Ocean Import Agent

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Match

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical Insurance

Vision Coverage

Dental Coverage

Paid Time Off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding in Minneapolis is seeking an Ocean Import Agent to manage shipment execution and be the primary contact for customers. You will optimize routing, ensure compliance, and drive profitability while delivering exceptional service.

Responsibilities include handling bookings, documentation, invoicing, and problem resolution with suppliers, while maintaining relationships and upsell opportunities. Strong Excel, INCO terms knowledge, and CargoWise experience are valued.

Qualifications

• 2+ years Ocean Import industry experience preferred.
• Strong financial business acumen.
• Quick learner with a Can-Do attitude and good prioritization.
• Knowledge of INCO terms.
• Proficient in Excel/Word/PowerPoint.
• CargoWise knowledge is a plus.
• Hazmat certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Administer shipment level activities including booking receipt, documentation, and related transport.
• Act as the first point of contact for customers for information, exceptions, and claims.
• Manage routing and assignment to meet service commitments while maximizing profit; prepare invoices and documentation; own profitability.
• Execute regulatory compliance procedures for shipments.
• Maintain relationships with clients; identify upsell opportunities; conduct customer visits.
• Resolve issues in day-to-day delivery; improve freight operations using the TMS.
• Provide guidance or training to less experienced staff as needed.
• Support PDs and GEMBA; share improvement ideas proactively.
• Create/confirm transport orders and bookings; manage Import/Export documents.

Skills

Ocean Import experience

Financial acumen

Can-do attitude

INCO terms

Excel/Word/PowerPoint

CargoWise

Hazmat certification

Tools

CargoWise

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title: Ocean Import Agent

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
• 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:

• 2+ years of Ocean Import 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.