Freightify Logistics Coordinator Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

What the job involves

A Logistics Coordinator supports the movement of goods from origin to destination by booking shipments, preparing documentation, tracking cargo, and coordinating with carriers, customs brokers, and internal teams. In a fast-growing logistics tech company, the role often involves using a TMS or freight platform to manage quotes, bookings, and exception handling for clients. Freshers typically start with shipment coordination, vendor follow-ups, and data accuracy before taking on more complex accounts.

Role and Technical Knowledge

1. 1

   What is the difference between FCL and LCL, and when would you recommend each?

   Explain that FCL uses a full container for one shipper, while LCL consolidates multiple shipments. Recommend FCL for large volumes and LCL for smaller loads where cost per unit matters less than flexibility.

2. 2

   What are Incoterms and why do they matter in a logistics coordinator's daily work?

   Define Incoterms as standard trade terms that clarify who pays freight, insurance, and duties. Mention that they affect booking, documentation, and cost allocation, so you must check them before arranging shipment.

3. 3

   Walk me through the documents required for an export ocean shipment.

   Cover commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, shipping bill, and any certificate of origin or inspection certificate. Explain that each document must match to avoid customs delays.

4. 4

   How would you track a shipment and what updates would you share with a customer?

   Describe using carrier tracking, TMS milestones, and port updates. Share key events like gate-in, loaded on vessel, departure, arrival, and customs clearance, with proactive alerts for delays.

Practical Scenarios and Problem Solving

1. 5

   A shipment is stuck at customs due to a mismatch in the HS code. What do you do?

   Show that you first verify the correct HS code with the client and customs broker, then file an amendment if needed. Communicate the delay to all stakeholders and update the shipment timeline.

2. 6

   Your carrier informs you that the vessel will miss the cut-off. How do you handle it?

   Explain checking alternative sailings, informing the customer immediately, and coordinating with the carrier for rollover or rebooking. Discuss cost implications and how you would document the change.

3. 7

   You have three urgent shipments and limited truck availability. How do you prioritise?

   Prioritise based on customer commitments, penalty clauses, and perishability. Suggest communicating with the trucking vendor for partial allocation and keeping all customers informed of revised ETAs.

4. 8

   A customer claims they were overcharged on freight. How do you investigate?

   Pull the quote, booking confirmation, and invoice to compare agreed rates and accessorials. Check for weight discrepancies or additional charges, then explain findings clearly and escalate if needed.

Behavioural and Teamwork Questions

1. 9

   Tell me about a time you had to coordinate with multiple people to meet a deadline.

   Use a college project or internship example. Highlight how you set clear tasks, followed up, and adjusted when someone delayed, and end with the outcome.

2. 10

   Describe a situation where you made a mistake. What did you learn?

   Pick a real but low-stakes error, such as a data entry mistake. Explain how you caught it, corrected it, and put a check in place to prevent recurrence.

3. 11

   How do you handle a customer who is angry about a delay?

   Show empathy first, then give a clear status and next step. Avoid blaming others, and mention that you would follow up until resolution and document the interaction.

4. 12

   Give an example of when you had to learn a new tool or process quickly.

   Describe the situation, how you used documentation or asked a colleague, and how you became productive fast. Relate it to learning a TMS or tracking portal.

HR and Career Motivation

1. 13

   Why do you want to work as a Logistics Coordinator in a fast-growing logistics tech company?

   Connect your interest in supply chain operations with the chance to learn technology-driven processes. Mention that you enjoy coordination, problem-solving, and seeing tangible results.

2. 14

   Are you comfortable with shift work or rotational weeks, which are common in logistics operations?

   Answer honestly and show flexibility. If you have constraints, state them professionally, but emphasise your willingness to adapt to business needs.

3. 15

   Where do you see yourself in two to three years in this role?

   Focus on deepening domain knowledge, taking ownership of larger accounts, and possibly moving into senior coordination or operations analysis. Show that you want to grow with the company.

4. 16

   What do you know about our company and why does it interest you?

   Research the company's freight platform or services. Mention something specific like digitising freight forwarding or helping SMEs, and link it to your interest in modern logistics.