Position: Inside Sales & Account Manager – Freight Forwarding (US Imports from Asia)
Industry: Import Freight Forwarding — Imports from China & Asia to the US
Company: Platton (platton.ai)
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-time (Independent Contractor)
About the Company
Platton is a US-based freight forwarder specializing in imports from China and Asia to the United States. We handle the full supply chain — ocean (FCL/LCL), air freight, drayage, final mile delivery, and warehousing — for importers ranging from e-commerce sellers to established US retailers and manufacturers.
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Inside Sales & Account Manager who will be the primary point of contact for our clients and take full ownership of every shipment from quote to delivery. This is not a cold-calling role — this is an operational, client-facing position. You will design logistics solutions, select the right shipping modes, calculate landed costs, advise on customs compliance, and make sure cargo arrives on time. When a client asks whether their goods should move FCL or LCL, what the duty impact of Section 301 is, or how to avoid demurrage at the port. You will also nurture existing accounts through regular outreach, email campaigns, and upselling additional services. This role requires deep freight forwarding experience: you must understand how US imports work from factory floor in China to final delivery in the US, including ocean/air freight, drayage, customs clearance, last mile, and warehousing.
You Will:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients — own the relationship and be responsible for the client's experience across every shipment
- Design end-to-end logistics solutions for clients: select optimal shipping modes (ocean FCL/LCL, air, drayage, final mile), route cargo through the right ports and terminals, and structure the supply chain to meet their cost and timeline goals
- Prepare and send accurate quotes including all cost components: freight, origin/destination charges, customs fees, duties (MFN + Section 301), drayage, warehousing, and delivery
- Advise clients on CBP import procedures, ISF filing requirements, HTS classification implications, Incoterms selection, documentation requirements, and duty/tariff exposure
- Manage the full shipment lifecycle: proactively track cargo, communicate status updates, flag delays or issues (vessel rollings, customs holds, port congestion), and coordinate solutions before the client has to ask
- Handle day-to-day client inquiries via email and calls — answer questions about transit times, commodity-specific requirements (FDA, FCC, CPSC), container types, consolidation options, and more
- Conduct regular check-ins with existing clients: remind them about available services, share relevant updates (rate changes, new routes, seasonal advisories)
- Execute email campaigns to the existing client base — service announcements, promotional offers, seasonal reminders, and re-engagement sequences
- Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities within existing accounts
- Process and respond to inbound leads — qualify, quote, and convert warm inquiries into active clients
- Maintain accurate client records and communication logs in CRM
- Support billing and invoicing processes — assist with dispute resolution and payment follow-ups when needed
- Coordinate closely with the operations team, customs brokers, and overseas agents to ensure seamless service execution
- Collect client feedback and flag recurring issues or improvement opportunities to leadership
Requirements:
- C2 English Proficiency — written and spoken
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in freight forwarding in a client-facing role (inside sales, account management, or operations with direct client interaction) — specifically handling US imports
- Deep understanding of the full US import supply chain: origin cargo pickup, export customs, ocean/air transit, ISF/AMS filing, CBP entry and clearance, drayage from port, deconsolidation, last mile delivery, and warehousing
- Strong knowledge of Incoterms 2020 (FOB, EXW, CIF, DAP, DDP) — must understand the practical cost and risk implications and advise clients on the best option for their situation
- Solid understanding of CBP import procedures: ISF (10+2) filing deadlines and penalties, entry process, HTS classification concepts, duty calculation (MFN + Section 301 + MPF + HMF), and when partner government agencies (FDA, FCC, USDA, CPSC) are involved
- Hands-on experience with multiple shipping modes and their operational nuances: ocean FCL vs LCL (breakpoints, transit times, consolidation), air freight (dimensional weight, airports, express vs standard), drayage (chassis, per diem, demurrage/detention), and warehousing
- Fluency in freight forwarding terminology: B/L, telex release, AMS, ISF, HTS, CBP hold, VACIS exam, pier pass, chassis split, free time, carrier allocation, vessel rollover, etc. — this vocabulary must be second nature
- Experience preparing freight quotes that include all cost components (not just ocean freight) and understanding of margin/markup principles
- Experience using CRM systems (HubSpot, Salesforce, or equivalent) for client management and communication tracking
- Excellent organizational skills — ability to manage 15–30+ active client accounts simultaneously without dropping the ball
- Proactive communication style — you reach out to clients before they have to chase you. When a vessel rolls or a customs hold happens, you notify the client first.
- Available full-time during US business hours (Pacific Time preferred)
Strong Preference Given To Candidates With:
- Experience specifically with China/Asia US trade lane (Transpacific)
- Previous experience at a freight forwarder handling both ocean and air shipments (not just carrier, trucker, or customs broker)
- Experience working with Amazon FBA sellers, e-commerce brands, or mid-market US importers — understanding their specific logistics needs (FBA labeling, appointment scheduling, inventory planning)
- Familiarity with TMS or freight management platforms (CargoWise, Magaya, Freightos, or similar)
- Familiarity with email marketing tools (HubSpot Email, Mailchimp, or similar) for client outreach campaigns
- Experience coordinating directly with overseas agents and origin offices in China
- Mandarin or Cantonese language skills
- Knowledge of FTZs, bonded warehouses, and duty deferral strategies
- Understanding of FMC regulations, OTI/NVOCC distinctions, and C-TPAT
Recruitment Process:
- Application Submission
- Application Screening Test
- Recruiter Screening (may take approximately 1-2 weeks depending on applicant volume)
- Interview
- Test Task (for technical or specialized roles only)
- Offer
