International Freight Specialist

About the Role

The Freight Manager is responsible for the efficient and cost-effective coordination of all freight transportation services necessary to meet the company's shipping needs. This role provides leadership and oversight for international transportation and trade execution, including shipment planning, broker coordination, trade documentation, compliance controls, landed-cost management, and complex exception resolution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to increase efficiency and reduce costs of freight operations.
• Negotiate contracts with multinational LTL carriers such as FedEx and UPS for the lowest rates possible.
• Arrange inter-company shipping as well as direct shipping to customers from all branch locations.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of all delivery trucks to ensure safety and DOT compliance.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for all freight operations in an environment where expediting transportation is crucial.
• Coordinate with sales and other departments to ensure on-time delivery of goods.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• File freight claims on overages, shortages, and damaged freight in a timely manner.
• Manage customer shipping inquiries and complaints.
• Monitor freight costs and develop strategies to reduce costs.
• Verify and approve freight invoices and ensure all freight and handling charges are added to customer invoices.
• Keep educated on all IFTA/IRP regulations with ongoing education.
• Serve as the company contact for all transportation-related audits and regulatory inquiries.
• Prepare and submit annual capital expenditure requests related to the fleet.
• Manage excess vehicles, including conducting in-house auctions and creating sales invoices.
• Prepare quarterly IFTA fuel tax filings and annual IRP filings for each jurisdiction, maintaining all supporting documentation.
• Manage the resolution of all vehicle recall items.
• Prepare, review, and analyze company fleet expenses.
• Manage maintenance alerts and transition fleet management to new service providers.
• Provide oversight of international movements by air, ocean, and ground from order release through delivery, including routing decisions and carrier/forwarder selection.
• Lead resolution of complex shipment exceptions, including customs holds, rollovers, documentation discrepancies, damages/claims, shortages, and regulatory inquiries.
• Oversee HTS classification support, customs broker instructions, and compliance activities such as audit requests and post-entry correction coordination.
• Maintain standards and quality controls for international trade documents, ensuring alignment with Incoterms and customer requirements.
• Ensure complete, audit-ready shipment files through effective documentation archiving and record-retention practices.
• Validate freight invoices and accessorial charges; identify systemic cost drivers and implement reduction plans.
• Track and analyze logistics KPIs including on-time performance, dwell time, customs-clearance cycle time, document accuracy, claims, cost-to-serve, and total landed cost.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations, including DOT compliance, hours of service, electronic logs, hazardous material knowledge, safety, and vehicle maintenance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment handling local shipping and arranging trucks and "Hot Shots" at all other company locations.
• Strong knowledge of all aspects of transportation shipping, including domestic, international, import, and export in small package, Less Than Truckload (LTL), and Truckload operations.
• Clear understanding of pricing, rating, and tariffs to negotiate discount programs and pricing with LTL carriers, as well as rate structures with truckload carriers and familiarity with fuel surcharge.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations, international trade, and transportation audit processes to ensure proper freight classification.
• Experience with flatbed and dry van freight operations.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience delivering outstanding customer service in a transportation role.
• Capability to handle multiple projects concurrently and prioritize work activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including strong Excel skills, and experience with TMS/ERP platforms such as CargoWise, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar systems.
• Strong working knowledge of HTS classification, customs broker coordination, Incoterms, landed-cost drivers, and import/export documentation requirements.
• Experience with AES/EEI filing workflows, export-control screening processes, compliance audits, claims management, and broker performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to provide information clearly and concisely, and establish rapport with internal and external customers.
• Self-motivation and drive to exceed goals with little or no supervision.
• Resilience and ability to persevere with a positive attitude when faced with difficulties.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior.
• Independence and initiative to get things done.
• Persistence and determination in the face of obstacles.
• Dependability and reliability in fulfilling obligations.
• Leadership by example and setting high standards of excellence.
• Big-picture focus while managing processes and procedures.
• Deadline-driven with the ability to meet and establish deadlines.
• Adaptability and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required. At least 5 years of work experience or equivalent education is preferred.