Sales Executive - Ocean Freight Forwarding

Total Quality Logistics; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Uncapped commission opportunities

Advancement opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Health, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Employee discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Total Quality Logistics is seeking an Ocean Freight Forwarding Sales Executive based in Lexington, Kentucky. The role focuses on expanding TQL Global's international ocean freight forwarding business while developing customer relationships and growing existing accounts.

Benefits include a competitive salary, uncapped commission, comprehensive benefits package, and a Great Place to Work certification. Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in ocean freight forwarding and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of ocean freight forwarding experience required.
• Experience selling international ocean freight services strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of global shipping lanes and international supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Identify and close new ocean freight forwarding opportunities.
• Develop solutions for customers requiring various logistics services.
• Manage the full sales life cycle from prospecting to onboarding.

Skills

Ocean freight forwarding experience

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Consultative sales skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

About the role

As an Ocean Freight Forwarding Sales Executive for TQL Global, you will play a key role in expanding our international ocean freight forwarding business. This role is focused on developing new customer relationships and growing existing accounts by delivering customized FCL, LCL, and end-to-end international logistics solutions. You will work closely with TQL’s extensive domestic sales network and global operations teams to identify shippers with international freight needs and position TQL Global as a strategic logistics partner. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing divisions within TQL and build a book of business in a high-growth global trade environment with high earning potential.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive base salary
• Uncapped commission opportunities
• Advancement opportunities within structured career paths
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Health, dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Perks including employee discounts, financial wellness planning, tuition reimbursement and more
• Certified Great Place to Work with 900+ lifetime workplace award wins

What you’ll be doing

• Identify, pursue, and close new ocean freight forwarding opportunities within an assigned territory or vertical
• Develop solutions for customers requiring FCL, LCL, drayage, transloading, customs brokerage, and door-to-door international logistics
• Partner with TQL’s domestic sales teams to uncover import/export opportunities within their customer base
• Manage the full sales life cycle including prospecting, solution development, pricing strategy, contract negotiation, and account onboarding
• Work with internal pricing, carrier management, and operations teams to develop competitive ocean freight proposals
• Build relationships with importers, exporters, procurement leaders, and supply chain decision-makers
• Represent TQL Global at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings
• Travel to meet customers and prospects regularly (approximately 25% travel)
• Provide market intelligence on carrier capacity, ocean rates, port congestion, and global trade trends

What you need

• 2+ years of ocean freight forwarding experience required
• Experience selling international ocean freight services (FCL/LCL) strongly preferred
• Knowledge of global shipping lanes, ocean carriers, NVOCC operations, and international supply chains
• Experience selling or coordinating drayage, customs brokerage, or international logistics solutions
• Strong communication, negotiation, and consultative sales skillsAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
• Willingness to travel up to 25%
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required

Employment visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, J1 etc.) will not be considered.