Senior Freight Forwarder

Jobtailor; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Salt Lake City is seeking an experienced freight forwarding professional to lead client engagements, coordinate transportation, and optimize freight movements while ensuring compliance with international trade regulations. You will manage shipments, negotiate capacity with carriers, supervise a team, and implement risk mitigation plans to maintain service quality and cost efficiency.

The role requires a degree in business or logistics, strong English skills, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in freight forwarding (IATA/NCBFAA) may be preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or a related field.
• Experience managing a team and working with clients is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping regulations, INCO terms, and customs procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in logistics software and systems.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for clients.
• Provide proactive communication on shipment status, delays, and issues.
• Coordinate all aspects of transportation, including booking cargo space and pickups.
• Manage shipping schedules and routing to minimize costs and transit times.
• Prepare and manage shipping documents such as bills of lading and customs declarations.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations and customs requirements.
• Liaise with carriers, airlines, and transportation providers to negotiate rates and secure capacity.
• Monitor carrier performance and service levels against contracts.
• Address and resolve disruptions in the transportation process.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to find timely, effective solutions.
• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and requests promptly.
• Anticipate and resolve potential issues to maintain client satisfaction.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the transportation process.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans as needed.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements in freight forwarding operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

English fluency

Team leadership

Client management

Microsoft Office

Logistics software

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or related field

Tools

IATA certification

NCBFAA certification

Job description

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients.
• Provide proactive communication and updates on shipment status, delays, and any issues that may arise.
• Coordinate all aspects of transportation, including booking cargo space, arranging pickups, and managing shipping schedules.
• Ensure efficient routing and optimization of freight movements to minimize costs and transit times.
• Prepare and manage shipping documents, including bills of lading, customs declarations, and export/import permits.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations and customs requirements.
• Liaise with carriers, airlines, and other transportation providers to negotiate rates, secure capacity, and resolve operational issues.
• Monitor carrier performance and service levels to ensure adherence to contractual agreements.
• Address and resolve any issues or disruptions in the transportation process.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to find timely and effective solutions.
• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing client inquiries, concerns, and requests promptly and professionally.
• Anticipate and proactively resolve potential issues to maintain client satisfaction and loyalty.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks in the transportation process.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans as needed.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains in freight forwarding operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in freight forwarding, such as from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), may be preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or a related field.
• Experience managing a team and working with clients is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping regulations, INCO terms, and customs procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in logistics software and systems.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with logistics software and systems is preferred.