Ocean Freight Manager

At AmeriLux Logistics, we are in the people business. We are committed to scaling our culture and delivering exceptional value to every strategic partner. AmeriLux is hiring an Ocean Freight Manager to own ocean freight for our fully managed customers, from booking through final delivery. You will coordinate every shipment, manage carrier and partner performance, and negotiate the rates and contracts that keep our customers' supply chains cost-effective and on time.

Coordination

Coordinate end-to-end ocean freight (FCL and LCL) for fully managed customers, from PO and booking through vessel departure, arrival, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery.

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, providing proactive shipment updates, exception alerts, and recovery plans.

Work with overseas agents, NVOCCs, steamship lines, customs brokers, drayage carriers, and warehouses to keep cargo moving on schedule.

Ensure accurate, timely shipping documentation: bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, ISF (10+2) filings, and certificates of origin.

Monitor port congestion, vessel rollings, blank sailings, and equipment shortages, and reroute or rebook as needed.

Management

Own the ocean freight portfolio for fully managed accounts, including service levels, transit performance, and cost.

Track and report KPIs such as on-time performance, transit time, cost per container, and demurrage and detention exposure.

Lead quarterly business reviews with customers, presenting performance data and improvement opportunities.

Manage carrier and vendor scorecards and hold partners accountable to agreed service levels.

Minimize demurrage, detention, and per diem charges through proactive planning and dispute resolution.

Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs (CBP), FMC regulations, Incoterms, and applicable trade and sanctions rules.

Negotiation

Negotiate annual service contracts and spot rates with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and freight forwarders.

Run ocean freight RFQs and bid events on behalf of customers, analyzing lane-by-lane pricing and recommending awards.

Secure space and equipment allocations during peak season and periods of capacity constraint.

Negotiate accessorial charges, free time, and demurrage and detention waivers.

Review and audit freight invoices against contracted rates, and resolve billing disputes.

Build and maintain strong relationships with carrier and agent partners to gain competitive advantage for AmeriLux customers.

Requirements

• Required
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of international ocean freight experience with a forwarder, NVOCC, 3PL, or shipper, including 2+ years in a customer-facing or account management role.
• Proven track record negotiating ocean freight rates and carrier contracts.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms, ocean documentation, ISF, and U.S. customs processes.
• Proficiency with TMS platforms, shipment visibility tools, and Microsoft Excel
• Preferred
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified International Freight Forwarder (CIFF) credential.
• Experience managing fully managed or outsourced logistics accounts.
• Established relationships with major ocean carriers and overseas agent networks.
• Experience supervising or mentoring a team.