Ocean Export Coordinator

Rhenus Logistics; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development programs

Flat hierarchies

Room for innovation

Team events

Job summary

Rhenus Logistics is seeking an Ocean Export Coordinator to manage end-to-end ocean export shipments (FCL and LCL) for customers worldwide. You will act as the main contact for customers, carriers, and internal teams, ensuring accurate documentation and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate has hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience, strong export documentation knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment. US-based roles require compliance with U.S.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience.
• Independently coordinating FCL and LCL shipments from booking to delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Bills of Lading, carrier bookings, shipping instructions, export documentation and Incoterms.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ocean export shipments from booking through final delivery (FCL/LCL).
• Book cargo with ocean carriers and consolidators; monitor schedules and deadlines.
• Prepare and process export documentation (HBLs/MBLs, shipping instructions, origin certificates).
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, warehouses, and overseas offices to ensure timely pickup and execution.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. export requirements, AES filings, FMC rules, and destination regulations.
• Track shipments and communicate status, resolving delays and issues.

Skills

Ocean freight experience

FCL/LCL coordination

Bills of Lading knowledge

Export documentation

Incoterms knowledge

TMS/CargoWise

Tools

CargoWise

Export documentation platforms

Job description

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics service providers operating worldwide. We offer tailor-made solutions along the entire supply chain for companies from a wide diversity of industries. From multimodal transports to perfect warehousing, from smooth customs clearance to innovative value-added services: We always keep our pulse on the times and are at our customers' side.

What you will be doing

The Ocean Export Coordinator is responsible for the end-to-end coordination of international ocean export shipments, including both FCL and LCL cargo.

This role serves as a key point of contact for customers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, transportation providers, and internal teams, ensuring shipments are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable export requirements.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience, strong knowledge of export documentation and carrier processes, and the ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

You will be contributing to that vision by…

• Coordinate ocean export shipments from booking through final delivery, including FCL and LCL cargo.
• Book cargo with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and consolidators; monitor vessel schedules, documentation deadlines, cut-offs, and shipment milestones.
• Prepare, review, and process export documentation, including HBLs/MBLs, shipping instructions, commercial documents, certificates of origin, and other required export documentation.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and destination offices to ensure timely cargo pickup, container loading, and shipment execution.
• Ensure shipments comply with applicable U.S. export requirements, AES filings, FMC requirements, Incoterms, and destination-country regulations.
• Track shipments throughout the transportation cycle, proactively communicate status updates, and resolve delays, documentation issues, discrepancies, and service exceptions.
• Prepare and distribute pre-alerts and required shipping documentation to customers, consignees, destination offices, and overseas agents.
• Maintain complete and accurate shipment files within the freight forwarding/TMS system in accordance with company standards.
• Review vendor and carrier invoices, reconcile shipment costs, and ensure accurate and timely customer billing.
• Support quotations, rate requests, and commercial activities as required.
• Coordinate cross-trade shipments and collaborate with Rhenus offices and partners globally.
• Work closely with Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure a seamless customer experience.

What skills & experience you will bring to us

• 2+ years of hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience, with a strong focus on export operations.
• Demonstrated experience independently coordinating FCL and LCL ocean export shipments from booking through final delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Bills of Lading, carrier bookings, shipping instructions, export documentation, Incoterms, and international shipping processes.
• Knowledge of U.S. export compliance requirements and AES filing processes; formal export compliance training is an asset.
• Experience with FMC requirements, Letters of Credit, I1S2, cross-trade shipments, and international agent coordination is an asset.
• Dangerous Goods (DG) certification or experience handling hazardous ocean cargo is an asset.
• Experience using freight forwarding/TMS platforms; CargoWise experience is an asset.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when preparing shipping documentation and managing operational records.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy a must: Strong attention to detail required for documentation and day-to-day tasks.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

What You can expect

• Continuous Training: Sharpen your skills and advance your expertise with our professional development programs.
• Great Team: It's truly the people that make the difference - and with us you'll join the best team around.
• Flat Hierarchies: Get straight through to the decision-makers with our streamlined organizational structure.
• Room for Innovation: Turn your ideas into action in an environment that champions creativity and empowers you to lead change.
• Events: From team outings to holiday parties and networking events, we build strong connections by spending quality time together.
• Quick Decision Processes: Make things happen faster with streamlined processes that promote efficiency and effectiveness.