Logistics Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Logistics Performance Metrics

Introduces key performance indicators used to measure logistics efficiency and service quality. Students learn to read and interpret basic logistics scorecards.

Lesson 2 • Supply Chain Structure and Stakeholders

Maps the end-to-end supply chain and identifies each participant's role. Students gain a systems-level view essential for understanding interdependencies.

Lesson 3 • Key Logistics Activities Overview

Surveys transportation, warehousing, inventory, and information flows as integrated activities. Provides a roadmap for the skills developed throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Rail, Air, and Sea Transport

Compares intermodal options for long-haul and international shipments. Students apply mode-selection criteria to realistic cargo scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Carrier Selection and Rate Negotiation

Teaches criteria for evaluating carriers and negotiating competitive freight rates. Students practice comparing quotes and assessing service-level agreements.

Lesson 3 • Road Freight Fundamentals

Examines trucking operations, vehicle types, and load planning for ground transport. Connects to supply chain structure by addressing the most common last-mile solution.

Lesson 4 • Transportation Risk and Contingency Planning

Identifies common transportation disruptions and mitigation strategies. Students develop contingency plans to maintain supply continuity under adverse conditions.

Lesson 1 • Receiving and Put-Away Processes

Details inbound shipment verification, quality checks, and systematic put-away procedures. Accurate receiving prevents inventory discrepancies that affect order fulfillment.

Lesson 2 • Warehouse Safety and Housekeeping

Establishes safety protocols for equipment use, hazard identification, and emergency response. A safe warehouse reduces injuries and maintains operational continuity.

Lesson 3 • Warehouse Layout and Design Principles

Covers slotting strategies, aisle configuration, and space utilization for efficient product flow. Good layout design reduces travel time and supports all downstream operations.

Lesson 4 • Order Picking and Packing Methods

Compares discrete, batch, zone, and wave picking strategies for different order profiles. Students select the appropriate method to maximize throughput and accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Cycle Counting and Physical Inventory

Explains cycle count scheduling, variance investigation, and full physical inventory procedures. Regular counting maintains record accuracy and supports financial audits.

Lesson 2 • Replenishment and Reorder Strategies

Teaches reorder point, economic order quantity, and safety stock calculations. Students apply these formulas to real inventory scenarios to optimize replenishment cycles.

Lesson 3 • Demand Forecasting Techniques

Covers qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods to anticipate future inventory needs. Accurate forecasts reduce both stockouts and excess carrying costs.

Lesson 4 • Inventory Classification and Valuation

Introduces ABC analysis, inventory types, and valuation methods such as FIFO and LIFO. Classification drives prioritization of control efforts and financial reporting accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Warehouse Management System Fundamentals

Introduces WMS architecture, core modules, and daily operational workflows. Understanding WMS capabilities enables students to execute and troubleshoot system-driven tasks.

Lesson 2 • Transportation Management Systems

Explains TMS functions for shipment planning, carrier selection, and freight audit. Students use TMS data to optimize routing decisions and control freight costs.

Lesson 3 • Data Visibility and Shipment Tracking

Teaches real-time tracking tools, exception alerts, and customer communication workflows. Proactive visibility management improves service levels and reduces escalations.

Lesson 4 • Reporting, Dashboards, and Data Analysis

Covers building and interpreting operational dashboards and standard logistics reports. Data literacy enables technicians to identify trends and support continuous improvement.

Lesson 1 • Contract Basics and Terms of Trade

Introduces key contract clauses, delivery terms, and risk transfer points in supplier agreements. Understanding contract terms protects the organization and clarifies responsibilities.

Lesson 2 • Supplier Identification and Qualification

Covers sourcing methods, supplier audits, and qualification criteria for new vendors. Rigorous qualification reduces supply risk and ensures consistent product quality.

Lesson 3 • Supplier Performance Monitoring

Teaches on-time delivery tracking, quality metrics, and corrective action processes for suppliers. Ongoing monitoring sustains supply reliability and drives continuous improvement.

Lesson 1 • International Freight and Incoterms

Explains standard trade terms that define cost, risk, and responsibility between buyer and seller. Students apply the correct term to each shipment scenario to avoid disputes.

Lesson 2 • Customs Documentation and Procedures

Details commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations. Accurate documentation is the primary factor in smooth customs clearance.

Lesson 3 • International Trade Fundamentals

Covers trade flows, import and export roles, and the regulatory environment governing cross-border commerce. This context is essential before handling any international shipment.

Lesson 4 • Trade Compliance and Restricted Parties

Covers export controls, sanctions screening, and denied-party list checks. Compliance failures carry severe penalties, making screening a mandatory operational step.

Lesson 1 • Standard Operating Procedure Development

Teaches how to write, validate, and maintain SOPs for repeatable logistics tasks. Clear SOPs reduce variability and enable consistent performance across shifts and teams.

Lesson 2 • Key Performance Indicator Management

Covers setting targets, monitoring trends, and escalating KPI deviations in logistics operations. Active KPI management links daily tasks to strategic service and cost goals.

Lesson 3 • Root Cause Analysis Methods

Introduces fishbone diagrams, five-why analysis, and Pareto charts for diagnosing logistics failures. Systematic root cause analysis prevents recurrence of costly operational errors.

Lesson 4 • Continuous Improvement Project Execution

Guides students through a PDCA-based improvement project from problem statement to results review. Practical project experience consolidates all course competencies into applied output.