Description
Plan and coordinate international ocean shipments, securing vessel space and equipment and routing cargo via appropriate ports and transshipment hubs. Ensure compliance with maritime and customs regulations, prepare ocean documentation, and arrange related services such as port handling, drayage, warehousing, and insurance.
- • Select ocean service routes and transshipment hubs based on cargo, transit time, and risk.
- • Determine efficient, cost-effective ocean services and intermodal connections.
- • Book vessel space (FCL/LCL) and secure containers or special equipment.
- • Arrange port handling, warehousing, and final delivery from port.
- • Organize special moves for reefers, hazardous (IMDG), out-of-gauge, or breakbulk cargo.
- • Assist clients with marine cargo insurance placement and claims.
- • Calculate CBM, weight/measure, container utilization, and total ocean freight cost.
- • Prepare ocean bills of lading, dock receipts, packing lists, invoices, and certificates of origin.
- • Consolidate LCL shipments and manage deconsolidation at destination CFS.
- • Advise clients on carrier options, sailings, cut-offs, transshipments, and maritime regulations.
- • Maintain shipment files and EDI records for departures and arrivals.
- • Stay current on maritime laws, port conditions, embargoes, and trade lane disruptions.
- • Track containers and vessels; provide milestone updates.
- • Negotiate ocean freight, surcharges, and free time with carriers and NVOCCs.
- • Obtain marine cargo and war-risk insurance as needed.
- • Arrange payment of ocean freight, terminal charges, demurrage, detention, and insurance.
- • Prepare ocean freight quotations, landed cost estimates, and invoices.
- • Recommend seaworthy export packing, container loading plans, and ISPM 15 compliance.
- • Verify seaworthy packing, container seals, marks and numbers, and IMO hazard labels.
- • Verify documents meet customs, carrier, SOLAS VGM, and security filing requirements.
- • Arrange customs clearance, duties, and port entry documentation.
- • File AES/EEI, ISF 10+2, AMS, and other required filings.
- • Coordinate with customs brokers, carriers, and port authorities for smooth clearance.
- • Provide port cut-offs, terminal details, free time allowances, and handling requirements.
- • Notify shippers, consignees, and insurers of bookings, departures, transshipments, and ETAs.
- • Refer clients to experts in letters of credit, export compliance, and marine insurance.
- • Analyze ocean routes and carrier services to minimize environmental impact.
- • Arrange drayage and rail with low-emission options and short-sea alternatives where feasible.
- • Recommend reusable dunnage and eco-friendly packing for ocean transport.
- • Recommend ocean shipping solutions that balance cost, risk, transit, and sustainability.
- • Review ocean carriers' environmental performance and IMO compliance when selecting services.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Supply Chain & Transportation
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
