Freight Specialist

Job Description

• Manage and coordinate ocean freight shipments including Full Container Load (FCL) and diverse international logistics services from initial booking to final delivery, ensuring smooth transit and customer satisfaction.
• Assess customer freight needs by reviewing requirements and performing thorough routing and rate analyses to select optimal carriers, routes, and cost-effective solutions aligned with company policies.
• Execute booking procedures with shipping lines, meticulously prepare bills of lading, export documentation, and other critical shipment paperwork adhering to regulatory and client requirements.
• Utilize CargoWise software to efficiently oversee bookings, shipment tracking, document management, billing processes, and operational tasks, ensuring accuracy and system compliance.
• Coordinate with trucking firms, warehouse operations, customs brokers, overseas agents, and other logistics stakeholders to facilitate smooth pickups, deliveries, and related transportation services.
• Maintain continuous shipment visibility by monitoring cargo status and providing prompt, transparent updates to customers, internal teams, and external agents.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues such as shipment delays, discrepancies in documentation, equipment damage, and billing errors to minimize service disruptions and customer impact.
• Engage in vendor negotiations to secure competitive freight rates with carriers, truckers, and service providers; contribute to the preparation of quotations for customers and agents.
• Prepare and process customer and agent invoices, address vendor billing or inter-company invoicing matters, ensuring financial accuracy and timely settlements.
• Maintain detailed and precise records on shipments, costs, and documentation to support key performance indicators (KPIs) and Ocean Freight reporting protocols essential to operational transparency.
• Stay current on Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations, Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) certification requirements, rate filings, applicable contracts, and international import/export legislation to guarantee compliance.
• Deliver outstanding customer service by fostering collaborative relationships with clients, carriers, vendors, and overseas partners, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Contribute effectively to team objectives, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives by sharing insights and adopting innovations in freight management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Supervisors or Managers, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to organizational goals.

Job Requirements - Experience and Education

• A minimum of 2 to 3 years professional experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or international shipping, with a focus on ocean freight operations.
• Proven expertise in Ocean Freight Forwarding, preferably involving handling of international ocean shipments and coordination with global logistics partners.
• Hands-on experience with CargoWise management system is highly desirable, demonstrating competence in booking management, documentation, and shipment tracking.
• Comprehensive knowledge of ocean freight processes including booking procedures, routing strategies, rate negotiations, bills of lading, and shipment documentation essentials.
• Good understanding and practical application of FMC regulations, U.S. import/export requirements, and international maritime shipping laws.
• Familiarity working alongside shipping lines, trucking providers, customs brokers, warehouse operators, and overseas agents to coordinate complex logistics operations.
• Strong negotiation skills to obtain competitive freight rates and effectively handle vendor quotations and customer pricing.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service, complemented by advanced problem-solving capabilities to navigate operational challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting, along with Word and Outlook for correspondence and documentation.
• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation, billing, and system records.
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact clearly and professionally with various stakeholders.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; additional certifications or training in logistics or supply chain management are considered advantageous.

Leadership Behaviors

Building Outstanding Teams

Setting a clear direction

Simplification

Collaborate & break silos

Execution & Accountability

Growth mindset

Innovation

Inclusion

External focus

Skills