Ocean Freight Specialist

Deutsche Post; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary + incentives

401(k) Match

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical

Vision

Dental

Paid Time Off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding in Minneapolis, MN is seeking an Ocean Freight Specialist to manage shipment execution and serve as the primary contact for customers, ensuring service commitments and strong client relationships.

You will optimize routing and invoicing, maintain regulatory compliance, and collaborate with global service centers to resolve issues promptly, helping grow profitability while preserving quality.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of ocean import/export experience preferred.
• Strong financial business acumen.
• Able to quickly learn and prioritize tasks.
• Knowledge of INCO terms.
• Proficient with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• CargoWise knowledge is a plus.
• Hazmat certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Administer shipment-level activities including receipt of customer booking and documentation requirements.
• Serve as primary customer contact for shipment info, exceptions, and claims.
• Route shipments and assign tasks to maximize service and profitability; prepare invoices and supporting docs; resolve invoice disputes.
• Execute regulatory compliance procedures for shipments.
• Maintain relationships with clients; identify upsell opportunities and perform customer visits.
• Coordinate with Customer Service, Product, and Global Service Centers as needed.
• May perform other tasks as required.

Skills

Ocean Import/Export

Financial acumen

Quick learner

INCO terms

MS Office

CargoWise

Hazmat cert

Job description

Job Title: Ocean Freight Specialist

Job Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

Job Purpose:

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 Responsibilities:

• Administer shipment level activities including receipt of customer booking, documentation requirements, and all related local and international transport
• Act as a customer first point of contact for shipment information, exception/complaint management and claims
• Mange 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
• Interacts with Customer Service, Product, and Global Service Centers, if required
• May be required to perform other tasks as required

Skills / Requirements:

• 2+ years of Ocean Import and/or Export Industry related experience preferred
• Strong financial business acumen
• A quick learner with a “Can-Do” attitude and strong prioritization skills
• Knowledge of INCO terms
• Good computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Cargo Wise systems knowledge is a plus
• Hazmat certification is a plus

Pay Range: $21.32 - $28.43/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.