Demurrage Coordinator

HMM America Inc. • Farmers Branch, TX

23h

About The Position

Join our dynamic Demurrage Team at HMM, where you’ll play a key role in streamlining logistics operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering top-notch service to our global shippers. As a Demurrage Coordinator, you’ll manage billing, collections, and dispute resolution for cargo exceeding contractual free time agreements, directly contributing to our operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. In this fast-paced role, you will analyze factors like container availability, vessel schedules, terminal open/closed days, and extenuating circumstances to determine demurrage charges, process waiver requests, or create accurate invoices. You will also handle accounts payable tasks related to terminal storage, troubleshoot real-time customer issues, and work closely with internal teams or independently to resolve inquiries. Whether you’re thriving in a collaborative “front-of-house” environment focused on timely invoicing and customer support or independently tackling “back-of-house” collections and investigations, this position offers variety, growth, and a chance to make an impact. We’re seeking a proactive, adaptable professional with strong interpersonal skills ready to help shape the future of our department.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required.
• 2-3 years of experience in shipping, logistics, or a similar role involving demurrage, billing, collections, or customer service.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., formulas, pivot tables, data analysis) for reporting, sorting, and optimizing demurrage workflows.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to handle inquiries diplomatically and foster positive client relationships.
• Superior organizational and follow-up abilities to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong critical thinking and investigative skills to resolve complex disputes and identify root causes of demurrage issues.
• Self-motivation and independence to excel in autonomous tasks, paired with teamwork skills for collaborative settings.
• Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy in invoicing, compliance, and record-keeping.
• Adaptability, initiative, and interpersonal skills that show potential for future leadership, such as proactive problem-solving and the ability to inspire teamwork.
• Solid understanding of demurrage processes, including last free day management, charge calculations, and waiver evaluations.
• Knowledge of shipping documentation (e.g., bills of lading, vessel schedules) and factors affecting container detention and demurrage.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, propose innovative solutions, and take initiative to improve process efficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic logistics software; eagerness to learn new tools and systems.
• Strong ethical standards and a proactive mindset to drive results while maintaining compliance and customer focus.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Familiarity with FMC regulations, demurrage calculations, and industry tools (e.g., container tracking systems) is highly desirable.
• Experience in collections or dispute resolution is a plus, particularly for back-of-house tasks.

Responsibilities

• Audit and prepare demurrage invoices for timely issuance, ensuring compliance with FMC regulations and internal standards.
• Maintain accurate records of terminal open/closed days to enhance invoice accuracy and minimize disputes.
• Engage with customers in real-time to troubleshoot demurrage-related issues, provide solutions, and build strong relationships through exceptional service.
• Conduct collection efforts on outstanding demurrage fees, including follow-up communications, payment negotiations, and account reconciliation.
• Investigate and resolve disputes by analyzing documentation (e.g., bills of lading, container tracking data, rate tables) to determine validity and appropriate resolutions.
• Generate and analyze reports using Excel and other tools to monitor demurrage trends, identify process improvements, and support departmental goals.
• Process waiver requests and accounts payable tasks for terminal storage, balancing customer needs with company policies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., operations, finance) to streamline processes and reduce demurrage occurrences.
• Contribute ideas for process improvements and take initiative to enhance team efficiency, demonstrating potential for future leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• highly subsidized individual and family insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision)
• term life and disability insurance
• 401(k) employer matching contributions
• paid holidays
• up to 10 vacation days and six sick days in the first year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED