Freight Specialist

Job description:

Purpose of the Job

We are excited to welcome a dedicated Freight Specialist to our dynamic Canada (YYZ) team located in Toronto. This role is integral to the seamless coordination and execution of ocean freight shipments, ensuring compliance with regulations, accurate documentation, and providing exceptional support to our clients throughout the shipping process.
The successful candidate will play a key role in optimizing shipment flow, maintaining communication with various logistics partners, and upholding the high standards of service that define Aramex Canada Inc.

Job Description

• Manage and coordinate ocean freight shipments including Full Container Load (FCL) and diverse international logistics services from initial booking to final delivery, ensuring smooth transit and customer satisfaction.
• Assess customer freight needs by reviewing requirements and performing thorough routing and rate analyses to select optimal carriers, routes, and cost-effective solutions aligned with company policies.
• Execute booking procedures with shipping lines, meticulously prepare bills of lading, export documentation, and other critical shipment paperwork adhering to regulatory and client requirements.
• Utilize CargoWise software to efficiently oversee bookings, shipment tracking, document management, billing processes, and operational tasks, ensuring accuracy and system compliance.
• Coordinate with trucking firms, warehouse operations, customs brokers, overseas agents, and other logistics stakeholders to facilitate smooth pickups, deliveries, and related transportation services.
• Maintain continuous shipment visibility by monitoring cargo status and providing prompt, transparent updates to customers, internal teams, and external agents.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues such as shipment delays, discrepancies in documentation, equipment damage, and billing errors to minimize service disruptions and customer impact.
• Engage in vendor negotiations to secure competitive freight rates with carriers, truckers, and service providers; contribute to the preparation of quotations for customers and agents.
• Prepare and process customer and agent invoices, address vendor billing or inter-company invoicing matters, ensuring financial accuracy and timely settlements.
• Maintain detailed and precise records on shipments, costs, and documentation to support key performance indicators (KPIs) and Ocean Freight reporting protocols essential to operational transparency.
• Stay current on Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations, Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) certification requirements, rate filings, applicable contracts, and international import/export legislation to guarantee compliance.
• Deliver outstanding customer service by fostering collaborative relationships with clients, carriers, vendors, and overseas partners, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Contribute effectively to team objectives, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives by sharing insights and adopting innovations in freight management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Supervisors or Managers, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to organizational goals.

Job Requirements - Experience and Education

• A minimum of 2 to 3 years professional experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or international shipping, with a focus on ocean freight operations.
• Proven expertise in Ocean Freight Forwarding, preferably involving handling of international ocean shipments and coordination with global logistics partners.
• Hands-on experience with CargoWise management system is highly desirable, demonstrating competence in booking management, documentation, and shipment tracking.
• Comprehensive knowledge of ocean freight processes including booking procedures, routing strategies, rate negotiations, bills of lading, and shipment documentation essentials.
• Good understanding and practical application of FMC regulations, U.S. import/export requirements, and international maritime shipping laws.
• Familiarity working alongside shipping lines, trucking providers, customs brokers, warehouse operators, and overseas agents to coordinate complex logistics operations.
• Strong negotiation skills to obtain competitive freight rates and effectively handle vendor quotations and customer pricing.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service, complemented by advanced problem-solving capabilities to navigate operational challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting, along with Word and Outlook for correspondence and documentation.
• Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation, billing, and system records.
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact clearly and professionally with various stakeholders.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; additional certifications or training in logistics or supply chain management are considered advantageous.

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