Air & Ocean Export Operator

Job description

Job Title: Air & Ocean Export Operator (Freight Forwarding)

Location: Southfield, MI (On-site)

Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Air & Ocean Export Operator to manage our export operations from a true logistics standpoint. In this role, you will own the entire lifecycle of air and ocean export shipments from "A to Z," specializing in moving cargo door-to-door. The ideal candidate possesses deep freight forwarding expertise, a strong understanding of international compliance, and the ability to proactively manage relationships with carriers, truckers, and overseas agents to ensure seamless global transit.

Key Responsibilities:

• Full Lifecycle Management: Manage international export shipments from initial booking to final destination delivery (door-to-door), ensuring optimal transit times and cost efficiency.
• Carrier & Vendor Procurement: Secure allocations and book cargo space directly with airlines, steamship lines (NVOCC/VOCC), domestic truckers, and warehouses.
• Documentation Master: Prepare, review, and issue all critical export documentation accurately, including:
• • House and Master Air Waybills (HAWB / MAWB)
  • House and Master Bills of Lading (HBL / MBL)
  • Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, and Certificates of Origin
  • Automated Export System (AES/EEI) filings.
• Milestone Tracking: Actively track and trace shipments, proactively identifying potential supply chain disruptions and providing real-time, transparent updates to customers.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain absolute compliance with federal and international regulations, including TSA (Known Shipper regulations), FMC, and US Customs.
• Problem Resolution: Act as the primary point of contact to troubleshoot delays, customs holds, rolling of cargo, or warehouse discrepancies, implementing quick and efficient solutions.

Financial & Partner Management:

• Network Coordination: Partner closely with overseas agents to ensure smooth destination customs clearance and final-mile delivery.
• Financial Accountability: Handle full file costing, generate timely customer invoicing, audit vendor invoices, and maximize file profitability.

Requirements:

• Experience: 3+ years of hands-on export operations experience strictly within a freight forwarding environment handling both air and ocean modes.
• Logistics Acumen: Strong, practical knowledge of international supply chain logistics, Incoterms (2020), and door-to-door routing strategies.
• Compliance Expertise: Thorough understanding of TSA regulations, FMC regulations, and AES/EEI filing requirements.
• Industry Network: Proven experience negotiating and working directly with carriers, steamship lines, drayage providers, and international agent networks.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional multitasking capabilities, sharp attention to detail, and a calm, customer-centric approach to problem-solving under pressure.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in major freight forwarding software (e.g., CargoWise, Magaya, or similar enterprise logistics systems) alongside Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook).

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing global logistics network.

Rock City Logistics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, high-energy environment for all employees. All employment decisions—including hiring, promotion, discipline, or termination—are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state (including the Michigan Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act), or local laws.

A Note to Third-Party Recruitment Agencies: > Rock City Logistics manages all talent acquisition internally. We do not accept unsolicited resumes, headhunter leads, or agency profiles from search firms or staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our job board, internal team members, or company email addresses will be deemed the sole property of Rock City Logistics, and no fee or placement compensation will be paid under any circumstances. We kindly ask that agencies do not contact our hiring managers or executive team directly.