Freight Forwarding Specialist

The client is a leading logistics and supply chain solutions provider, specializing in international and domestic freight forwarding. We bridge the gap between sales and operations, ensuring seamless shipment delivery while maintaining strong relationships with shipping companies, ports, and terminals. Our mission is to provide efficient, cost-effective logistics solutions that overcome industry challenges and keep our clients' cargo moving.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Freight Forwarding Specialist to act as a key liaison between sales, operations, and shipping companies. This role is crucial in resolving shipping issues, managing delays at terminals, and ensuring smooth cargo landing.

The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and hands-on experience handling logistics challenges in freight forwarding, including navigating ocean carrier websites and government portals such as USDA and AES.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Logistics Coordination

• Work directly with shipping lines, ports, and terminals to resolve issues affecting cargo landing and delivery.

• Troubleshoot shipment delays, clearance issues, and terminal bottlenecks to ensure timely deliveries.

• Coordinate with customs brokers, carriers, and warehouse teams to streamline logistics operations.

• Monitor shipment movements and proactively address disruptions in the supply chain.

• Utilize ocean carrier websites and online shipping platforms to manage bookings, track shipments, retrieve documentation, and monitor shipment status.

Sales & Client Support

• Collaborate with the sales team to understand client needs and provide tailored logistics solutions.

• Act as the point of contact for high-priority shipments, ensuring smooth communication between clients and operations.

• Provide updates to clients on shipment status, delays, and resolutions in a professional and timely manner.

• Support the sales team in rate negotiations with shipping lines and vendors, ensuring competitive pricing.

Carrier & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with shipping companies, port authorities, and third-party logistics providers.

• Negotiate freight rates, demurrage fees, and detention costs to optimize cost-efficiency.

• Identify alternative routing options or carriers in case of port congestion or logistical challenges.

Documentation, Compliance & Portal Management

• Prepare, review, and manage shipping documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.

• Access and navigate USDA portals to support shipment documentation, regulatory requirements, and applicable export or import processes.

• Utilize Automated Export System (AES) portals to file, review, and manage Electronic Export Information (EEI) and obtain or verify AES filing confirmations, as applicable.

• Ensure shipment documentation is accurately submitted and processed within required timelines.

• Troubleshoot documentation and portal-related issues that may cause shipment delays, working closely with customs brokers, carriers, and relevant authorities.

• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, and industry standards.

Problem-Solving & Process Improvement

• Analyze shipping trends and operational issues to propose process improvements.

• Proactively identify potential shipment delays, documentation discrepancies, and compliance concerns.

• Resolve operational challenges by coordinating with relevant stakeholders and identifying effective solutions.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain management, preferably in an operations and sales liaison role.

• Ocean Carrier Website Experience: Hands-on experience navigating ocean shipping carrier websites and online platforms for shipment bookings, tracking, documentation, and shipment management.

• USDA Portal Experience: Experience accessing and working with USDA portals for applicable shipping, export, import, or regulatory documentation processes.

• AES Portal Experience: Experience using AES portals for Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing, export documentation, and compliance-related processes.

• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of freight forwarding operations, shipping regulations, customs procedures, and international trade documentation.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in logistics management software, shipment tracking tools, ocean carrier websites, government portals, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with shipping companies, clients, and internal teams.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and act quickly in high-pressure situations to resolve shipment issues.

• Negotiation Skills: Experience negotiating rates and terms with carriers, vendors, and port authorities.

• Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple shipments, stakeholders, and documentation accurately.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred but not required).

• Certifications: IATA, FIATA, or other relevant freight forwarding and logistics certifications are preferred but not required.