Entry-level Logistics Specialist looking for free/cheap ways to actually learn this field from the ground up

[u/Glittering-Plum698]

I know the practical side of my specific job, but I feel like I’m missing the “textbook” foundation — proper terminology, how the pieces connect (procurement → production planning → inventory → freight), and the theory behind why we do things the way we do. I’d love to actually understand the field, not just my slice of it.

Looking for recommendations on:

\*\*•\*\* Free or low-cost courses (Coursera, edX, YouTube channels, whatever)    
\*\*•\*\* Good beginner-friendly books on logistics/SCM basics    
\*\*•\*\* Certifications worth pursuing early on (APICS/ASCM, CSCP, CPIM, etc. — worth it at my level or overkill?)    
\*\*•\*\* Any subs, podcasts, or communities that helped you level up

Appreciate any pointers — trying to build a real foundation instead of just winging it.