Freight Forwarding Specialist (Air & Sea)

Houger International; Rotterdam; Hybrid; EUR 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Houger International, based in Rotterdam, seeks a Freight Forwarding Specialist to manage international air and sea shipments, from quoting to delivery. You will coordinate multi-modal transport, negotiate with carriers, and ensure accurate documentation across AWBs and invoices.

Responsibilities include compliance with Incoterms, handling specialized cargo, tracking shipments, and collaborating with clients, overseas agents, customs brokers and ground transport providers to ensure on-time,

Qualifications

• At least 3–5 years of direct operational experience in international air and sea freight forwarding.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Incoterms, import/export processes and standard freight documentation.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with agility to resolve logistical challenges.
• Excellent organizational skills and a high degree of accuracy.
• Fluent in English; Dutch language skills are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Multi-Modal Coordination: manage air and ocean shipments, quoting, booking, routing.
• Carrier Negotiation and Relations: secure competitive rates and capacity.
• Documentation Excellence: prepare and review AWBs, B/Ls, invoices and declarations.
• Specialized Cargo Handling: handle temperature control, hazardous materials, oversized cargo.
• Shipment Tracking and Visibility: monitor statuses and provide real-time updates.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: work with clients, agents, brokers, and ground carriers.

Skills

English fluency

Incoterms knowledge

Freight forwarding experience

Ability to work under pressure

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Dutch language (advantage)

Tools

Portbase familiarity

Job description

Hours: Full-time

Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

About the Role

At the very core of Houger International's promise is our ability to execute complex global movements with unwavering precision and reliability. The Freight Forwarding Specialist is a hands-on expert who makes this happen. Based in the strategic hub of Rotterdam, one of the world’s most vital logistics gateways, you will be responsible for navigating the intricate world of international air and sea freight. This role is for a diligent and resourceful professional who excels at managing the physical journey of our clients' most critical goods—from high-tech components and essential raw materials to sensitive medical supplies—ensuring they arrive securely and on time, every time.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• Multi-Modal Coordination: Manage all operational aspects of air and ocean freight shipments, including quoting, booking with carriers, and planning optimal routing through our extensive global network.
• Carrier Negotiation and Relations: Liaise and negotiate with air and sea carriers to secure competitive rates and capacity, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising our high standards of service.
• Documentation Excellence: Meticulously prepare, review, and manage all necessary shipping and customs documentation, including Air Waybills (AWBs), Bills of Lading (B/Ls), commercial invoices, and export/import declarations.
• Specialized Cargo Handling: Apply deep industry knowledge to handle specialized and complex shipments, ensuring all specific requirements for temperature control, hazardous materials, or oversized cargo are met with precision.
• Shipment Tracking and Visibility: Proactively monitor shipment statuses from origin to destination, utilizing our advanced platforms to provide clients with real-time visibility and to anticipate and resolve potential in-transit issues.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work seamlessly with clients, overseas agents, customs brokers, and ground transportation providers to ensure a smooth, integrated, and door-to-door logistics experience.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a logistics professional with a deep-seated work ethic and an absolute commitment to the promises we make to our clients.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of direct operational experience in international air and sea freight forwarding.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Incoterms, import/export processes, and standard freight documentation.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a talent for finding agile solutions to logistical challenges.
• Excellent organizational skills and a high degree of accuracy in your work.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Dutch is highly advantageous.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with project cargo or in specialized sectors like pharmaceuticals, aerospace, or diplomatic shipments.
• Familiarity with the Rotterdam port community system (Portbase).

Why Join Houger International?

You will be joining a team that is recognized for excellence in specialized freight forwarding and comprehensive logistics solutions. Working from our key European hub in Rotterdam, you will play a vital role in our global operations, directly contributing to our 98% on-time delivery rate. At Houger, we foster a culture of diligence, empathy, and credibility, where your expertise is valued and your professional growth is supported. This is your opportunity to be part of a team that consistently challenges the status quo and delivers progress across continents.