celebrating the little people of logistics

​If we took the time to look around, we’ll find many under-appreciated, unsung heroes passing right by us. Like the security guards in our apartments, garbage collectors, IT support guys, mailmen, grocery store staff, admin assistants, or even Moms. All of these professions have one thing in common – no one usually notices them until they are away or something goes wrong!
 
In the world of logistics, many might not know the various layers and people your parcel or cargo goes through before miraculously arriving at your doorstep. And let us tell you, it is an interesting list.  The logistics industry is mainly made up of 6 sectors – road, maritime, aviation, rail, warehousing and storage. As an all-inclusive list covering all the people working in all these sectors, here are 4 unseen heroes you should know in logistics today.

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Stevedores

(Ok, what (or who) is a Stevedore?)

Photo: Louisiana Folk Life

​Stevedores are the ones involved in the loading and unloading of cargoes on ships. Back in the days, before the use of machines, stevedores were basically hard, tough, strapping juggernauts not to be messed with. Today, they still retain their essential role operating impressive machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and tractors to handle cargo at the Freight Stations or Terminals.
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warehouse managers

​Not to be taken lightly at all, warehouse managers are basically the head elves overseeing everything in Santa’s workshop - from proper documentation of the movement of cargo, to ensuring employees are properly briefed, supervised and trained. Said head elves regularly communicate with distributors, suppliers, employees and headquarters to ensure goods are brought in for storage or packed for distribution like clockwork. In today’s modern warehouses, the warehouse manager is also responsible for overseeing automated systems for stock control and movement. 

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scheduling clerks

Photo: EverdayDolce

Let us carefully enter into the holy shrine of the Scheduling Clerks, where orderly stacks of documents, folders, and records are incredibly and flawlessly presented at the altar of Logistics. Scheduling Clerks are responsible for much of the logistics administration in all sectors. Sometimes known as Dispatch Clerks, they are responsible for the efficient dispatch of any freight documents and handle associated administration. Now, these heroes need to have their praises sung all year round!

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truck drivers

​The humble position of the truck driver completes the crucial last mile delivery of goods to the door. Now, what would happen if every truck driver stopped driving? There would be a shortage of perishable goods within three days; drinking water would disappear within two to four weeks; food supplies in hospitals would be gone in 24 hours and… zombies would take over the world. Well, I’m sure you get the gist of things. Without truck drivers, businesses everywhere would come to a screeching halt. So the next time you’re stuck behind a truck hogging a single lane, take a deep breath and think about all the flying reindeer that do not exist.  

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There are many more unsung heroes like the above who do the physically demanding, tedious, and monotonous BUT critical jobs that keep our economy (and lives) on track. So here’s to the millions of under-appreciated and often invisible employees in logistics and beyond - thank you for all the hard work and dedication. We’d all be in a pickle without you!

#LabourDay #LabourInLogistics #UnsungHeroes #LittlePeople