Key Responsibilities
1. End-to-End India EXW Sourcing & Inland Logistics
- Source, structure, and optimize comprehensive pricing for India inland origin services, covering factory gate pick-ups, domestic long-haul trucking (FTL/LTL), and multi-modal rail movements to gateway ports.
- Procure competitive tariffs from domestic transport vendors, specialized cartage operators, and container train operators (CTOs) for major Inland Container Depots (ICDs) such as Dadri, Ludhiana, and Ahmedabad.
- Account for all local statutory and operational cost variables into commercial quotes, including state-border toll/tax variations, fuel surcharges, empty container repositioning costs, and local surveyor fees.
- Organize and review standard operating steps with partner Customs Brokers (CHAs) to map precise origin documentation fees, factory stuffing permissions, and port-gate terminal handling charges (THC).
2. Carrier Procurement & Relationship Management
- Negotiate spot, promotional, and long-term contract rates with the carrier partners.
- Secure space allocation, container inventory, and equipment commitments—particularly during peak seasons or blank sailing disruptions.
- Leverage existing relationships with liner commercial teams to secure ad-hoc bullet rates/NAcs for high-volume opportunities.
3. Compliance, Filings, and Regulatory Management
- Execute timely and accurate Named Account Contract (NAC) filings and special rate filings with ocean carriers prior to cargo receipt at origin.
- Audit all carrier contracts to ensure perfect alignment between filed rates and final invoicing, systematically eliminating billing discrepancies.
4. Route Optimization & Technical Costing
- Design and price optimal end-to-end transport routings (US East Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast, and Inland IPI points).
- Assess cost-benefit ratios of distinct route mechanics: All-Water (AW) vs. Intermodal / Mini-Landbridge (MLB) vs. Cross-Docking/Transloading at US gateways.
- Evaluate transit times, reliability metrics, and carrier scheduling frequencies to align commercial quotes with specific customer supply chain needs.
5. Specialized Cold Chain (Reefer) Portfolio
- Manage complex pricing structures for temperature-controlled freight (Reefer), incorporating Cold Treatment, Genset requirements, and seasonal peak surcharges.
- Maintain absolute clarity on strict US FDA, USDA, and customs inspection rules to accurately build associated risk/cost buffers into commercial proposals.
Technical Experience & Trade Knowledge
- Experience: 6 to 10 years of focused ocean freight pricing experience within a freight forwarding, with at least 4+ years dedicated to the India-US trade lane.
- US Geography & Routing Mastery: In-depth knowledge of major US base ports (LAX/LGB, NYC, SAV, HOU), primary inland rail ramps (CHI, DAL, ATL), and the corresponding intermodal networks.
- US Destination Rules & Free Time: Complete understanding of US terminal demurrage, rail storage, and carrier detention rules. Proven ability to negotiate extended combined free-time agreements at destination.
- US Weight & Equipment Limitations: Comprehensive knowledge of US State and Federal over-the-road weight limitations, including the US Interstate Bridge Formula and the mandatory use of specialized tri-axle chassis for heavy ocean containers.
- FMC Regulatory Environment: Practical expertise handling FMC tariff rules, ensuring all rates are legally filed and documented prior to booking execution.
Essential Strategic Competencies (Added Value Additions)
- US Drayage & Chassis Mechanics: Clear understanding of US trucking dynamics, including Chassis Split charges, clean truck fees, pre-pulls, and residential/lift-gate delivery surcharges that frequently erode destination margins.
- Manifest Filing Timelines: Working knowledge of US Customs 24-Hour Advance Vessel Manifest Rule (AMS) and Importer Security Filing (ISF / 10+2) timing implications on origin cargo cut-offs and late-stage pricing modifications.
- Advanced RFQ Management: Proven track record of independently managing, dissecting, and structuring multi-city, high-volume corporate RFQs and tenders with complex surcharge distributions.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- RFQ Conversion Rate: Percentage of generated quotes converted into live, booked revenue.
- Gross Profit Margin Optimization: Maintaining and expanding net yields per TEU through precise surcharge management and sharp carrier buy-rate procurement.
Turnaround Time (TAT): Meeting strict internal SLAs for delivering accurate, comprehensive spot and contract pricing to the sales organization.
