Title:  International Shipping Specialist

The International Logistics Specialist is responsible for managing international transportation and trade execution with a higher level of ownership and expertise than a coordinator role. This position leads complex shipment planning and exception resolution, owns HTS classification support and broker instructions, ensures compliant international documentation, and maintains audit-ready archiving practices. The role drives measurable improvements in landed cost accuracy, service performance, and compliance controls.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

International Logistics Management (Execution + Optimization)

• Plan and manage international movements (air/ocean/ground) from order release through delivery, including routing decisions, carrier/forwarder selection (as applicable), and milestone governance.
• Lead resolution of complex exceptions (customs holds, rollovers, document discrepancies, damages/claims, shortages, regulatory inquiries) and drive corrective/preventive actions.
• Establish and maintain lane playbooks, cut-off calendars, and shipment readiness standards with internal stakeholders (planning, purchasing, customer service, warehouses).

HTS Classification, Broker Management, and Trade Compliance Support

• Provide advanced support for HTS classification: research, documentation of rationale, internal guidance, and broker alignment; escalate complex determinations as required.
• Develop and maintain broker instructions and standard work to improve entry accuracy and clearance outcomes.
• Support compliance activities including audit requests, post-entry corrections coordination, and documentation traceability.

International Documentation and Controls

• Own documentation standards and quality control for international trade documents including (as applicable):
• Commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, SLI, B/L, AWB, and country/customer-specific documents
• Create and maintain templates and checklists to reduce errors and improve cycle time.
• Ensure document distribution is accurate, timely, and aligned to Incoterms and customer requirements.

Documentation Archiving and Record Retention

• Own the shipment file structure and archiving process (indexing, naming conventions, version control, retrieval standards).
• Maintain complete, audit-ready shipment files in alignment with internal retention policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support internal/external audits, claims documentation, and disputes with rapid document retrieval.

Cost Control, Analytics, and Continuous Improvement

• Validate freight invoices and accessorials; identify systemic cost issues (detention/demurrage, storage, chassis, reconsignment) and drive reduction plans.
• Maintain and analyze logistics KPIs (on-time performance, dwell time, clearance cycle time, document accuracy, claims, cost-to-serve).
• Lead continuous improvement projects that reduce delays, compliance risk, and total landed cost.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None (individual contributor); may provide functional guidance/training to coordinators and cross-functional partners.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s preferred (Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related). Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience: 4+ years in international logistics, import/export, freight forwarding, customs brokerage support, or global trade operations.
• Technical/Functional Requirements:
• Strong working experience with HTS classification and broker coordination
• Advanced capability with international documentation and problem-solving shipment exceptions
• Proven experience owning documentation archiving/record retention in a compliance-sensitive environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (strong Excel skills) and TMS/ERP systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting or managing AES/EEI filing workflows and export controls screening processes (as applicable).
• Strong knowledge of Incoterms and landed cost drivers.
• Experience with CargoWise, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
• Exposure to compliance audits, post-entry corrections, claims management, and broker performance management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong trade execution and exception-management capability; able to operate independently.
• High attention to detail with strong documentation discipline.
• Ability to interpret requirements and translate them into standard work (SOPs, templates, checklists).
• Strong communication and stakeholder management across internal teams and external partners.
• Analytical mindset with ability to use data to reduce cost and improve service.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Primarily office-based; may require occasional warehouse visits and work in shipping/receiving environments.
• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs (as applicable).
• Frequent computer use and phone/email communication.