Freight Forwarding Specialist

As a Freight Forwarding Specialist, you will play a critical role in coordinating and managing the transportation of goods across international borders, ensuring efficient logistics and compliance with regulations. Your expertise in freight forwarding processes, customs documentation, and supply chain management will contribute to the seamless movement of goods and the satisfaction of clients and partners.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with clients to understand their shipping requirements, timelines, and preferences.
• Provide timely updates on shipment status, transit times, and delivery schedules.
• Arrange bookings with shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, and other carriers based on the mode of transportation.
• Coordinate transportation logistics, ensuring timely pickups, transfers, and deliveries.
• Prepare and review shipping documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations.
• Ensure accurate and complete documentation for compliance with international trade regulations.
• Navigate customs regulations and requirements to facilitate the smooth clearance of shipments at international borders.
• Work closely with customs brokers to ensure accurate customs declarations and clearance processes.
• Monitor and track shipments throughout their journey, providing real-time updates to clients and stakeholders.
• Address delays, rerouting, or unforeseen challenges promptly and effectively.
• Evaluate freight rates and transportation costs to provide clients with competitive pricing options.
• Negotiate rates and service agreements with carriers and logistics providers.
• Identify potential risks in transportation and logistics, such as delays, damages, or regulatory issues, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other logistics partners.
• Ensure vendors meet service level agreements and quality standards.
• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service, addressing client concerns, and delivering on promises.
• Stay updated on international trade regulations, import/export requirements, and customs procedures.
• Advise clients and colleagues on compliance changes that impact shipping activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Freight Forwarding Specialist or similar role, with a strong track record in coordinating international shipments.
• In-depth knowledge of freight forwarding processes, customs documentation, and international trade regulations.
• Familiarity with various modes of transportation, including ocean freight, air freight, and land transportation.
• Excellent communication skills for effective client and vendor communication.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address logistical challenges and unexpected delays.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in preparing shipping documents and customs declarations.
• Negotiation skills to secure favorable freight rates and service agreements.
• Proficiency in using transportation management systems (TMS) and logistics software.
• Adaptability to changing market conditions and transportation challenges.
• Ethical conduct and professionalism in handling sensitive trade-related information.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.