Ocean Export Specialist

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment is seeking an experienced Ocean Export Specialist to join an established forwarder in Chicago. The role is hands-on and covers the full Ocean Export process from booking to final departure and file closure.

Expect a busy workload of 25+ export files per week, requiring organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to work at pace without compromising service or accuracy.

Qualifications

• Experience in Ocean Export/Freight Forwarding operations.
• Full A–Z ocean export process independently.
• Experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio.
• Strong knowledge of ocean export documentation and procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage Ocean Export shipments from A–Z.
• Take full ownership of shipments from booking through to vessel departure and final file closure.
• Coordinate bookings with shipping lines, overseas agents, customers and service providers.
• Prepare and process export documentation (bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, shipping instructions).
• Coordinate container bookings, releases, loading and cut-off deadlines.
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers and track milestones.

Skills

Ocean export operations

High-volume shipment management

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent work

CargoWise experience

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Ocean Export Specialist to join an established Forwarder in Chicago. This is a hands‑on operational role for someone who understands the full Ocean Export process from A–Z and can confidently manage shipments from initial booking through to final departure and file closure.

This is a busy role, managing 25+ export files per week, so the right person will need to be organised, detail‑focused and able to work at pace without compromising service or accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Ocean Export shipments from A–Z
• Take full ownership of shipments from booking through to vessel departure and final file closure
• Coordinate bookings with shipping lines, overseas agents, customers and other service providers
• Prepare and process export documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists and shipping instructions
• Coordinate container bookings, releases, loading and cut‑off deadlines
• Ensure all documentation and shipment information is accurate and submitted within required deadlines
• Coordinate with trucking companies, warehouses, carriers and overseas offices
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers
• Track containers and ensure milestones are updated accurately
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ Export files per week
• Ensure timely and accurate billing and file closure
• Manage exceptions, delays, documentation discrepancies and other operational challenges
• Build strong relationships with customers, carriers and overseas partners

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in Ocean Export/Freight Forwarding operations
• Proven ability to manage the full A–Z ocean export process independently
• Experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio
• Strong knowledge of ocean export documentation and procedures
• Experience working with shipping lines and overseas agentsExcellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Confident problem‑solver with a positive, solutions‑focused attitude
• CargoWise experience is highly desirable
• Comfortable working independently while contributing positively to a wider team

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity to join a growing logistics operation
• Collaborative and professional working environment
• Exposure to international ocean freight operations
• A role where your experience, initiative and operational expertise will have a direct impact

If you’re an experienced Ocean Export professional who knows how to manage shipments from A–Z, takes ownership of their work, and is the type of person who naturally stays one step ahead, we’d love to hear from you.