Ocean Freight Operations Specialist

Air Express International USA, Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary with role‑dep.

401(k) match up to 4% quarterly

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical

Vision

Dental

Paid Time Off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) in Peoria, IL is seeking an Ocean Freight Operations Specialist to manage shipment execution and serve as the primary contact for customers. You will understand client needs, ensure service commitments are met, and foster strong relationships to identify upsell opportunities.

You will optimize profitability through strategic routing, accurate invoicing, regulatory compliance, and effective dispute resolution while maintaining compliance and high customer loyalty.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 1+ years of experience in freight forwarding industry, ocean import experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of ocean freight regulations and documents preferred.
• CargoWise system experience preferred.
• Need to be able to work, communicate, and resolve problems that arise in the movement of product into/out of the US.

Responsibilities

• Manage shipment execution and serve as primary customer contact.
• Coordinate routing, invoicing, and resolve disputes to protect profitability.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for shipments and maintain client relationships.
• Support day-to-day operations including bookings and documentation.
• Provide guidance to junior staff where needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Customer service

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CargoWise system

Job description

Job Title:Ocean Freight Operations Specialist

Job Location: Peoria, Illinois

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is the world leader in air freight services and one of the leading providers of ocean freight services. Around 30,000 employees work to ensure we transport our customers of shipments by air or sea. DGF's logistics solutions span the entire supply chain, from the factory to the shop floor. This also includes special transport-related services. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

As an Ocean Freight Operations Specialist you will manage and oversee all shipment execution activities while serving as the primary point of contact for customers. Understand customer needs and ensure adherence to service commitments and foster strong client relationships to identify upselling opportunities. Optimize profitability through strategic routing, assignment of shipments, accurate invoicing, and effective resolution of disputes. Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, highlight issues early and address customer concerns promptly to ensure effective exception and complaint handling maintaining customer loyalty and trust.

Key Tasks:

• Administer shipment level activities including receipt of customer booking, documentation requirements, and all related local and international transport
• Act as Customer first point of contact for shipment information, exception / complaint management and claims
• Manage shipment routing and assignment to ensure customer service commitments are in line with the service promise and profit maximized, while also preparing accurate invoices and supporting documentation, and addressing invoice disputes. Own the profitability of the file.
• Execute necessary regulatory compliance procedures relating to commodity and locations for shipments
• Maintain close business relationship with existing clients, identify potential upsell opportunities, conduct customer visits and achieve a desired level of customer retention
• Study and resolve issues in day-to-day delivery and implement best practices for Ocean Freight Operations focusing on increasing effectiveness and efficiency with the use of the transportation management system.
• Resolve performance issues of suppliers, and propose solutions to improve performance
• Resolve recurring issues, and suggest enhancements to processes focusing on increasing effectiveness and efficiency
• May provide functional guidance, advice or training to less experienced positions
• Contribute to PDs and GEMBA, highlight issues and share improvement ideas proactively

Other Areas in Ocean Freight Operations:

• Create and/or confirm transport orders, perform and optimize bookings
• Prepare, control, and distribute all required Import/Export documents
• Identify performance issues of suppliers
• Update Customs shipment information and physical status, resolve customer issues and incidents

Skills / Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience/qualification
• 1+ years of experience in freight forwarding industry, ocean import experience preferred
• Strong Understanding of Ocean freight regulations and documents preferred
• CargoWise system experience preferred
• Need to be able to work, communicate, and resolve problems that arise in the movement of product into/out of the US
• Attention to detail and excellent oral and written skills required, some customer service
  experience desirable
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel

Pay Range: $19.39 - $25.85/hr. (Based on Experience)

Benefits (All Non-Union Employees)

• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus role dependent performance-based incentives.
• 401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 match up to 4% quarterly + 2% annual base contribution.
• Stock Purchase Plan: Ability to purchase Deutsche Post AG shares at a discounted rate.
• Medical: Comprehensive plans covering preventive care, inpatient/outpatient services, and prescriptions.
• Vision: Optional coverage for exams, frames, and contacts.
• Dental: Optional coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
• Paid Time Off: 7 major holidays, 8 floating holidays, and accrued vacation/sick days.

Why Join DHL Global Forwarding?

At DHL Global Forwarding, we invest in our employees’ growth, providing training, guidance, and career advancement opportunities. We believe in building careers, not just jobs, and empowering our team to develop skills and achieve long-term success.

Be part of DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics provider, operating in 220+ countries. DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is a global leader in air and ocean freight, with 30,000+ employees ensuring seamless transport and supply chain solutions. Explore careers with us: DHL Careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DHL Global Forwarding is committed to equal employment opportunities, evaluating all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.