Remote Senior Freight Forwarder - National Accounts

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical benefits

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Freight Forwarder for national accounts in a fully remote role. You will manage international and domestic shipments, negotiate with carriers, and ensure compliant, efficient operations from a home office.

You will lead client relationships, coordinate with sales, operations, and finance, stay current with trade regulations, and leverage freight management software to optimize service and cost for national clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in freight forwarding or international logistics.
• Proven track record managing national or international accounts.
• Strong knowledge of air, sea, and road freight operations.
• Solid understanding of customs procedures and trade compliance.
• Excellent client relationship and communication skills.
• Home office space with reliable high-speed internet.
• Degree or diploma in Logistics, International Trade, or Business Admin preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end freight forwarding for national accounts.
• Coordinate international and domestic shipments by air, sea, and road.
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Negotiate rates and service agreements with carriers.
• Prepare shipping documents: bills of lading, customs declarations, and invoices.
• Monitor shipments and provide proactive updates.
• Stay updated on trade regulations and customs policies.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and finance.
• Utilize freight management software to track shipments.
• Identify service improvements and cost optimizations.

Skills

Freight forwarding

Account management

Negotiation

Logistics coordination

Client relationships

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Logistics

Degree in International Trade

Business Administration degree

Tools

Freight forwarding software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role Our client, a globally recognized leader in freight forwarding and supply chain solutions, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Freight Forwarder to manage national accounts remotely. This fully remote position offers the unique opportunity to leverage your extensive knowledge of international and domestic logistics without the need for daily office commute. You will be responsible for coordinating complex shipments, managing client relationships, negotiating with carriers, and ensuring the seamless movement of goods across various modes of transport. This role requires a proactive individual with exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a deep understanding of customs regulations and documentation. As a remote team member, you will play a vital role in connecting businesses across South Africa and the globe, operating from the comfort of your own home office. The focus is on delivering exceptional service and strategic logistics planning for our valued national clients, ensuring all operations are compliant and efficient.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end freight forwarding operations for a portfolio of national key accounts.
• Coordinate international and domestic shipments via air, sea, and road, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients, understanding their unique logistics needs.
• Negotiate rates and service agreements with carriers, airlines, shipping lines, and trucking companies.
• Ensure accurate preparation and processing of all necessary shipping documentation, including bills of lading, customs declarations, and invoices.
• Monitor shipments in transit, providing proactive updates and resolving any issues or delays promptly.
• Stay abreast of changes in international trade regulations, customs policies, and shipping procedures.
• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., sales, operations, finance) to ensure a cohesive client experience.
• Utilize freight management software and other digital tools to track shipments and manage client accounts effectively.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement and cost optimization for national clients.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of comprehensive experience in freight forwarding, international logistics, or supply chain management.
• Proven track record in managing key national or international accounts.
• Extensive knowledge of air, sea, and road freight operations and associated documentation.
• Solid understanding of customs procedures, import/export regulations, and trade compliance.
• Exceptional client relationship management and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in using freight forwarding software and common office productivity tools (e.g., MS Office).
• Must have a dedicated home office space with reliable high-speed internet connection for remote work.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet strict deadlines in a remote setting.
• A degree or diploma in Logistics, International Trade, or Business Administration is preferred.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement with the flexibility to work from anywhere.
• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications in global logistics.
• A supportive remote team environment with regular virtual collaboration.
• Allowance for home office setup and maintenance.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Potential for international travel for key client meetings or industry events.
• Employee assistance program.