Ocean Export Specialist
Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Ocean Export Specialist to join our logistics team. In this vital role, you will coordinate and manage the exportation of ocean freight shipments, ensuring seamless execution from booking through vessel departure and final documentation. Your expertise in international trade regulations, export documentation, and freight forwarding operations will drive efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to work within a fast-paced international logistics environment where your knowledge of ocean freight operations, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate multiple parties will make a tangible impact on our global operations.
Duties
- Coordinate and oversee the entire ocean export process, from receiving customer shipping instructions through booking, documentation, and vessel departure.
- Arrange ocean freight bookings with steamship lines, NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers), and other ocean carriers.
- Coordinate vessel schedules, port cutoffs, documentation deadlines, container availability, and cargo readiness.
- Prepare, review, and process export documentation, including shipping instructions, bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and other required documentation.
- Ensure export shipments are processed in accordance with applicable U.S. export regulations, trade compliance requirements, and customer-specific procedures.
- Coordinate with customers, carriers, truckers, customs brokers, overseas offices/agents, and internal teams to facilitate the timely movement of export shipments.
- Coordinate the pickup and delivery of containers, including communication with trucking providers regarding equipment, schedules, and terminal requirements.
- Monitor shipment milestones and proactively communicate shipment status, delays, rollovers, documentation issues, and other exceptions to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Prepare and submit required export information, including AES/EEI filings when applicable, and ensure export documentation is accurate and complete.
- Review bills of lading and other shipping documents for accuracy and ensure discrepancies are resolved prior to vessel departure.
- Utilize transportation management systems (TMS), freight forwarding software, CRM systems, and other logistics tools to enter shipment information, track shipments, update statuses, and maintain accurate records.
- Coordinate with overseas offices and destination agents to ensure accurate and timely transfer of shipment information.
- Review freight rates and carrier charges and assist with obtaining competitive rates and service levels from carriers and service providers.
- Monitor shipment costs and identify discrepancies or additional charges for review and resolution.
- Provide exceptional customer service by responding promptly to customer inquiries and proactively communicating regarding shipment status and potential issues.
- Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues involving bookings, documentation, equipment, terminals, carriers, and shipment schedules.
- Maintain accurate and organized shipment files and records in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, carriers, vendors, overseas partners, and internal departments.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, efficiency, and customer service.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of ocean freight forwarding and export operations.
- Proven experience working in a logistics or freight forwarding environment with an emphasis on ocean exports.
- Knowledge of ocean export documentation, shipping procedures, carrier requirements, and port operations.
- Understanding of U.S. export regulations, trade compliance, and international shipping requirements.
- Familiarity with steamship lines, NVOCCs, terminals, container equipment, vessel schedules, and port cutoffs.
- Experience with AES/EEI filings and export documentation preferred.
- Proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS), freight forwarding software, CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and other logistics technology.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to work effectively with customers, carriers, truckers, customs brokers, overseas offices, and internal teams.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team environment.
- Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with international freight forwarding, supply chain management, and third-party logistics (3PL) operations preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field preferred, but equivalent industry experience may be considered.
Pay: $52,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
