Freight Forwarding Specialist

Job Summary

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

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with ocean shipping carrier websites, USDA portals, and Automated Export System (AES) portals, along with a strong understanding of freight forwarding operations and international shipping processes. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities are essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Logistics Coordination

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

• Navigate and use ocean shipping carrier websites to support freight forwarding activities, shipment coordination, and tracking.

• 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.

• Identify and resolve documentation or operational issues that may impact shipment timelines.

Shipping Documentation & Export Compliance

• Work with USDA portals to support applicable shipping, inspection, and documentation requirements.

• Use Automated Export System (AES) portals to support export filings and related processes.

• Ensure the accuracy of shipment information, export details, and required documentation.

• Review and manage shipping documentation to help prevent delays, clearance issues, and compliance concerns.

• Coordinate with relevant parties to resolve documentation discrepancies and other shipment-related requirements.

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.

• Coordinate with ocean carriers and other vendors to resolve operational and shipment-related concerns.

Problem-Solving & Compliance

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

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

• Manage documentation issues that may cause shipment delays, working closely with customs, carriers, USDA, and port authorities.

• Maintain accuracy when entering, reviewing, and processing shipping information through required carrier, USDA, and AES platforms.

Qualifications & Skills

✅ Experience: 3 years in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain management, preferably in an operations and sales liaison role.

✅ Ocean Shipping Experience: Hands-on experience using ocean shipping carrier websites for shipment coordination, tracking, booking, documentation, or related freight forwarding activities.

✅ USDA Portal Experience: Experience using USDA portals for applicable shipping, inspection, or documentation requirements.

✅ AES Experience: Hands-on experience using Automated Export System (AES) portals for export filing and related processes.

✅ Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of freight forwarding operations, international shipping processes, export documentation, customs procedures, and shipping regulations.

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

✅ Management System: Experience with a specific freight forwarding management system is not required. Training will be provided on the company's management system.

✅ Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with shipping companies, clients, customs brokers, vendors, and internal teams.

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

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

✅ Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments, stakeholders, and shipping documentation accurately.

✅ Compliance: Understanding of international trade, export, customs, USDA, and shipping documentation requirements.

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

Certifications: IATA, FIATA, Customs Broker License, or other relevant certifications are a plus but not required.