How to Write a CV for a Logistics Job in the UK (2024 Guide)

The UK logistics sector employs over 2.7 million people and is constantly recruiting — but that doesn't mean getting hired is easy. Warehouse operatives, supply chain managers, HGV drivers, freight coordinators and operations directors are all competing for roles, and a poorly written CV will see you filtered out before a human even reads it. Whether you're applying for your first logistics role or stepping up into a senior supply chain position, your CV needs to do serious heavy lifting. This guide breaks down exactly what to include, how to structure it, and the common mistakes that are costing logistics candidates interviews every single day.

Choose the Right CV Format for Logistics Roles

Most logistics CVs should follow a clean, reverse-chronological format — your most recent role first, working backwards. Recruiters and hiring managers in logistics are practical people; they want to see what you've done, where, and for how long, without having to dig for it. Avoid overly creative or graphic-heavy templates. A clear, professional layout with consistent fonts and sensible spacing works best. Aim for two pages maximum. If you're applying for entry-level warehouse or driving roles, one page may suffice. For supply chain managers or operations directors with 10+ years of experience, two full pages are entirely appropriate. Always save and send your CV as a PDF unless the job advert specifically requests a Word document. This preserves your formatting across all devices and operating systems, which matters when your CV is being opened on a recruiter's phone at 7am.

Write a Strong Personal Statement Tailored to Logistics

Your personal statement sits at the top of your CV and is your first — and sometimes only — chance to make an impression. It should be three to five sentences long and tailored specifically to the type of logistics role you're targeting. Avoid vague openers like 'I am a hardworking and motivated individual.' Instead, lead with your specialism, your experience level, and one or two headline achievements. For example: 'Experienced logistics coordinator with seven years in third-party logistics (3PL) environments, specialising in last-mile delivery optimisation and carrier management. Reduced delivery costs by 18% at [Company] through renegotiating key supplier contracts and implementing real-time tracking systems.' If you're changing roles within logistics — say, moving from warehouse operations into supply chain planning — use your personal statement to bridge that gap and highlight transferable skills such as inventory management, process improvement, and team leadership.

Highlight the Right Skills for a Logistics CV

Logistics is a skills-intensive sector, and your CV needs to reflect both your hard and soft skills clearly. Create a dedicated skills section that's easy to scan. Hard skills to consider including: warehouse management systems (WMS) such as SAP, Oracle, or Manhattan; transport management systems (TMS); inventory control; route planning; demand forecasting; import/export compliance; and forklift or HGV licences with relevant categories (e.g., Category C+E). Soft skills matter too, particularly for supervisory and management roles: team leadership, communication under pressure, problem-solving, and stakeholder management all resonate with logistics employers. Crucially, tailor your skills section to each job advert. If the role mentions 'LEAN methodology' or 'continuous improvement,' and you have that experience, it must appear on your CV. Tools like StackedCV.com can analyse job descriptions and suggest exactly which keywords your CV is missing, saving you hours of manual comparison.

Quantify Your Achievements in Every Role

The single biggest weakness in most logistics CVs is a list of duties rather than a record of achievements. Hiring managers already know what a warehouse supervisor or freight coordinator does day-to-day. What they want to know is how well you did it. For every role in your work history, aim to include at least two or three bullet points that quantify your impact. Use numbers wherever possible: volumes handled, cost savings achieved, accuracy rates improved, team sizes managed, or delivery SLAs met. Examples that work well: 'Managed a team of 24 operatives across two shift patterns, maintaining a 99.6% pick accuracy rate over 12 consecutive months.' Or: 'Reduced inbound freight costs by £120,000 annually by consolidating shipments and renegotiating terms with three key carriers.' If you struggle to recall specific figures, think about percentages, team sizes, throughput volumes, or timescales. Even approximate figures are better than none.

Include Licences, Certifications and Compliance Knowledge

Logistics is one of the most regulated industries in the UK, and your CV should reflect your compliance awareness and relevant qualifications. Always list licences clearly, including issue dates and any renewal dates if relevant. Key credentials to include where applicable: HGV licence (with categories), CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) for transport managers, forklift truck licences (counterbalance, reach, VNA), IOSH or NEBOSH health and safety qualifications, Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) certification, and CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport) membership or qualifications. For roles involving international freight, highlight knowledge of customs procedures, Incoterms, and any experience working post-Brexit cross-border shipments — this is increasingly valuable and undersupplied in the UK market. Don't bury these credentials at the bottom of your CV. Create a dedicated 'Licences & Qualifications' section near the top or after your skills section so it's immediately visible.

Optimise Your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Most logistics employers and recruitment agencies now use ATS software to screen CVs before a human ever sees them. If your CV doesn't contain the right keywords, it will be automatically rejected regardless of your actual experience. To pass ATS screening, mirror the language used in the job advert precisely. If the employer says 'stock control,' use that phrase — not 'inventory management,' even if they mean the same thing. Use standard section headings such as 'Work Experience,' 'Skills,' and 'Education' — ATS systems can struggle with creative alternatives. Avoid tables, text boxes, headers and footers, and graphics, as these can cause parsing errors. Run your finished CV through StackedCV.com to get an instant ATS compatibility score and AI-powered suggestions to improve it. It's one of the quickest ways to identify gaps between your CV and the role you're targeting, particularly useful when applying to multiple logistics positions simultaneously.

A well-crafted logistics CV is specific, achievement-focused, keyword-rich and formatted for both human readers and ATS software. The UK logistics sector is vast, but competition for the best roles is fierce — and your CV is your first impression. Take the time to tailor it for every application, quantify your achievements wherever possible, and make sure your licences and qualifications are front and centre. If you want to fast-track the process, StackedCV.com uses AI to rewrite and optimise your CV specifically for the roles you're applying for, helping you get more interviews in less time. Upload your CV today and see the difference a professionally optimised logistics CV can make.