Senior Freight Forwarder, Import/Export
About the role
The Senior Freight Forwarder, Import/Export is responsible for managing and coordinating high-volume international and domestic shipments from origin through final delivery. This role serves as a key point of contact among suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and transportation providers, ensuring shipments are executed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with US and international regulations. The position requires strong knowledge of import/export processes, customs clearance, domestic transportation, and related documentation, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities, resolve operational issues, and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvement. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, analytical, and service-oriented logistics professional who can work independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
USA - North Charleston, Leeds Ave | Division: Air & Sea | Full Time
Imports and Exports
- Manage high volume shipments across multiple transportation modes (air, ocean, road)
- Coordinate shipments with suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers
- Ongoing follow-ups of orders and shipments from order placement through final delivery
- Manage and coordinate customs clearance with brokers and relevant authorities
- Handle required documentation, including Commercial Invoice, Packing List, COO, AES Filing, and Export Licenses, in coordination with the Import/Export Manager
- Monitor compliance with US and international regulatory requirements
Domestic Transportation in the US
- Plan and book domestic transportation services, including FTL, LTL, Express and dedicated solutions
- Coordinate pickups and deliveries with suppliers and customers
- Handle temperature-controlled shipments, hazardous materials and special equipment when required
- Manage exceptions, delays and operational disruptions during transportation
Operations and Control
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the facility and the freight forwarder
- Prepare monthly KPI reports covering on-time delivery performance, reduction of delivery and customs clearance lead times, transportation costs and freight budget compliance, minimum shipments, and volume-to-weight ratio
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvement initiatives
- Manage and follow up on claims related to damage, loss or late shipments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a relevant field (preferred)
Experience
- Proven experience in managing high volume import and export shipments in the US from A to Z
- Experience working with international freight forwarders, domestic carriers and customs brokers
- Experience in the defense, aerospace or advanced manufacturing industries - significant advantage
- Experience handling temperature-controlled shipments and hazardous materials (preferred)
Professional Knowledge
- In-depth familiarity with international freight forwarding processes and Incoterms
- Knowledge of Department of State, Commerce, license exceptions, ITAR, ability to read / interpret exporters/importers documents
- Knowledge of US customs processes
- Knowledge of Cargowise and ERP systems
- Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, with an emphasis on Excel
Personal Skills
- High service orientation and ability to work with multiple interfaces.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Ability to work independently and make decisions.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- "Can do" attitude with a "get the job done" mentality
Pay
For this position, the expected base pay range is $56,550 - $75,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location, in accordance with applicable laws and company policy.
Benefits
Information regarding DSV’s benefits offerings, including eligibility, coverage options, and plan details, is available through the DSV Benefits Showcase. Benefits, programs, and eligibility may vary by location and division in accordance with applicable state and local laws.