Sales Executive - Ocean Freight Forwarding

General information
Country
USA
State
Ohio
City
Columbus
Descriptions & requirements
About the role:
As an Ocean Freight Forwarding Sales Executive for TQL Global, you will play a key role in expanding our international ocean freight forwarding business. This role is focused on developing new customer relationships and growing existing accounts by delivering customized FCL, LCL, and end-to-end international logistics solutions. You will work closely with TQL's extensive domestic sales network and global operations teams to identify shippers with international freight needs and position TQL Global as a strategic logistics partner. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing divisions within TQL and build a book of business in a high-growth global trade environment with high earning potential.
What's in it for you:

• Competitive base salary
• Uncapped commission opportunities
• Advancement opportunities within structured career paths
• Comprehensive benefits package
  • Health, dental and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Perks including employee discounts, financial wellness planning, tuition reimbursement and more
• Certified Great Place to Work with 900+ lifetime workplace award wins

What you'll be doing:

• Identify, pursue, and close new ocean freight forwarding opportunities within an assigned territory or vertical
• Develop solutions for customers requiring FCL, LCL, drayage, transloading, customs brokerage, and door-to-door international logistics
• Partner with TQL's domestic sales teams to uncover import/export opportunities within their customer base
• Manage the full sales life cycle including prospecting, solution development, pricing strategy, contract negotiation, and account onboarding
• Work with internal pricing, carrier management, and operations teams to develop competitive ocean freight proposals
• Build relationships with importers, exporters, procurement leaders, and supply chain decision-makers
• Represent TQL Global at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings
• Travel to meet customers and prospects regularly (approximately 25% travel)
• Provide market intelligence on carrier capacity, ocean rates, port congestion, and global trade trends

What you need:

• 2+ years of ocean freight forwarding experience required
• Experience selling international ocean freight services (FCL/LCL) strongly preferred
• Knowledge of global shipping lanes, ocean carriers, NVOCC operations, and international supply chains
• Experience selling or coordinating drayage, customs brokerage, or international logistics solutions
• Strong communication, negotiation, and consultative sales skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
• Willingness to travel up to 25%
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required

Employment visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. Applicants requiring employment visa sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., F-1 STEM OPT, H-1B, TN, J1 etc.) will not be considered.
About Us
Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is one of the largest freight brokerage firms in the nation. TQL connects customers with truckload freight that needs to be moved with quality carriers who have the capacity to move it.
As a company that operates 24/7/365, TQL manages work-life balance with sales support teams that assist with accounting, and after hours calls and specific needs. At TQL, the opportunities are endless which means that there is room for career advancement and the ability to write your own paycheck.
What's your worth? Our open and transparent communication from management creates a successful work environment and custom career path for our employees. TQL is an industry-leader in the logistics industry with unlimited potential. Be a part of something big.
Total Quality Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at recruiting@tql.com