Ocean Freight Operational Specialist- Indianapolis, In

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Obtain and retain business on behalf of the Company by determining the appropriate routing in order to (1) provide the service level required and (2) maximize profit. Act as authorized representative of the company in negotiating rates and establishing contractually binding shipping arrangements with ocean carriers, NVOCC’s , pickup agents, delivery agents, etc. Maintain up-to-the minute status on all international ocean shipments. Determine that all shipments have been successfully delivered to their city of destination and ultimately to their final point of destination. Have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in OTI activities in the United States. This is interpreted as experience in creating and processing bills, negotiating rates with ocean carriers, inland providers and routing cargo on surface vessels. The candidate must also meet certain character requirements to render and lead OTI services.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Upon determining shipments are not moving to accommodate service level requested, determines most cost effective, service level focused routing and book accordingly
• Negotiates rates with ocean carriers, overseas agents and trucking suppliers as agent for the company in order to maximize profits
• Check on shipment status with steamship lines, NVOCC’s, and truckers (via on-line tracking tools or through telephone/email contact)
• Obtains hardcopy proof of re-weighs and re-measures as necessary (dock receipts)
• Prepares documentation required to facilitate successful shipment including but not limited to: master ocean bills of lading, house ocean bills of lading, packing lists, shipper’s export declarations, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, letters of credit
• Calls agents to verify that shipment has delivered to city of destination
• Ensures computer count matches book count for daily shipments and research and resolve and variances
• Determines most cost effective, service level focused routing and book accordingly
• Assists in answering all inbound calls
• Maintains a detailed understanding of ocean vessel types required based on cargo details provided (containerized, RO/RO, LO/LO, breakbulk)
• Provides shipment pricing to customers based on existing contractual rates as well as providing spot quotes ensuring desired profit margins are maintained
• Obtains hardcopy proof of delivery based on customer requirements
• Maintains a firm understanding of Hazardous Material Handling requirements and possesses the ability to direct the customer in Dangerous Goods Declaration requirements
• Follows up extensively with international agents to ensure customer satisfaction
• Remains current on Cargo Security Standards
• Obtains date, time and person taking responsibility for delivery
• Maintains a general knowledge and understanding of customers’ service needs and expectations and service the customer to conform to these requirements; gain a firm understanding as to why certain clients have chosen not to utilize our service; Understand the customers’ desired balance between price /service
• Works closely with international agents in a constant effort to ensure items are pre-cleared and proof of deliveries and charges have been faxed
• Obtains all associated charges for shipment including, but not limited to, drayage, ocean freight, line hauls, transfers, pickups and deliveries, customs clearance
• Determines method of delivery necessary to accommodate customer’s desired level of service (direct or trans-shipment)

May perform other duties as required or directed.

Qualifications and Skills

Competencies:

• Problem solving skills required
• Ability to work under pressure
• Time management skills required
• Experience with Ocean Import and Export Forwarding and business acumen, a plus
• Knowledge of international ocean freight and /or ocean freight forwarding functions.
• Organizational skills required
• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision on a daily basis
• Ability to build relationships with customers and suppliers

Qualifications:

• Have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in OTI operational activities in the United States with a licensed NVOCC or Freight Forwarder. This is interpreted as experience processing bills, negotiating with ocean carriers, and routing cargo on surface vessel
• Exposure to military shipping requirements preferred
• Prior experience in ocean freight forwarding and / or OTI transportation field
• High school degree required, college degree preferred
• The candidate must also meet certain character requirements to render and lead OTI services

Mental Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written skills required
• Basic math skills required
• Good analytical & judgment skills required

Computer Skills:

• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
• Basic internet knowledge required
• Exposure to shipping software preferred

For more information, please contact [email protected].