Import​/Export Operations; Ocean

Position: Import/Export Operations (Ocean)
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

Required2+ 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., Cargo Wise, 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