At Company ABC we prefer to hire those with some industry knowledge. Can you tell me what Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) is?

"Advanced Shipping Notice is an important document that the customer receives containing all of their pertinent shipping information. This notice could include specifics related to their shipment, carrier information, delivery expectations, and estimated arrival time, for example."

The interviewer is looking for evidence that you have some basic knowledge of the logistics industry. How you answer this question will indicate to the interviewer the level of experience that you have in their industry. Even if you have not worked in the logistics industry before, you should have conducted some industry-related research before your interview. Remember, the interviewer is not necessarily looking for a full understanding of systems and processes (depending on the level of role you are interviewing for) - they may merely be looking for an indication of genuine interest in what they do at Company ABC.

"Although I am new to the logistics industry, I believe that ASN is related to shipping notices. With that said, I am here to learn. Could you take a moment to explain ASN briefly to me?"

At Company ABC we prefer to hire those with some industry knowledge. Can you explain what Less Than Truckload (LTL) is?

"From my understanding, LTL carriers will transport goods from multiple companies at a time. LTL or, Less Than Truckload, means that the shipper and deliverer may reach an agreement on reduced pricing if they aren't filling an entire truck. Instead of the price being based on the whole truck, it will be calculated according to the weight of the shipment, and the distance."

The interviewer is looking for evidence that you have some basic knowledge of the logistics industry. How you answer this question will indicate to the interviewer the level of experience that you have in their industry. Even if you have not worked in the logistics industry before, you should have conducted some industry-related research before your interview. Remember, the interviewer is not necessarily looking for a full understanding of systems and processes (depending on the level of role you are interviewing for) - they may merely be looking for an indication of sincere interest in what they do at Company ABC.

"Although I am new to the logistics industry, I believe that LTL is related to the shipping of partial loads. With that said, I am here to learn. Could you take a moment to explain LTL briefly to me?"

There are a few major competitors who promise cheaper delivery than we do at Company ABC. How will you overcome this challenge with our potential customers?

"I do not lean on price alone when I discuss shipping options with my customers. I would overcome this objection by showing the customer all of the value-added services at Company ABC such as your money back guarantee, the elevated professional environment, as well as the available 24/7 support line. I truly believe that most customers will take service and convenience over cost savings."

The interviewer would like to know that you can overcome simple objections from clients. Being the cheapest solution in the market is not necessarily the best answer. Show the interviewer that you can identify the value in their service. How would you show a customer that Company ABC is the best choice for their shipping/logistics needs? To answer this question correctly, you must have conducted some research on Company ABC and their competitors. Your answer should reflect the ways that Company ABC stands out in the industry.

"I believe that the best business strategy is not to lead by price but by value. The best way to do this is to find out what they value and need, and then show them how I can help them to meet those needs."

Integrity is everything to us at Company ABC. What would you do if you caught a co-worker stealing?

"If I caught a co-worker stealing I would report the situation to my manager right away. If my manager were not available, I would tell the co-worker that I saw what they did and ask them to return the item. I fully believe that it is my responsibility as an employee to enforce theft prevention procedures whenever it is safe to do so."

Show the interviewer that you are honest and trustworthy. Theft can be a significant factor in financial loss for a transportation and logistics company. Discuss with the interviewer how you would do your part to alleviate this issue. If you have experienced a situation like this before, you can certainly use your real-life example. Discuss how you handled the situation and what the resolution was.

"If I caught a co-worker stealing, I would report the incident immediately. As a previous manager, I understand the value of employee honesty."

There are a lot of career options within the logistics industry. Why do you specifically want to work for Company ABC?

"I have been eager to find a place in your company for some time now. I regularly check your company careers site for opportunities. There are a few reasons why Company ABC stands out to me. The primary reasons are your great reputation and the fact that you have a healthy company culture. Your employees seem happy to be here."

The interviewer would like to know that this isn't just any ordinary opportunity for you. Show your desire to work for Company ABC specifically! Your answer should reveal that you have researchedCompany ABC as well as their competitors. To prepare, check out the company website and online reviews. Choose the aspect of their organization that stands out most to you. Perhaps Company ABC has the best online reviews in the industry. Maybe their company culture aligns well with the work environment you are seeking, or you like that they put a focus on giving back to their community. Whatever your reasons for being interested in Company ABC make sure it is evident to the interviewer that you want THIS job.

"This position with Company ABC aligns nicely with my career goal of continued growth within logistics. This role is in my comfort zone, but a new enough approach that will intrigue me, and this company size is adequate to support growth."

In your opinion, what is the most valuable service Company ABC offers small business?

"I have reviewed all of the small business services offered by Company ABC. It's tough to choose the one I feel is best because you have so many great options. If I had to choose just one, I would say that by offering LTL rates, you are giving an amazing service to the financially discerning small business customer. What do you feel is the most valuable service offered at Company ABC?"

The interviewer wants to see that you have done your research on Company ABC before the interview. Before your meeting, you should have a firm idea of the business solutions that Company ABC offers as well as how their IT solutions stand out from their competitors. Discuss what you think is the best of their small business solutions, and why. If you want to keep the conversation going, it's a great idea to ask the interviewer what they feel is the best service they offer. By doing this, you are going to extra mile to show the interviewer your keen interest in Company ABC.

"Although I truly believe that all of your services are equally important, I think that the way you break down analytics would be an especially important service for your small business clients."

Do you understand our primary customer base at Company ABC?

"From the research that I have conducted, my understanding is that your primary customer base is small business owners looking for fast and affordable service, while still enjoying a personalized experience. The majority of my work experience has been with a start up companies and small business owners. This experience would be valuable to Company ABC if you choose to hire me because I am already aware of the customer experience small business owners are looking for."

Part of your research before going into an interview should include the demographic that Company ABC is trying to reach. Perhaps their customer base is made up primarily of small business owners. Or, maybe they focus only on custom business solutions for large-scale companies. Discuss with the interviewer your understanding of the customer base at Company ABC and talk about how your experience will benefit them should they choose to hire you.

"My understanding is that your primary customer base is currently medium-sized businesses but that you are now refocusing to target enterprise level businesses. Is this correct?"

Company ABC offers many avenues for career growth. Where would you like to take your career with us?

"I saw a few leadership opportunities posted on your company website that seemed very interesting. Ultimately, I would like to work my way into a management role where I could lead a team. I am very interested in working for Company ABC because of the multiple growth opportunities present here, and I look forward to proving my capabilities to you."

Before your interview, be sure to visit Company ABC career opportunities online. Take note of the range of possibilities. Perhaps there are opportunities in other locations? What kind of growth is available in the particular department with which you are interviewing? Assure the interviewer that you desire a long-term opportunity with Company ABC by discussing the career path you would like.

"I would love to see myself growing into a more prominent leadership role within your organization. My career interests align very nicely with your company's goals which helps me to see a great long-term fit here."

We run a variety of shifts at Company ABC since our business is a 24/7 operation. Do you have a preferred shift?

"I am more than willing to be a flexible employee for Company ABC. Currently, I do not have many restrictions on my availability with the exception Tuesday evenings."

The interviewer wants to know what kind of flexibility you can offer Company ABC when it comes to your work schedule. If you have any restrictions on your calendar, this is an excellent time to address them. If there is a specific shift that you are looking for, be upfront about your preference.

"For my family and personal life, I do prefer to work the afternoon shift. This shift allows me to get my kids to school, and then my husband picks them up after school. We try to stagger our hours to accommodate our children's needs."

Superior customer service is very important to us at Company ABC. How would you handle a situation where a customer came to pick up a shipment and you could not locate it?

"I fully understand that parcels are incredibly important to your customers and I will try to be as empathetic as possible when it comes to the needs of a customer. Keeping a calm tone is always helpful when working with dissatisfied customers. If I could not find the package, I would offer to locate the package and have it delivered to their home, free of charge, once it was received. If the situation needed to be escalated, I would refer to a manager for assistance."

Customers will become quite agitated and upset when their packages are not received, delivered on time, or lost. Assure the interviewer that you would always handle a sensitive customer related issue with the utmost professionalism. Walk the interviewer through the steps that you would take. Show that you are capable of problem-solving while under pressure.

"I am sure that Company ABC has policy and procedures in place for a situation like this. With that said, my instinct would be to keep a calm tone, and offer to deliver their package to them once it was located."

At Company ABC we use a robust software system for parcel tracking. Do you have experience in tracking and inventory management software?

"I understand that you use Software A for your parcel tracking. In my most recent position, we used a similar program. I have approximately four years' experience with Software B, and would consider myself an advanced user."

Whether you have exposure to the same software systems used at Company ABC, or not - it is vital for you to demonstrate your ability to pick up new programs and technology. Talk to the interviewer about your technical skills. You can list the programs that you are most familiar with and be sure to talk about your level of expertise in each.

"I do not have experience in any logistics specific software; however, I do have about two years' experience in tracking software like Tick and Backlog. I look forward to learning your systems."

Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.

"Last week I noticed that my manager had not completed the schedule for the following week. Some of the staff were complaining that they didn't have their work schedule yet. Rather than going to my manager with the complaint, I offered to take on some of her workload so that she would have the time to complete the schedule. We worked together for a couple of overtime hours that day and were able to catch her up on everything. It felt good to help."

Display to the interviewer that you can do more than just the bare minimum. Show that you can react appropriately when you see that your employer has a need that goes beyond your usual day-to-day expectations.

"I'd like to think that I go above and beyond most days. I help out my colleagues when they are running behind. I work overtime hours when they are requested of me. And, I spend more time ensuring that safety practices are followed, than the average individual in our department."

Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?

"I prefer working in a more predictable environment because I can be more effective in my tasks. With that said, I can certainly work in an unpredictable environment from time to time."

Are you the individual who prefers to know what the routine will be, or do you thrive on the challenge and excitement of unpredictability?

"I do prefer when the workplace is organized, and I am prepared for my daily tasks ahead of time. A solid level of organization creates efficiencies, and I can submit a complete job. I can also adapt well when unexpected situations arise."

What was your greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?

"I have been able to present cost-cutting suggestions many times to my previous employer. The one that I feel had the biggest impact was when I suggested additional warehouse staff. We had three various shifts and still an average of 100 hours of overtime per week. I presented to my employer that we hire one more warehouse employee for each shift, keeping the hours to just 120 regular vs. 100 hours of overtime pay (@1.5x) This recommendation saved the company $31,000 per year. They implemented this change across 15 warehouses the following year, amounting to nearly half a million dollars in savings per year."

If you are in a management type of role, you will often be asked to keep your eyes open for cost-saving opportunities. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of understanding the importance of this practice and give a strong example of a time when you have done so.

"The greatest cost-cutting measurement that I accomplished at work was through new suggestions for theft prevention. Since we implemented some of my suggestions our loss, due to theft, has decreased 12%."

Why is this job with Company ABC right for you at this time in your career?

Discuss with the interviewer why you are looking to make a change, and how this particular role with Company ABC fits well with the changes that you are seeking. Be sure to give a more in-depth answer than the typical "I am looking for growth" answer that so many interviewers hear. Be thoughtful and draw upon the research you have done on the company.

"This is the right job for me because it is what I have been trained to do. My education and previous work history are related to the role and the industry, making it a perfect fit."

How would you describe your work ethic?

"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. I saw on your website that you describe your company as honest, transparent and you go the extra mile for your clients. My work ethic is the same. I am honest, flexible, and come ready to work hard for my employer every day."

When the interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific examples or keywords to which they can relate. When you read the company job, posting or job description do they refer to particular company ethics? Talk about the values of Company ABC and how those align well with your work values.

Some characteristics you may want to use are: - Determined/Driven - Accountable - Humble - Respectful - Dependable

How do you show your co-workers the importance of communication in the workplace?

"I show my co-workers the importance of communication through my willingness to ask questions if I do not understand the first time. I do not pretend to know something to save face. By creating an environment where questions are encouraged, we increase communication greatly, and see a healthier safety record as a result."

In the logistics industry, clear communication is incredibly important. Talk to the interviewer about how you put dialogue into action in the workplace.

"I show my co-workers the importance of communication in the workplace simply from leading by example. I set the tone and expectations for how we should communicate by utilizing all forms of written, verbal and interpersonal communications, early and often in the process."

At Company ABC we hire a diverse workforce. When have you worked among a diverse group of people?

"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable, and happy, in this type of environment because it offers a great learning opportunity."

Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity. Discuss how your personality lends to being comfortable with a variety of people and situations.

"I would say that pretty much every company I have worked for has valued diversity. Working with people from all walks of life help shed different perspectives and identify potential problems faster."

How do you manage a large workload?

"When I have a large workload on my plate, I do not stress over the tasks that are in front of me. Rather, I make a simple plan of which tasks are a high priority and which tasks are a lower priority. The higher priority tasks, I complete first. Through this system, I can focus on my tasks individually, rather than stress out by the multitude of tasks ahead of me."

The interviewer wants to know that you can handle the workload required of you in this position with Company ABC. Start by clarifying that you never let a large workload stress you out. Let the interviewer know that you complete each task by priority level and, before you know it, your large workload is complete.

"My workload is always packed, but consistent. The only time it gets hectic is if we've had a lot of assessments and I've gotten behind in grading. My work schedule leaves no room for error; I have a class starting at the same time the previous one ends. So, I am accustomed to having an incredibly full workload."

How do you like to encourage ideas in others?

"I like to encourage other people to be creative in their thinking and present ideas to the company, no matter how off the wall they may seem. Some of our most successful employees are ones who are confident in their ability to bring forward their unique ideas. I encourage participation through an open door policy and strong praise for those who show initiative."

Being able to encourage others is a great skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to promote creative ideas in your team members.

"I encourage people to tap into the best parts of themselves. It helps to ask probing questions to get them to generate ideas on their own. I have found that by painting a long-term vision for where I want to go, my team will often jump in with creative solutions to get us there."

Would your former or current boss describe you as a worker who gladly goes the extra mile to complete their tasks?

"My former boss would describe me as an employee who goes the extra mile. In my most recent position, I was always available on my email, and many of my service clients had my cell phone number just in case of an after-hours emergency. When you call my reference he will be happy to expand on that for you, I am sure."

You can say that you will go the extra mile, but it's best to give a real-life example to the interviewer about a time when you did just that. Offer up your references as well and discuss with the interviewer what you feel your most recent employer would say about you.

"I sure hope so! I have always put my best foot forward, and I very much dislike being bored. I go the extra mile whenever possible because that's what great employees do! I have received very positive feedback from all of my previous employers."

How do you handle stress?

"I handle stress very well, and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure not to get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful, and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."

Are you someone who can handle stress on the job? How do you manage the stressful times? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to control pressure in the workplace.

"Stress is part of any demanding job, and I embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself and prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."

Judging by your resume, you appear to be overqualified for this position. What would keep you at Company ABC, if you were offered the position?

"I do have more years' experience than what you have outlined in your job posting; however, there are aspects of this position that would be new and exciting for me as well. For example, I would enjoy the exposure to more enterprise accounts. Despite my level of experience, there would be much for me to learn here."

Sometimes, hiring an overqualified individual can mean that they will leave when a better opportunity arises. Talk to the interviewer about why this position would be satisfying for you, long-term.

"Although I may appear to be overqualified for this role, I assure you that the work at Company ABC will offer me an exciting challenge. Your company is larger than my current employer, and I look forward to learning how to manage the volume of work here."

At Company ABC we value and reward honesty. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?

"I would love to give myself a 10/10 for honesty but truthfully - nobody is 100% honest all of the time. I will give myself an nine because I always do my best to be as honest as possible."

Do you feel that you are a sincere person or do you have room for growth? This question could be a tricky one as nobody is always 100% honest. Answer to the best of your ability and back your reply by speaking about your ethics.

"I put a heavy focus on honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace, as well as in my personal life. Because I strive for complete honesty, I will rate myself as a 10/10. My values are solid."

How can we motivate you on the job?

"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a leaderboard, and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."

Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you receive motivation on the job.

"It's important to me that I felt capable and trusted in the workplace. If you see me doing a great job, let me know. Also, you could offer me additional, and more senior, responsibilities."

What types of activities keep you busy, outside of work?

"I have a variety of hobbies that keep me busy outside of work hours. First, I have two children who are involved in basketball and gymnastics. I also play in a baseball beer league, I volunteer at our community church and like to read."

Having hobbies and interests outside of work is a vital part of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Talk to the interviewer about the activities that interest you outside of the workplace.

"I am a very physically active person, with a passion for outdoor sports. I love to ski, snowboard, and skate. I play in an adult hockey beer league, as well."

What is your definition of hard work?

"For me, hard work means that I did what I could that day to exceed expectations. I come to work early and stay late if needed and I go over and above the requirements without hesitation."

Hard work and dedication can be interpreted differently by everyone. To one person, another person's hard work could seem like slacking. Talk to the interviewer about how you interpret a hard day's work.

"To me, hard work means going over and above the call of duty whenever the opportunity arises. It means giving my best to my employer every day."

Tell me about a time when you failed to solve a problem. How did you overcome the failure?

"Success is bouncing from failure to failure without losing momentum,"

"Success is bouncing from failure to failure without losing momentum," or so they say. Your resilience shines through when you can learn from your mistakes and keep going. Give an example that shows you can accept fault and learn from challenging experiences.

"I was asked to solve our issue of employee turnover which ended up being much more difficult than I originally thought. My initial goal was to improve turnover by 70% but in the end, only reached 40% improvement. Although I did not reach my goal, I am still happy that my action plan made a difference."

Company ABC tries to be competitive in the marketplace but some roles do not pay as well as our competitors. Is compensation the most important factor for you when taking a new job?

"Salary is important to me because I know that I am skilled and well educated. With that said, I do look at the full picture which includes factors such as benefits, work-life balance, perks, and company culture."

In addition to compensation, there are many other factors to a fulfilling career. Talk to the interviewer about other factors that are important to you when considering a new job.

"Several factors are important to me when taking a job. Compensation is a driving component of that along with company mission, culture, benefits, and location."

What are your salary expectations?

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.

"I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?

"I can feel dissatisfaction on the job when I am not feeling heard or when there is not mutual respect among the team members. I work best in more harmonious situations where there is little drama or gossip."

Everyone will have their particular triggers that cause them to feel dissatisfaction on the job. Talk to the interviewer about any factors that may deflate or discourage you in the workplace.

"I have felt dissatisfied on the job when I feel underpaid and overworked. I don't mind working hard at all, but I don't like to feel as though I'm being taken advantage of."

Logistics Interview Questions

Go Back

1. At Company ABC we prefer to hire those with some industry knowledge. Can you tell me what Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) is?
2. At Company ABC we prefer to hire those with some industry knowledge. Can you explain what Less Than Truckload (LTL) is?
3. There are a few major competitors who promise cheaper delivery than we do at Company ABC. How will you overcome this challenge with our potential customers?
4. Integrity is everything to us at Company ABC. What would you do if you caught a co-worker stealing?
5. There are a lot of career options within the logistics industry. Why do you specifically want to work for Company ABC?
6. In your opinion, what is the most valuable service Company ABC offers small business?
7. Do you understand our primary customer base at Company ABC?
8. Company ABC offers many avenues for career growth. Where would you like to take your career with us?
9. We run a variety of shifts at Company ABC since our business is a 24/7 operation. Do you have a preferred shift?
10. Superior customer service is very important to us at Company ABC. How would you handle a situation where a customer came to pick up a shipment and you could not locate it?
11. At Company ABC we use a robust software system for parcel tracking. Do you have experience in tracking and inventory management software?
12. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.
13. Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?
14. What was your greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?
15. Why is this job with Company ABC right for you at this time in your career?
16. How would you describe your work ethic?
17. How do you show your co-workers the importance of communication in the workplace?
18. At Company ABC we hire a diverse workforce. When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
19. How do you manage a large workload?
20. How do you like to encourage ideas in others?
21. Would your former or current boss describe you as a worker who gladly goes the extra mile to complete their tasks?
22. How do you handle stress?
23. Judging by your resume, you appear to be overqualified for this position. What would keep you at Company ABC, if you were offered the position?
24. At Company ABC we value and reward honesty. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?
25. How can we motivate you on the job?
26. What types of activities keep you busy, outside of work?
27. What is your definition of hard work?
28. Tell me about a time when you failed to solve a problem. How did you overcome the failure?
29. Company ABC tries to be competitive in the marketplace but some roles do not pay as well as our competitors. Is compensation the most important factor for you when taking a new job?
30. What are your salary expectations?
31. What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?

Logistics Interview Questions

1. At Company ABC we prefer to hire those with some industry knowledge. Can you tell me what Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) is?

2. At Company ABC we prefer to hire those with some industry knowledge. Can you explain what Less Than Truckload (LTL) is?

3. There are a few major competitors who promise cheaper delivery than we do at Company ABC. How will you overcome this challenge with our potential customers?

4. Integrity is everything to us at Company ABC. What would you do if you caught a co-worker stealing?

5. There are a lot of career options within the logistics industry. Why do you specifically want to work for Company ABC?

6. In your opinion, what is the most valuable service Company ABC offers small business?

7. Do you understand our primary customer base at Company ABC?

8. Company ABC offers many avenues for career growth. Where would you like to take your career with us?

9. We run a variety of shifts at Company ABC since our business is a 24/7 operation. Do you have a preferred shift?

10. Superior customer service is very important to us at Company ABC. How would you handle a situation where a customer came to pick up a shipment and you could not locate it?

11. At Company ABC we use a robust software system for parcel tracking. Do you have experience in tracking and inventory management software?

12. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.

13. Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?

14. What was your greatest cost-cutting measurement you accomplished at your previous employer?

15. Why is this job with Company ABC right for you at this time in your career?

16. How would you describe your work ethic?

17. How do you show your co-workers the importance of communication in the workplace?

18. At Company ABC we hire a diverse workforce. When have you worked among a diverse group of people?

19. How do you manage a large workload?

20. How do you like to encourage ideas in others?

21. Would your former or current boss describe you as a worker who gladly goes the extra mile to complete their tasks?

22. How do you handle stress?

23. Judging by your resume, you appear to be overqualified for this position. What would keep you at Company ABC, if you were offered the position?

24. At Company ABC we value and reward honesty. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?

25. How can we motivate you on the job?

26. What types of activities keep you busy, outside of work?

27. What is your definition of hard work?

28. Tell me about a time when you failed to solve a problem. How did you overcome the failure?

29. Company ABC tries to be competitive in the marketplace but some roles do not pay as well as our competitors. Is compensation the most important factor for you when taking a new job?

30. What are your salary expectations?

31. What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?