About the Role
We're looking for an International Ocean Export/Import Specialist to manage ocean freight moving in both directions, from booking or arrival notice through delivery and final documentation. You'll coordinate with shippers, consignees, steamship lines, truckers, customs brokers, and overseas agents to keep containers moving on time, compliantly, and at the right cost. This is a detail-driven role where accuracy, deadlines, and clear communication drive results.
Ocean Export
- Receive and process FCL and LCL export bookings from customers, sales, and overseas partners
- Book cargo with steamship lines and NVOCCs, selecting sailings based on transit time, cutoffs, and cost
- Coordinate empty container pickup, drayage, and delivery to the terminal or CFS within port cutoffs
- Prepare and review export documents, including house and master bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipper's letters of instruction
- File and verify Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, and ensure compliance with EAR, ITAR, and Schedule B requirements
- Submit VGM, confirm container weights, and manage SI and bill of lading cutoffs
- Manage letters of credit, consular documents, and certificates of origin where required
Ocean Import
- Monitor inbound vessels and send pre-alerts and arrival notices to customers
- Review import documents, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists, for accuracy before arrival
- File ISF (10+2) and coordinate customs entry with brokers, including classification, valuation, and duty questions
- Release freight with steamship lines and terminals, and manage freight, D/O, and charge payments
- Arrange pickup and delivery, including drayage, chassis, and rail ramp moves
- Track container availability, last free day, per diem, and demurrage, and take action to avoid avoidable charges
- Resolve customs holds, exams, and discrepancies with CBP and other agencies
Both Export and Import
- Track shipments and give proactive status updates to customers and overseas agents
- Resolve exceptions such as rolled bookings, delays, shortages, damage, and documentation discrepancies
- Provide freight quotes and support rate requests in coordination with pricing and sales
- Reconcile charges, support invoicing, and review costs against quotes to protect margin
- Maintain accurate shipment records in the TMS/forwarding system
- Build strong working relationships with steamship line, trucker, broker, and agent contacts
Qualifications
Required
- 2+ years of experience in international ocean freight forwarding, NVOCC, or steamship line operations
- Working knowledge of ocean export and import documentation, bills of lading, and Incoterms
- Familiarity with AES/EEI filing, ISF, and U.S. customs and export regulations
- Understanding of FCL and LCL shipments, container types, and port and terminal procedures
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadline-driven shipments
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Outlook
Preferred
- Experience with a forwarding or transportation management system (e.g., CargoWise, Magaya, or similar)
- Experience with carrier portals and booking platforms (e.g., INTTRA, GT Nexus, or carrier sites)
- Knowledge of demurrage, detention, and per diem tariffs
- Familiarity with dangerous goods (IMDG) and reefer or out-of-gauge cargo
- Experience with drayage and intermodal coordination
- Bilingual skills
Skills and Attributes
- Calm and organized under tight cutoffs and free-time deadlines
- Problem-solver who anticipates issues before they escalate
- Customer-service mindset with a sense of ownership
- Comfortable working with international partners across time zones
- Team player who communicates clearly across operations, sales, and accounting
Working Conditions
- Office-based, with occasional after-hours or weekend coverage for time-critical shipments
- Frequent phone and email communication; extended computer use