Title:  International Shipping Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Freight Manager is responsible for the efficient and cost-effective coordination of all freight transportation services necessary to meet the company's shipping needs. A candidate in this role will have: The role also provides leadership and oversight for international transportation and trade execution, including shipment planning, broker coordination, trade documentation, compliance controls, landed-cost management, and complex exception resolution.

· Expertise in domestic and international freight services and regulations

· A thorough understanding of the transportation industry

· The ability to develop and maintain relationships with freight carriers

· Accountability for ensuring on-time delivery of goods

· The ability to ensure compliance with customer service requirements

· Excellent organizational and communication skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Develop and implement strategies to increase efficiency and reduce costs of freight operations.

· Negotiate contracts with multinational LTL carriers such as FedEx and UPS for lowest rates possible.

· Arrange inter-company shipping as well as direct shipping to customers from all branch locations.

· Oversee the maintenance and repair of all delivery trucks to ensure safety and DOT compliance.

· Work in an environment where EXPEDITING transportation is crucial and accounts for a large percentage of our deliveries. The level of service and the cost of transportation always play a factor.

· Develop and implement policies and procedures for all freight operations.

· Coordinate with sales and other departments to ensure on time delivery of goods.

· Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

· File freight claims on overages, shortages and damaged freight within a timely manner.

· Manage customer shipping inquiries and complaints.

· Monitor freight costs and develop strategies to reduce costs.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Strong knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Dept. of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations, as far as DOT compliance, hours of service, electronic log’s, some hazardous material knowledge, safety, maintenance of vehicles.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment handling shipping in your local area as well as arranging trucks and “Hot Shots” at all other company locations.

· Strong knowledge in all aspects of transportation shipping including domestic, international, import and export in small package, Less Than Truckload (LTL) and Truckload operations as well.

· The ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism, creativity, accuracy, and perform their work with attention to detail.

· Clear understanding of pricing, rating and tariffs to negotiate discount programs and pricing with all LTL carriers as well as rate structures with truckload carriers and familiarity with fuel surcharge.

· Strong knowledge of customs regulations, international trade and transportation

· Audit to ensure proper freight classification.

· Verify and approve freight invoices and all freight and handling charges are added to customer's invoice.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

· Keep educated on all IFTA/IRP regulations with ongoing education.

· Serve as the company contact and person in charge of all transportation related audits and regulatory inquiries.

· Prepare and submit annual capital expenditure requests related to fleet.

· Manage excess vehicles (conduct in-house auctions to sell or find a buyer for disposals, create sales invoices)

· Prepare quarterly IFTA fuel tax filings for each jurisdiction and maintain support.

· Prepare annual IRP filings for each jurisdiction and maintain support.

· Manage the resolution of all vehicle recall items.

· Prepare review and analysis of company fleet expenses.

· Manage maintenance alerts (assign a person responsible for each vehicle and set them up for maintenance alerts through new service provider).

· Manage the transition from Enterprise to (create a data dump for X from our records and facilitate the transition to a new service provider).

· Knowledge of both flatbed freight operations and dry van operations since working with both is a must.

· Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

· Experience delivering outstanding customer service in a transportation role.

· Must be capable of handling multiple projects concurrently.

· Good time management and organizational skills.

· Must process and control confidential information.

· Ability to prioritize work activities and multi-task.

· Computer skills and familiarity with Prelude screens.

· Teamwork skills that support relationships among team members and lead toward the accomplishment of work tasks.

INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS AND TRADE COMPLIANCE

· Provide oversight of international movements by air, ocean, and ground from order release through delivery, including routing decisions, carrier/forwarder selection, and shipment milestone governance.

· Lead resolution of complex shipment exceptions, including customs holds, rollovers, documentation discrepancies, damages/claims, shortages, and regulatory inquiries, and drive corrective and preventive actions.

· Oversee HTS classification support, customs broker instructions, broker alignment, and compliance activities such as audit requests and post-entry correction coordination.

· Maintain standards and quality controls for international trade documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, SLI, bills of lading, air waybills, and country/customer-specific documents; ensure alignment with Incoterms and customer requirements.

· Ensure complete, audit-ready shipment files through effective documentation archiving, record-retention, version-control, and retrieval practices.

· Validate freight invoices and accessorial charges; identify systemic cost drivers such as detention/demurrage, storage, chassis, and reconsignment and implement reduction plans.

· Track and analyze logistics KPIs including on-time performance, dwell time, customs-clearance cycle time, document accuracy, claims, cost-to-serve, and total landed cost; lead continuous-improvement initiatives.

· Strong working knowledge of HTS classification, customs broker coordination, Incoterms, landed-cost drivers, and import/export documentation requirements.

· Experience with AES/EEI filing workflows and export-control screening processes, as applicable, plus exposure to compliance audits, claims management, and broker performance.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including strong Excel skills, and experience with TMS/ERP platforms such as CargoWise, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar systems.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Communication - the ability to provide information in a clear, understandable, and concise manner, and the capability to establish and build rapport with internal and external customers

· Self-Motivation - possesses a drive to exceed goals, achieve success, and maintain enthusiasm with little or no supervision.

· Resilience - enjoys a challenge and is able to persevere with a positive attitude when faced with difficulties.

· Attention to detail - is careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

· Integrity - is honest and ethical.

· Independence - displays self-dependence and initiative to get things done.

· Persistence - has determination in the face of obstacles and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities and challenges.

· Dependability - is reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.

· Leadership - has a willingness to lead by example and to set high standards of excellence.

· Big picture focus – the ability to see the big picture while focusing on the process and procedures necessary to produce deliverables.

· Accuracy - meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in work product.

· Deadline driven - ability to meet and establish deadlines.

· Adaptable - flexibility and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required. At least 5 years’ work experience or equivalent education is preferred.