Ocean Export Operator

Freight Appointments; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Freight Appointments in Chicago is seeking an Ocean Export Operator to manage shipments from booking through vessel departure. You will handle documentation, deadlines, and customer requirements with attention to detail.

You will coordinate with steamship lines, carriers, brokers, and overseas offices, monitor schedules, and communicate updates and issues while ensuring accurate records and timely invoicing. This role offers growth in a professional logistics organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of hands-on ocean export experience.
• Experience in freight forwarding or international transport.
• Strong understanding of ocean export procedures and docs.
• Experience working directly with ocean carriers.
• Knowledge of FCL and/or LCL export shipments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook and Excel).
• Experience using freight forwarding software or transportation management systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage full ocean export process from booking to vessel departure.
• Coordinate ocean bookings with steamship lines and carriers.
• Prepare export documents including Bills of Lading, shipping instructions, commercial invoices, and packing lists.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, truckers, warehouses, customs brokers, and overseas agents.
• Monitor vessel schedules and shipment milestones.
• Ensure timely submission of shipping instructions and VGM information.
• Communicate shipment updates, delays, and schedule changes to customers and overseas partners.
• Review and verify freight charges and carrier invoices.
• Resolve operational issues and shipment discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and system updates.
• Work closely with sales, customer service, accounting, and overseas offices.
• Provide a high level of customer service throughout the shipment lifecycle.

Skills

Ocean export knowledge

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Freight forwarding software

Attention to detail

Tools

Freight forwarding software

Transportation Management Systems

Job description

The Role

As an Ocean Export Operator, you will be responsible for managing ocean export shipments from booking through departure, ensuring all documentation, deadlines, and customer requirements are handled accurately and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full ocean export process from booking to vessel departure.


• Coordinate ocean bookings with steamship lines and carriers.


• Prepare and process export documentation, including Bills of Lading, shipping instructions, commercial invoices, and packing lists.


• Coordinate with customers, carriers, truckers, warehouses, customs brokers, and overseas agents.


• Monitor vessel schedules and shipment milestones.


• Ensure timely submission of shipping instructions and VGM information.


• Communicate shipment updates, delays, and schedule changes to customers and overseas partners.


• Review and verify freight charges and carrier invoices.


• Resolve operational issues and shipment discrepancies.


• Maintain accurate shipment records and system updates.


• Work closely with sales, customer service, accounting, and overseas offices.


• Provide a high level of customer service throughout the shipment lifecycle.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of hands-on ocean export experience is required.


• Experience within freight forwarding, logistics, NVOCC, or international transportation.


• Strong understanding of ocean export procedures and documentation.


• Experience working directly with ocean carriers.


• Knowledge of FCL and/or LCL export shipments.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.


• Excellent communication and customer service skills.


• Strong problem-solving abilities.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Excel.


• Experience using freight forwarding software or transportation management systems is preferred.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced ocean export professional who can work independently, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively with customers, carriers, and international partners.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to join a professional logistics organization with opportunities for long-term career growth.