Operations Agent - WA
ICAT Logistics, Inc.Description: The role of Operations Agent is client facing to provide the highest-level customer experience through the processing of shipments. This involves commercial cargo with some contractor cargo. The role will rate quotes, make decisions regarding vendors, invoice amount and profit margin. The role will create SOPs, provide day-to-day coordination, execution and tracking of shipments, which could be domestic and/or international. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Prioritize, schedule, and route shipments for transportation throughout the U.S. cargo requirements including spot bidding and GFM knowledge for Government clients, if applicable Oversee shipment lifecycle management, ensuring accuracy of operational data while focusing on exception handling, issue resolution, and decision-making. Schedule and arrange pickups and deliveries Book space with carriers Negotiate rates with trucking companies, carriers, and cartage agents at the file level Coordinate and complete documentation between clients, vendors, forwarders, and brokers Prepare shipments for turnover to tracking team members Prepare quotations for ICAT clients at the file level Track and trace freight, as well as provide estimated times of arrival and verify piece counts Gather proof of deliveries and enter them into the operating system Request and enter vendor costs into each shipment and prepare to invoice within the time frame of ICAT policy Keep the information in the TMS (operating platform) updated and accurate Including tracking notes, service issues, and vendor issues Ensure that all industry and ICAT compliance requirements are met Exercise independent judgment in selecting vendors, establish pricing, and determining shipment execution strategy, including authority to deviate from standard options to optimize customer outcomes and profitability at the file level. Independently evaluates multiple operational and financial variables (e.g., cost, service level, transit time, customer requirements) to make non-routine decisions that materially impact business outcomes. Design, implement, and continuously refine standard operating procedures and workflows to improve efficiency, scalability, and margin performance at the file level. Accountable for shipment-level financial performance, including cost control, pricing accuracy, and margin optimization at the file level which impacts company growth. Collaborate with management and the team to establish plans for meeting short- & long-term goals Assist the Key Account Managers and station leadership to help build and maintain strong relationships with customers and vendors Join sales calls with key accounts to cultivate relationships Work with vendors to negotiate rates and/or handle discrepancies, and service issues Work with station management to actively participate in team meetings and provide ideas for continued team growth and development Be a leader through actions, communication, and mentoring May be required to work after hours on call as determined by management Perform other duties as assigned Requirements: Qualifications & Skill Requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 2+ Years of transportation and/or freight forwarding experience Working knowledge of asking for spot quotes, creating and routing LTL, TL, and expedited ground services Knowledge of the NMFC and density rating Hands-on ability with rating and routing freight Understanding of major carriers, including those who serve Canada and Mexico Proven track record of building relationships and gaining credibility with customers and vendors For Government clients additional qualifications required: Advanced knowledge of operating government freight Experience working in the USTRANSCOM program a plus Knowledge of: FMC, IMCO, ITA, TSA, C-TPAT, HAZMAT, US Customs Border Protection (CBP) Functional knowledge of international regulations and compliance procedures in air/ocean freight Experience asking for spot rates with tr…