best logistics jobs in 2019

Truck driver comes in at number one as the most popular job title in the logistics sector. Various types of truck drivers are needed including long-haul drivers, delivery drivers and others. It goes without saying a driver's license is the bare minimum needed for this job, however depending on the type of truck you're driving a specialized truck driving license may be needed. (In Ontario that's a D class license, in Quebec it's class 5, though the title will vary by province.)

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Forklifts come in as the second most in demand job title in the logistics sector for 2019. If you know how to operate any kind of forklift, you're pretty much a shoo-in for a job in the logistics sector. The most popular forklifts include counterbalance, reach, and cherry picker. if you have a forklift driving certification, even better.

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Fun fact: cashier is the second most common job title in the world. Though there are a lot of cashiers employed in Canada, it comes in at number 3 on our list, because the demand for cashiers is beginning to wane as businesses look into alternatives like automated kiosks and self-checkouts. Becoming a cashier remains an easy entry-point into the logistics sector for now, but beware of the impact of automation on this field.

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With the proliferation of online shopping, is it any wonder to see warehouse worker on the list of best jobs in the logistics sector? Though automation may be a factor in the warehouse sector at some point, we haven't yet reached a point where robots are capable of the complex range of motion humans are. So for now, warehouse workers are desperately needed to help fulfill all those online orders and keep goods moving!

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Material handlers move and keep track of goods, typically in a warehouse setting. They may be responsible for pulling, tracking or labelling inventory, delivering supplies, or consolidating and organizing products. Basically, they keep inventory accessible and organized. Inventory control, data entry and lifting skills all make you well suited to a material handler role.

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Shipper/receivers keep goods moving in a timely fashion. They typically work in warehouses, retail, or a setting where goods are produced. Shipper/receivers' main role is to process and inventory incoming and outgoing merchandise. If you can operate a forklift, you can often make a premium in this role. Freight+ or experience with inventory management software are also a plus.

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General labourers fill the gaps in the logistics sector, providing support wherever it's needed. There's no one set job description, however some tasks general labourers may perform include assisting specialized workers, cleaning, assembling, or moving products. No experience or skill is required, so a general labourer job can be a good place to start if you're brand new to the workforce and not adverse to physical work.

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Picker/packers are responsible for making sure orders reach the end customer safely. They collect items, preparing them for shipment. With the growing volume of online purchases, picker-packers have become one of the most in-demand logistics roles in Canada. Experience using wireless barcode scanners and inventory systems will make you stand out in this role. 

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Topping the list of most in-demand logistics skills is the ability to operate a forklift. The most commonly used forklifts include counterbalance, reach, cherry picker or walkie forklifts. Experience with any of these, or even better, a workplace certification proving your skills will make you an in-demand candidate in the logistics sector.

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Freight+ is a popular shipping software used in the logistics industry. Its used to print shipping labels, bills of lading, packing slips and allow rate shopping among popular shipping companies such as Canada Post,  UPS and FedEx.  If you know how to operate Freight+ terminals you'll be a standout candidate for organizations that do high-volume shipping.

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The bill of lading (sometimes abbreviated to BoL) is a detailed list of the items contained in a shipment. It's similar to a packing slip, but most often used for large shipments of goods. Bills of lading are critical to international trade. Experience issuing bills of lading or working with software such as Freight+ that do so is a great skill to have in the logistics sector.

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Keeping your equipment in top shape makes your job easier and reduces costs accrued by broken equipment down the line. Knowledge of basic repairs and how to clean your equipment to keep it in good shape will always be in demand in the logistics sector.

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Material handling is a job in and of itself. However it's also an important skill for anyone who works in the logistics sector to know. Even if the bulk of your day-to-day work doesn't involve moving goods, knowing how to do so safely and effectively can only make you a better employee.

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Knowing how to safely and effectively move goods on a pallet jack (also called a pump truck or pallet truck) is a staple skill for working in a warehouse or other related logistics job. Pallet jacks are the little brother to forklifts, and easier to use. That said, knowing how to do so safely is paramount.

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Experience securely packing items for shipment is a skill employers look for in the logistics sector. Delicate items such as electronics or food products must be securely wrapped and packed to prevent damage during the shipping process. Experience with order picking also pairs well with this skill.

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The transportation of dangerous goods (TCG) program is a federally licensed program offered by Transport Canada. It's a comprehensive set of safety standards and regulations for transporting dangerous materials (such as explosives, flammable liquids, radioactive materials and other goods that pose a risk to the public) within Canada. This certification is required by law, so it's in high demand among employers.

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A commercial driver's license allows you to drive heavy commercial vehicles (weighing more than 11,000 kilos) such as trucks. Driving licenses are regulated by provincial governments in Canada, so the exact classification name may vary depending on where you live in Canada. For example, in Ontario a commercial license is known as a Class D, whereas in Quebec it's known as Class 5. With truck drivers taking the top spot on this year's best logistics job, it makes sense commercial licenses are also in demand. 

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Material handling equipment (MHE) is an umbrella term used to describe mechanical equipment used to move, store or protect materials, goods and products. Some examples include forklifts, shelf pickers, pallet jacks, tractors and other industrial equipment used in warehouses or manufacturing plants. A MHE certification showcases your experience using heavy equipment safely.

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WHMIS is Canada's national standard for classifying, labelling and communicating workplace hazards. WHMIS is a cornerstone of health and safety policy in Canada, and certification proves to employers you understand proper labelling and communication of hazards in the workplace.  

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In most provinces forklift certifications are offered by a variety of private companies, however they must meet federal guidelines. Though many employers offer forklift training and a path to certification to employees, if you're looking for work in the logistics sector, already having your forklift certification will be a major draw for potential employers.

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