Ocean Export Coordinator

Rhenus Logistics•Des Plaines, IL

About The Position

Coordinate and manage ocean export shipments from booking through final delivery for both FCL and LCL cargo. Prepare, review, and process export documentation including Bills of Lading (HBL/MBL), commercial shipping documents, certificates of origin, insurance certificates, and related export documentation. Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, Incoterms, CERS filings, ICS2 filings, AES/FMC requirements, and country-specific export regulations. Book cargo space with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and consolidators while monitoring vessel schedules, cut-off dates, and shipment milestones. Coordinate transportation providers, customers, warehouses, and carriers to ensure timely cargo pickup and container loading. Track shipments throughout transit, proactively communicate status updates, and resolve service issues, delays, claims, or discrepancies. Prepare and distribute pre-alerts and shipping documentation to customers, consignees, destination offices, and overseas agents. Maintain accurate shipment records within the transportation management system and ensure files are completed in accordance with company standards. Review carrier and vendor invoices, reconcile shipment costs, and ensure timely customer billing. Support customer quoting, rate negotiations, and commercial activities as required. Collaborate closely with sales, finance, operations, and international partners to deliver a seamless customer experience. Manage cross-trade shipments and coordinate with global offices and partners when required.

Requirements

2+ years of ocean freight forwarding experience with a strong focus on export operations.
Hands-on experience managing end-to-end FCL and LCL shipments.
Knowledge of U.S. export compliance requirements.
Strong understanding of international shipping documentation, customs regulations, and trade compliance requirements.
Experience with CERS, Bills of Lading, export declarations, carrier bookings, and shipment tracking.
Strong communication, customer service, and relationship management skills.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
Proficiency with freight forwarding systems, transportation management software, and Microsoft Office applications.
Detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to delivering a high level of service and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Formal export compliance training
Exposure to AES, FMC, ICS2, Letters of Credit, and cross-border shipping processes
Dangerous Goods (DG) certification or experience handling hazardous cargo in an ocean freight environment

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage ocean export shipments from booking through final delivery for both FCL and LCL cargo.
Prepare, review, and process export documentation including Bills of Lading (HBL/MBL), commercial shipping documents, certificates of origin, insurance certificates, and related export documentation.
Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, Incoterms, CERS filings, ICS2 filings, AES/FMC requirements, and country-specific export regulations.
Book cargo space with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and consolidators while monitoring vessel schedules, cut-off dates, and shipment milestones.
Coordinate transportation providers, customers, warehouses, and carriers to ensure timely cargo pickup and container loading.
Track shipments throughout transit, proactively communicate status updates, and resolve service issues, delays, claims, or discrepancies.
Prepare and distribute pre-alerts and shipping documentation to customers, consignees, destination offices, and overseas agents.
Maintain accurate shipment records within the transportation management system and ensure files are completed in accordance with company standards.
Review carrier and vendor invoices, reconcile shipment costs, and ensure timely customer billing.
Support customer quoting, rate negotiations, and commercial activities as required.
Collaborate closely with sales, finance, operations, and international partners to deliver a seamless customer experience.
Manage cross-trade shipments and coordinate with global offices and partners when required.