Overview
The Senior Freight Forwarder is responsible for managing and optimizing the end-to-end import and export operations of ocean and air freight shipments. The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 7 years of hands-on freight forwarding experience, with proven capability in both operational excellence and client relationship management.
Base pay range
$60,000.00/yr - $70,000.00/yr
Key Responsibilities
* Manage and oversee the complete lifecycle of air and ocean import/export shipments, from origin to final delivery, with a focus on efficiency.
* Coordinate high-volume and/or high-value shipments with carriers, customs brokers, trucking partners, and internal teams to meet strict timelines.
* Proactively track and monitor cargo movement, anticipate disruptions, and implement solutions to ensure seamless delivery.
* Prepare, review, and approve all necessary documentation for customs clearance, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading.
* Ensure full adherence to customs regulations, international trade laws, and internal compliance standards.
* Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues, resolving them promptly and professionally.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, offering expert-level support and strategic logistics advice.
* Identify process improvement opportunities to optimize cost, efficiency, and service quality across freight operations.
Qualifications & Experience
* Minimum of 7 years experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or global supply chain operations.
* Extensive hands-on experience with both ocean and air import/export processes, including customs brokerage coordination.
* Demonstrated ability to handle complex logistics operations and provide client-facing support at a senior level.
* Experience working with high-value, time-sensitive, or regulated cargo is a strong plus.
* Advanced knowledge of freight cost structures, rate negotiations, and Incoterms.
* Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
* Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across teams and with external partners.
* High attention to detail and a commitment to operational accuracy.
Industry Knowledge
* Deep understanding of global ocean and air freight logistics, customs regulations, and international trade compliance.
* Familiarity with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Harmonized Tariff Schedules (HTS), and other trade-related frameworks.
* Fluent in English (spoken and written); proficiency in additional languages is an asset, particularly in key global trade regions.
Technical Skills
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
* Advanced experience using freight forwarding software, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and customs portals.
* Comfortable analyzing and interpreting logistics data to drive performance improvements.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Customer Service and Administrative
* Industries: Freight and Package Transportation, Truck Transportation, and Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
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