Routing
Routing is a key process in freight forwarding and logistics where professionals plan and organize the best paths for moving goods from one place to another. It involves choosing the most efficient and cost-effective ways to transport cargo, considering factors like distance, delivery time, transportation costs, and available carriers. Think of it like planning a road trip, but for commercial goods - deciding which roads to take, where to make stops, and what type of vehicle to use. This skill is essential for logistics coordinators and freight forwarding specialists who need to ensure shipments arrive on time while managing costs.
Examples in Resumes
Optimized Routing strategies resulting in 15% reduction in transportation costs
Managed Route Planning for international shipments across 12 countries
Developed efficient Transport Routes for time-sensitive pharmaceutical deliveries
Led team responsible for Route Optimization of regional delivery networks
Typical job title: "Routing Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Routing Specialists
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple high-priority shipments need routing with limited carrier capacity?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss prioritization strategies, alternative transportation methods, cost-benefit analysis, and negotiation with carriers and clients. Should mention contingency planning and risk management.
Q: Describe a time when you improved a complex routing system. What was your approach and what were the results?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in analyzing existing routes, implementing improvements, measuring cost savings and efficiency gains, and managing change across multiple stakeholders.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when planning international shipping routes?
Expected Answer: Should mention customs requirements, transit times, costs, carrier reliability, seasonal factors, and potential disruptions. Should show understanding of different transportation modes.
Q: How do you balance cost-effectiveness with delivery speed when planning routes?
Expected Answer: Should explain decision-making process considering customer requirements, available transportation options, costs, and time constraints. Should mention experience with trade-offs.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic elements you consider when planning a simple delivery route?
Expected Answer: Should mention distance, delivery windows, vehicle capacity, traffic patterns, and basic cost considerations. Basic understanding of mapping and scheduling.
Q: How do you handle a last-minute change in delivery address?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic problem-solving skills, understanding of route adjustment procedures, and communication with drivers and customers.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic route planning for local deliveries
- Understanding of shipping documentation
- Basic knowledge of transportation modes
- Familiarity with mapping software
Mid (2-5 years)
- International routing experience
- Multi-modal transportation planning
- Cost optimization techniques
- Carrier relationship management
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic network planning
- Complex multi-country routing
- Team leadership and training
- Route optimization system implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic shipping documents and requirements
- Inability to use common mapping or routing software
- Poor understanding of transportation costs and timing
- Lack of problem-solving skills for route changes
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