Ocean Export Operator

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to $65,000

Benefits package

Desk ownership

Job summary

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment is seeking an Ocean Export Specialist for our Chicago operation. You will own A–Z ocean export workflows and collaborate with customers, carriers, and overseas offices to move shipments efficiently from origin to destination.

We’re looking for someone with solid freight forwarding experience who can manage their own desk, deliver a high level of customer service, and contribute to growth as the Chicago operation expands.

Qualifications

• Previous ocean export freight forwarding experience.
• Solid understanding of FCL/LCL export operations.
• Experience with export documentation and AES filings.

Responsibilities

• Manage A–Z ocean export shipments from booking to final documentation.
• Coordinate FCL and LCL export shipments.
• Book cargo with ocean carriers and negotiate rates and space.
• Prepare and process export documentation (Bills of Lading, commercial docs).
• Ensure shipments comply with US export regulations and international requirements.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, and overseas offices/agents.
• Monitor shipments and provide status updates to customers.
• Handle AES filings and ensure deadlines are met.

Skills

Ocean Export freight forwarding

FCL and LCL export operations

AES filing requirements

CargoWise

Customer service

Strong communication

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

A growing international freight forwarder is looking to add an experienced Ocean Export Specialist to its Chicago operation.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an expanding business where you'll take ownership of A–Z ocean export operations, working closely with customers, carriers, overseas offices and internal teams to ensure shipments move efficiently from origin through to destination.

The company is looking for someone with solid freight forwarding experience who can manage their own desk, provide a high level of customer service and contribute to the continued growth of the Chicago operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage A–Z ocean export shipments from booking through to final documentation and departure.
• Coordinate FCL and LCL export shipments.
• Book cargo with ocean carriers and negotiate/confirm rates and space where required.
• Prepare and process export documentation, including Bills of Lading, commercial documentation and shipping instructions.
• Ensure shipments comply with relevant US export regulations and international shipping requirements.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, trucking companies, warehouses and overseas offices/agents.
• Monitor shipments and proactively provide customers with status updates.
• Handle AES filings and ensure documentation is completed accurately and within required deadlines.
• Resolve operational issues, delays and documentation discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate shipment information within the company's forwarding/TMS system.
• Support quotations and pricing requests when required.
• Build strong relationships with existing customers and deliver a consistently high level of service.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience within Ocean Export freight forwarding.
• Strong understanding of FCL and LCL export operations.
• Comfortable managing shipments A–Z independently.
• Knowledge of export documentation and AES filing requirements.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced forwarding environment.
• Experience with freight forwarding systems such as CargoWise would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Salary up to $65,000, depending on experience.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Opportunity to join a growing international freight forwarder.
• Long-term career progression as the Chicago operation continues to expand.
• Collaborative environment with the opportunity to take real ownership of your desk.