Ocean Export Forwarding Agent - BCO Accounts (Mid-Level)

“We’re not in the shipping business; we’re in the information business” -Peter Rose, Expeditors Founder

Global supply chain management is what we do, but at the heart of Expeditors you will find professionalism, leadership, and a friendly environment, all of which foster an innovative, customer service-based approach to logistics.

• 19,000 trained professionals
• 350+ locations worldwide
• Fortune 500
• Globally unified systems

We are looking for a skilled and customer-focused Ocean Export Forwarding Agent to manage ocean freight export operations for high-volume BCO (Beneficial Cargo Owner) clients. In this mid-level role, you will act as the primary operational liaison between our organization and key customer stakeholders, ensuring that their international shipments move efficiently, compliantly, and according to service expectations.

This position requires a strong sense of ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex bookings, schedules, and customer requirements within a performance-driven logistics environment.

Tasks and Duties:

This section lists job-specific tasks and duties that are completed on a regular basis by the employee as noted in the Ocean Export Operational Performance Standards. Click on the link to the performance standards to view more details for each task.  This list may be edited to the specific job role.

• Receive documents
• Prepare shipments
• Route shipments
• Manage freight receipt
• Process shipments
• Monitor shipments

Product Agent Job-Specific Performance Expectations

• - Coordinate end-to-end ocean export operations for assigned BCO accounts, with full accountability for service execution.
• - Manage carrier bookings (FCL and LCL), container allocation, documentation, and equipment scheduling based on customer-specific routing guides and lead times.
• - Build strong relationships with BCO customers through consistent communication, proactive updates, and fast issue resolution.
• - Prepare, review, and ensure timely delivery of accurate export documentation (e.g., bill of lading instructions, AES filings, commercial invoices, certificates).
• - Monitor sailings, transshipment milestones, and arrival times to ensure compliance with customer SLAs and internal KPIs.
• - Collaborate closely with ocean carriers, truckers, CFS stations, and warehouse providers to ensure shipment integrity and timely execution.
• - Utilize TMS or ERP systems to maintain shipment visibility, documentation records, and financial accuracy.
• - Investigate and resolve operational exceptions, demurrage/detention risk, and other cost-related challenges before escalation.
• - Support customer-specific reporting, KPI tracking, and performance improvement initiatives.
• - Stay current with regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., FMC, BIS, AES, Incoterms).

Physical Demands

• Use of standard office equipment - computer with keyboard and mouse, phone, fax/copy/scan machine, etc.  
• Write with pencil/pen/marker 
• Functions performed primarily while sitting at desk

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in ocean export operations, preferably with some  experience with direct support for BCO or enterprise-level accounts.
• Proven understanding of the international shipping process, carrier booking, and export documentation.
• Familiarity with U.S. export compliance regulations, Incoterms 2020, and AES filing.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills; experience in managing B2B relationships with large shippers.
• Proficiency in logistics systems, and Microsoft Excel/Outlook.
• Ability to thrive in a deadline-driven, high-accountability environment with minimal supervision.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, or International Business preferred, or commensurate work experience in the industry

Expeditors’ Key Performance Expectations

• Exceptional Customer Service:

Exceeds customer expectations by anticipating, understanding and meeting needs. Is proactive and when issues arise, is timely and resolute in solving problems, including escalating to management when necessary. Builds rapport and exhibits empathy during interactions and consistently strives to improve customer satisfaction with customers. (This skill expectation applies both externally (customers, service providers) and internally (other Expeditors offices/employees).

• Job Execution:

Consistently completes quality work that matches job expectations.  Is committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement for own job function and across the network.  All activities are compliant with company policies/procedures and code of business conduct and with government regulations.

• Reliability:

Consistently meets deadlines. Is punctual and can be relied on for planning purposes. Is organized, manages own time effectively and can prioritize.

• Collaboration:

Displays a willingness to accomplish not only his/her own job responsibilities without the need for constant prodding but is willing, without request, to aid and assist others to the benefit of the company and/or customers. Works in harmony with superiors and fellow workers without incident or delay.

• Communication:

Effectively listens to others and communicates (verbal and written) in a professional manner, both internally and externally. Provides relevant and timely information to co-workers, customers and service providers.  Answers phone calls and responds to voicemails, emails and other communication according to Expeditors' standards.

• Culture:

Exhibits and promotes the company’s 10 cultural attributes: Appearance, Attitude, Confidence, Curiosity, Excellence, Integrity, Pride, Resolute, Sense of Humor, and Visionary. 

• Personal Growth and Development:

Participates in training within the company’s guidelines, completing at least 52 hours of relevant training per year. Completes required training in a timely manner with minimal reminders. Pursues professional development goals for self, including participating in a development plan as appropriate.

Product Agent Job-Specific Performance Expectations

Coordinate end-to-end ocean export operations for assigned BCO accounts, with full accountability for service execution.

Manage carrier bookings (FCL and LCL), container allocation, documentation, and equipment scheduling based on customer-specific routing guides and lead times.

Build strong relationships with BCO customers through consistent communication, proactive updates, and fast issue resolution.

Prepare, review, and ensure timely delivery of accurate export documentation (e.g., bill of lading instructions, AES filings, commercial invoices, certificates).

Monitor sailings, transshipment milestones, and arrival times to ensure compliance with customer SLAs and internal KPIs.

Collaborate closely with ocean carriers, truckers, CFS stations, and warehouse providers to ensure shipment integrity and timely execution.

Utilize TMS or ERP systems to maintain shipment visibility, documentation records, and financial accuracy.

Investigate and resolve operational exceptions, demurrage/detention risk, and other cost-related challenges before escalation.

Support customer-specific reporting, KPI tracking, and performance improvement initiatives.

Stay current with regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., FMC, BIS, AES, Incoterms).

Expeditors offers excellent benefits

• Paid Vacation, Holiday, Sick Time 
• Health Plan: Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental and Vision
• Life and Long Term Disability Insurance 
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (US only)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
• Training and Personnel Development Program

Reporting Structure: Ocean Export Supervisor,  Manager

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.