Ocean Operations Agent - Coppell - Forward Air

Description

Ocean Operations Agent (Import)

Description:
The Ocean Operations Agent plays a key role in ensuring the timely, compliant, and efficient movement of international ocean freight shipments. This position manages end‑to‑end export processes, communicates with carriers and customers, and supports internal teams to keep freight moving without disruption. The role requires strong attention to detail, an understanding of global logistics documentation, and the ability to navigate fast‑paced operational environments. The Ocean Operations Agent is accountable for tracking milestones, resolving delays, and maintaining full compliance with export regulations and company procedures. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, proactive problem‑solving, and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service. This position supports the broader supply chain by ensuring accurate shipment documentation, schedule integrity, and operational efficiency across all ocean export activity.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and monitor ocean freight shipments from origin to destination, ensuring timely movement of cargo.

• Communicate with carriers, freight forwarders, vendors, and customers to confirm bookings, schedules, and documentation requirements.

• Prepare, review, and process all export documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and compliance paperwork.

• Track, update, and maintain shipment milestones within internal systems, ensuring stakeholders receive timely and accurate updates.

• Ensure compliance with international shipping laws, export controls, Incoterms, and company policies.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues such as delays, equipment challenges, documentation discrepancies, or cargo exceptions.

• Collaborate with internal teams to optimize workflows, reduce costs, and improve operational consistency.

• Maintain accurate records of shipments, carrier performance, metrics, and document archives.

• Coordinate with carriers to secure bookings, obtain sailing schedules, and ensure proper equipment availability.

• Assist with rate requests, cost validations, and identifying opportunities for process improvements.

• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.

• Certification/Licensure: Hazmat certification preferred.

• At least 1–3 years of international logistics and ocean export experience.

• Strong understanding of ocean freight processes, export documentation, and carrier coordination.

• Knowledge of Incoterms and export compliance procedures.

• Experience with CargoWise (TMS) preferred.

• Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities with strong organizational and time‑management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.

• Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 and web conferencing tools.

• Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on‑site setting, with travel for related meetings/events.

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Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated "time-definite" basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Most Trustworthy Companies" publication