planning
- Route Optimization
- 3PL Management
- Global Logistics
- Import/Export
- Safety Regulations
Example:
Core Competencies: Supply Chain Optimization, Inventory Management, WMS Implementation (SAP EWM), Freight Forwarding, Vendor Negotiation, Data Analytics, Lean Principles, Customs Compliance, Team Leadership, Cost Reduction, On-Time Delivery, Strategic Planning.
4. Professional Experience
List your work history in reverse-chronological order. For each role, include:
- Job Title
- Company Name, City, State
- Dates of Employment (Month, Year – Month, Year)
- 3-5 bullet points detailing your responsibilities and, most importantly, your quantified achievements.
How to Write Impactful Bullet Points: The CAR Method
Use the Challenge-Action-Result (CAR) method to transform duties into accomplishments.
- Challenge: What was the problem or goal? (Often implied)
- Action: What did you do? (Use strong action verbs)
- Result: What was the positive outcome, and how can you quantify it?
Weak Example: "Managed inventory levels." Strong Example: "Optimized inventory turnover by 15% through implementing a new ABC classification system, reducing carrying costs by $50,000 annually."
Action Verbs for Logistics Resumes:
- Analyzed
- Coordinated
- Developed
- Directed
- Executed
- Implemented
- Improved
- Managed
- Negotiated
- Optimized
- Oversaw
- Planned
- Processed
- Reduced
- Streamlined
- Supervised
- Trained
- Validated
Example (Logistics Manager):
Logistics Manager | Global Freight Solutions | Chicago, IL May 2021 – Present
- Directed a team of 15 logistics coordinators and warehouse staff, overseeing daily operations for 3 major distribution centers handling over 500,000 SKUs.
- Reduced transportation costs by 22% ($1.2M annually) through strategic carrier negotiations and implementation of a dynamic route optimization software.
- Improved on-time delivery rates from 92% to 98.5% by streamlining dispatch processes and enhancing real-time tracking capabilities.
- Led the successful integration of a new SAP EWM system, resulting in a 30% increase in warehouse picking efficiency and a 10% reduction in inventory discrepancies.
- Developed and enforced safety protocols, achieving a 0% recordable incident rate for 24 consecutive months.
Example (Logistics Coordinator):
Logistics Coordinator | Supply Chain Innovators Inc. | Dallas, TX August 2018 – April 2021
- Coordinated daily shipments for over 150 clients, managing freight bookings, documentation, and customs clearance for international and domestic routes.
- Monitored and tracked 200+ shipments weekly, proactively resolving transit delays and communicating status updates to clients, maintaining a 95% client satisfaction rate.
- Processed invoices and managed vendor payments, identifying and correcting billing errors that saved the company an average of $5,000 per quarter.
- Utilized TMS software (e.g., MercuryGate) to optimize load planning and carrier selection, contributing to a 10% reduction in LTL shipping costs.
- Collaborated with warehouse teams to ensure accurate inventory counts and timely order fulfillment, reducing order processing time by 15%.
5. Education
List your highest degree first. Include:
- Degree Name (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management)
- University Name, City, State
- Graduation Year (or expected graduation year)
- Optional: GPA (if 3.5 or higher), relevant coursework, honors, or academic awards.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana, IL Graduated: May 2018 Minor: Business Analytics
6. Certifications & Licenses
This section is highly valued in logistics. List any relevant certifications, especially those from recognized industry bodies.
- Certification Name (e.g., APICS CSCP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt)
- Issuing Body
- Date Obtained (and expiration if applicable)
- License Number (for CDL, forklift, etc.)
Examples:
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) | APICS | Issued: 2020
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt | ASQ | Issued: 2019
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Class A | State of California | License #123456789 | Expires: 12/2026
- Forklift Operator Certification | OSHA Compliant | Issued: 2022
7. Technical Skills
Beyond your core competencies, dedicate a section to the specific software and tools you're proficient in. This is critical for ATS.
Categories to consider:
- ERP Systems: SAP (ECC, S/4HANA, EWM), Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics
- WMS (Warehouse Management Systems): Manhattan Associates, HighJump, Blue Yonder, Infor WMS
- TMS (Transportation Management Systems): MercuryGate, OTM, BluJay, C.H. Robinson Navisphere
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Microsoft Excel (Advanced), SQL, Tableau, Power BI, Python (for data)
- Other: CRM software, Project Management Software (Jira, Asana), Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite
Example:
Technical Skills:
- ERP Systems: SAP S/4HANA (MM, SD, WM modules), Oracle NetSuite
- WMS: Manhattan Associates WMS, HighJump
- TMS: MercuryGate, C.H. Robinson Navisphere
- Data Analysis: Microsoft Excel (Advanced), Tableau, SQL, Power BI
- Other: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Jira, Slack
Key Skills to Highlight on a Logistics Resume
Based on my recruiting experience in logistics, these are the skills hiring managers prioritize most. If you have these, make them prominent on your resume:
Hard Skills (Technical Proficiency):
Soft Skills (Equally Important):
Full Logistics Resume Example Template
Here's a complete template combining all the elements we've discussed. This example is for a Logistics Coordinator role with 5 years of experience, but you can adapt it to your level.
Maria Gonzalez
(555) 987-6543 | maria.gonzalez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mariagonzalezlogistics | Los Angeles, CA
Professional Summary
Results-driven Logistics Coordinator with 5+ years of experience managing end-to-end supply chain operations for retail and manufacturing sectors. Proven ability to reduce costs, improve delivery times, and enhance vendor relationships. Skilled in SAP, WMS implementation, and data-driven decision-making. Seeking to leverage expertise in operational efficiency and strategic planning to contribute to [Target Company's] supply chain excellence.
Core Competencies
Supply Chain Optimization | Inventory Control | Freight Forwarding | Vendor Management | SAP ERP | WMS (Manhattan Associates) | TMS (MercuryGate) | Data Analytics | Lean Principles | Customs Compliance | Team Collaboration | Process Improvement
Professional Experience
Senior Logistics Coordinator | Pacific Distribution Group | Los Angeles, CA
March 2022 – Present
- Manage logistics for 200+ client accounts, coordinating multi-modal domestic and international shipments.
- Reduced transit times by 12% through route optimization and strategic carrier selection.
- Negotiated freight rates with 15+ carriers, achieving 17% cost reduction ($350K/year).
- Implemented WMS module improving inventory accuracy to 99.2% and reducing stock-outs by 40%.
- Mentored 3 junior coordinators on compliance and software systems.
Logistics Coordinator | Global Supply Solutions Inc. | San Diego, CA
June 2019 – February 2022
- Coordinated shipments for 100+ clients, processing customs and freight documentation.
- Achieved 96% on-time delivery rate through proactive shipment tracking and client communication.
- Aligned inventory with demand forecasts, reducing excess stock by 20%.
- Created performance dashboards (Excel/Power BI) for management, tracking fill rates and costs.
- Resolved billing discrepancies, recovering $8K quarterly.
Logistics Assistant | Coastal Freight Services | Long Beach, CA
August 2017 – May 2019
- Supported senior coordinators with data entry and shipment scheduling.
- Assisted with U.S. Customs documentation, ensuring zero regulatory violations.
- Maintained TMS records, improving data retrieval efficiency by 25%.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management
California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach, CA
Graduated: May 2017
GPA: 3.7/4.0 | Dean's List (4 semesters)
Certifications
- APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) | APICS | Issued: 2021
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt | ASQ | Issued: 2020
- Forklift Operator Certification | OSHA Compliant | Issued: 2018
Technical Skills
- ERP Systems: SAP ECC, Oracle SCM Cloud
- WMS: Manhattan Associates WMOS, Infor WMS
- TMS: MercuryGate, Kuebix, Oracle OTM
- Data Tools: Microsoft Excel (Advanced: VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, Macros), Power BI, Tableau, SQL (Basics)
- Other: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Slack, Asana
Build a logistics resume that gets you hired. Use our ATS-optimized templates and AI-powered resume builder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Logistics Resumes
After reviewing countless logistics resumes, here are the red flags I see most often. Knowing how to write accomplishments is the best way to avoid them:
1. Listing Job Duties Instead of Achievements
Wrong: "Managed warehouse inventory."
Right: "Optimized inventory management, reducing carrying costs by 18% and improving stock accuracy to 99.5%."
Always quantify your impact. Logistics is a metrics-driven field—hiring managers expect to see numbers.
2. Forgetting ATS Keywords
Logistics hiring managers use ATS software to filter resumes. If your resume doesn't include keywords from the job description (like "SAP," "3PL," "freight forwarding," "customs compliance"), you won't make it to the interview stage.
3. Using a Generic Resume for All Applications
Customize your resume for each role. If you're applying for a "Transportation Coordinator" position, emphasize TMS experience, carrier management, and route optimization. If it's a "Warehouse Manager" role, highlight WMS, inventory control, and team leadership.
4. Omitting Certifications
Certifications like APICS CPIM, CSCP, or Six Sigma are highly valued in logistics. Don't bury them at the bottom—put them in a prominent section near the top.
5. Using Fancy Formatting or Graphics
ATS systems can't read columns, text boxes, headers/footers, or graphics. Stick to a simple, clean, single-column format with standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and clear section headers.
6. Spelling and Grammar Errors
Logistics requires attention to detail. A single typo on your resume signals carelessness. Proofread multiple times, use spell-check, and have someone else review it.
7. Vague or Outdated Language
Avoid phrases like "Responsible for" or "Duties included." Instead, use strong action verbs: "Coordinated," "Optimized," "Reduced," "Implemented," "Managed."
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills should I highlight on a logistics resume?
Prioritize supply chain management, inventory control, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), data analysis, vendor management, and cost optimization. Include specific certifications like APICS CPIM or CSCP if you have them.
How do I quantify logistics achievements on my resume?
Use metrics like cost savings (%), on-time delivery rates, inventory turnover ratios, warehouse space optimization, and team size managed. Example: "Reduced transportation costs by 18% through route optimization."
Should I include forklift or CDL certifications on my resume?
Yes, absolutely. Place certifications in a dedicated section near the top of your resume. Include certification numbers, issue dates, and expiration dates for CDL licenses.
What's the best resume format for logistics roles?
Use a reverse-chronological format with clear section headers. ATS systems in logistics companies scan for keywords like 'WMS', '3PL', 'freight forwarding', and specific software tools.
How do I show career progression in logistics?
List promotions clearly with dates. Show increasing scope: "Logistics Coordinator → Senior Coordinator → Logistics Manager." Highlight growing responsibilities like team size, budget, or facility coverage.
What if I'm transitioning from warehouse work to logistics coordinator?
Emphasize transferable skills: inventory management, safety compliance, process improvement, and data entry. Highlight any experience with WMS software or supervising teams.
Final Thoughts
Your logistics resume is your first chance to prove you can deliver results under pressure—just like the supply chains you'll be managing. Focus on quantifiable achievements, use industry-specific keywords for ATS compatibility, and format your resume for both machine and human readability.
Remember: logistics hiring is competitive, but a well-crafted resume that showcases your operational impact will set you apart. Tailor every application, proofread carefully, and highlight the certifications and technical skills that matter most in this field.
Now go build that resume—and get ready to coordinate your next career move.