Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Forwarder

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationImport/Export

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a master of logistics, adept at navigating the complex world of global trade? We're seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Freight Forwarder to join a dynamic team, acting as the central architect for international and domestic shipments. In this pivotal role, you will be the primary liaison between clients, carriers, and government agencies, ensuring the seamless, compliant, and cost-effective movement of goods across the globe. You are the problem-solver, the planner, and the communications hub, responsible for orchestrating every step of the shipping journey from origin to final destination.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Import/Export Clerk
  • Supply Chain Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Freight Forwarder
  • Logistics Manager / Supply Chain Manager
  • Trade Compliance Specialist
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Customs Broker
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the entire life cycle of international and domestic shipments (air, ocean, and ground), from initial quoting and booking to final delivery, ensuring a high level of client satisfaction.
  • Skillfully negotiate freight rates and service level agreements with a diverse network of carriers and vendors to secure optimal pricing and transit times for clients.
  • Meticulously prepare, review, and process all necessary import/export documentation, including Bills of Lading, Air Waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
  • Ensure all shipments are fully compliant with domestic and international shipping regulations, including customs laws, tariffs, TSA, IATA, and FMC requirements.
  • Proactively monitor and track the status of all shipments, providing regular, detailed updates to clients and internal stakeholders to ensure transparency and manage expectations.
  • Coordinate with shippers, truckers, and steamship lines to arrange for the efficient pickup, transport, and delivery of cargo.
  • Classify goods according to HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) and file customs entries accurately and in a timely manner to avoid delays and penalties.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for clients, promptly addressing inquiries, resolving complex logistical issues, and providing expert advice on transportation and compliance matters.
  • Analyze and select the most suitable transportation routes and carriers based on shipment characteristics, cost, transit time, and client specifications.
  • Secure and review necessary cargo insurance, advising clients on risk management and processing claims if necessary.
  • Coordinate with customs brokers to facilitate the clearance of goods, providing them with all required documentation and information.
  • Manage and maintain precise records for all shipments within the company's transportation management system (TMS), ensuring data integrity.
  • Prepare and present competitive quotes to clients, detailing all associated costs, including freight, insurance, duties, taxes, and handling fees.
  • Resolve any in-transit issues, such as customs holds, port delays, damaged goods, or routing changes, by developing and implementing effective contingency plans.
  • Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with clients, carriers, and overseas agents to foster collaboration and repeat business.
  • Audit carrier invoices and vendor bills for accuracy, approving them for payment and resolving any billing discrepancies with the accounting department.
  • Provide comprehensive logistics solutions and consultation to clients to help them optimize their supply chain and reduce transportation costs.
  • Liaise with warehouse staff to coordinate the consolidation, crating, packing, and staging of goods for export.
  • Stay current with changes in international trade laws, transportation industry trends, and geopolitical factors that could impact freight movement.
  • Generate and analyze performance reports on shipment transit times, costs, and carrier reliability to identify areas for operational improvement.
  • Onboard new clients by clearly explaining shipping processes, documentation requirements, and communication protocols.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the sales team by providing competitive quotes and logistics solutions for potential new business.
  • Participate in carrier performance reviews and contribute to the development of our preferred vendor network.
  • Support the accounting department with billing inquiries and the resolution of freight invoice discrepancies.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal operational procedures and best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proficiency in using freight forwarding software like CargoWise One, Magaya, or similar platforms.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of INCOTERMS, HTS classification, and regulations from FMC, IATA, TSA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • Documentation Expertise: Ability to accurately prepare and process Bills of Lading (B/L), Air Waybills (AWB), Shipper's Export Declarations (SEDs), and other shipping documents.
  • Rate Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate competitive rates with ocean, air, and drayage carriers.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel for creating quotes, reports, and tracking shipments.
  • Geopolitical Awareness: Knowledge of global geography and current events that may impact international trade routes and logistics.
  • Freight Quoting: Skill in calculating comprehensive, door-to-door freight quotes, including all associated costs.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to identify and resolve complex logistical issues under pressure.
  • Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills for liaising effectively with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in handling documentation and data entry to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors.
  • Customer Service Orientation: A strong dedication to providing an outstanding client experience and building lasting relationships.
  • Time Management & Organization: Ability to prioritize a high volume of tasks and manage multiple shipments simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Negotiation & Persuasion: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively negotiate terms and influence outcomes with various stakeholders.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • International Business
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or a closely related field.

Preferred: Experience handling both air and ocean freight (import and export) is highly desirable. A background that includes direct communication with carriers, clients, and customs agencies is strongly preferred.

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