Account Specialist - Export/Import

Job Title

Position at Seaboard Marine

Job Description

This position provides guidance and general information to customers pertaining to requirements for transportation to/from the countries we service, as well as handles rate variations by commodity. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

Required

• One (1) to Two (2) years of experience in Customer Service, Traffic and/or Rates in the logistics industry. In lieu of experience in the industry, one (1) to two (2) years of customer service experience, with certification/education in logistics or related field, attained or currently pursuing.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English and Spanish at an intermediate to advanced level in a business environment.
• Intermediate computer skills in programs such as MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to prepare a variety of reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and fellow employees.
• Must have organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and respond to common inquiries promptly.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Flexibility towards adapting to changing market trends and conditions.
• Ability to work in a goal-oriented team, multi-task, and function comfortably in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think logically, follow instructions, and make sound decisions within established systems and procedures.
• Ability to work extended hours, holidays, and/or weekends as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary

• Receive, research, and respond to customer inquiries and requests promptly and efficiently; offer customer alternatives to unresolved problems.
• Oversee the overall performance/progress of assigned accounts, keeping customers informed of all aspects of their cargoes, providing an effective service.
• Focus on providing high-quality service, to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Secure bookings effectively; work with all divisions to ensure successful execution.
• Attend to high volume of incoming phone calls.
• Coordinate and arrange most effective mode of transportation, per customer's requirements and needs, from point of origin to final destination.
• Coordinate delivery appointments with Inbound and Intermodal Departments.
• Keep abreast of M/V changes or related issues as they pertain to areas of responsibility (countries in charge of), always maintaining close communication with customer base.
• Run and disseminate reports as part of keeping customers informed of their inventory at the ports and their facilities in order to minimize demurrage and per diems charges, hence, assisting on the turnaround of containers.
• Track shipments in transit or documentation through proper channels, as needed.

Secondary

• Quote various types of rates (port-to-port, intermodal, over the road, railroad, transshipment) and effectively work with pricing department in developing rates as per customer's needs. Keep abreast of tariff changes, including any new regulations and changes in rate applicability.
• Mild contract rate negotiations.
• Issue corrections/invoices to Bills of Lading (BOLs) as needed, at the request of customers or due to internal errors.
• Review and research proper rating of Bills of Lading as needed, and audit customer account balances to assist Credit and Collections in maintaining a current receivables standing.
• Keep management informed of any issues concerning areas of responsibility.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and walk continuously.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use his/her fingers.
• The employee frequently is required to talk and/or hear.
• The employee is continuously required to sit.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Safety Requirements

• Report safety hazards
• Immediately report incidents involving injury, illness, or property damage
• Wear protective PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as instructed or necessary
• Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and rules
• Refuse any unsafe task or operation
• Participate in safety meetings and training
• Be constantly aware of their personal safety and that of their coworkers

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives direct supervision from the Supervisor of Specialized Services. Does not exercise supervision over any position.

Conditions

• Indoors office environment, exposed to controlled temperature and office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate

Disclaimer

• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
• If an applicant with a disability is unable or limited in their ability to use or access our online application center as a result of their disability, they can request reasonable accommodations by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
• The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.