Learn About Logistics Jobs: Account Manager

Melton Logistics – 03/08/2024

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the logistics field is projected to grow a staggering 18% between 2022-2032, much higher than the average rate of growth for an industry. This means there’s never been a better time to get started in a logistics career! 

If you’re new to the industry, it might be hard to find straightforward information about what these positions entail. What kind of skills do they require, what do they do in a day, and what characteristics are a fit for these positions? At Melton Logistics, our team of Account Managers works hard to obtain customers and help fulfill their logistics needs. Let’s see what a day in the life looks like for them!

What Does an Account Manager Do?

Account Managers are responsible for managing and maintaining day-to-day relationships with existing customers, as well as generating new leads and developing new accounts. They research industries and geographic areas to identify opportunities for new business. Each day they make outbound calls to prospective customers to offer solutions to customers’ business challenges.

Account Managers work closely with the operations team to maintain customer satisfaction and ensure the highest level of customer service and experience. 

Daily Responsibilities of an Account Manager

●   Build relationships, secure profitable business, and increase market share.

●   Prospects, calls on and lands new customers to create and continuously growing personal book of business and generate new revenue.

●   Provides exceptional customer service and support by frequently and proactively reaching out to customers to establish rapport, deepen working relationships, and win revenue-generating opportunities.

●   Perform daily operations for customer accounts including load entry and monitoring, coordination of freight movements, customer communication, and management of customer needs.

●   Identify organic growth opportunities for current customers.

●   Prepares bids on lanes and submits RFQs as requested.

●   Provides backup support for other team members as needed.

Skills Needed to be an Effective Account Manager

●   Competitive mindset with a “hunter” mentality; aggressive approach to winning opportunities.

●   High energy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

●   Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

●   Exceptional customer service skills.

●   Strong sense of urgency for completing tasks and seeking out opportunities.

●   The ability to balance and prioritize competing priorities.

 

Hands typing on a laptop

What Characteristics Make a Good Account Manager?

●   Strong communication skills on the phone and in email.

●   Competitive and proactive nature.

●   Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

●   Thrive in a fast-paced work environment.

●   Ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.

●   Prioritize tasks effectively.

●   Ability to work successfully within a team and independently.

●   Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with customers internally and externally.

Working at Melton Logistics

Melton Logistics’ Account Managers serve as the primary point of contact for our customers. They foster strong relationships, identify opportunities for growth, as well as ensure customer satisfaction for retention. Account Managers have a deep understanding of our customers’ needs, goals, and business obstacles. This insight allows them to provide specific solutions that meet the requirements of each customer. They play a crucial role in our company as they are the voice of the customer and relay their needs to our internal teams. Customer satisfaction, retention, and Melton Logistics’ growth hinge on our account manager’s ability to exceed customer expectations and maintain strong relationships. If you’re ready to get started, view our careers page for more information!

Ensuring Product Integrity with Cold Chain Logistics

Ensuring Product Integrity with Cold Chain LogisticsMelton Logistics - 09/19/2024Once a business is ready to start shipping products, they and their carriers must consider a long list of considerations before getting their items on the road. One major factor that can...

What is Drayage?

What is Drayage?Melton Logistics - 11/14/2024In transportation and logistics, drayage plays a crucial role in connecting the dots between ports and other modes of transportation. This often-overlooked service bridges the gaps in supply chains, covering the shorter...

What to Know About Hotshot Trucking

What to Know About Hotshot TruckingMelton Logistics - 10/17/2024Hotshot trucking has gained popularity in recent years amongst owner operators, smaller trucking operations, and companies needing deliveries on the fly. In this post we’ll answer some of the common...

Tips for Managing a Successful Request for Quote/RFQ

Tips for Managing a Successful Request for Quote/RFQMelton Logistics - 04/25/2024Annual Request for Quotes (RFQs) are an invaluable tool for shippers that allows them to take advantage of the current transportation market. A company’s request for proposal processes...

Contract Rates and Spot Rates in Trucking: What’s the Difference?

Contract Rates & Spot Rates in TruckingMelton Logistics - 01/18/2024Contract rates and spot rates each have their place in the transportation industry and typically work together to keep rates in check. Typically, a ten percent difference in either spot or...