Ocean Freight Forwarding Associate

Who We Are

Pinnacle Logistics Solutions (PLS) is a specialized transportation and logistics company located in Cambridge, Ontario.

Our company’s strong values and commitment to corporate social responsibility guarantee that creative & safe cost-cutting solutions are provided to each customer to meet project goals. We specialize in oversized cargo for large multi-year projects managing the entire transportation and logistics cycles.

The Role

We’re looking for an Ocean Freight Coordinator to serve as the key link between our clients, the PLS operations team and external stakeholders on ocean freight projects. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll be responsible for the end-to-end coordination of ocean and intermodal shipments—from rate negotiation and booking through to documentation and delivery.

What You’ll Do

• Rate & Strategy: Obtain, negotiate, and build out competitive freight rates with ocean and inland carriers. Creatively develop shipping strategies that create value-add solutions for the client, processing requests within desired timelines.
• Documentation: Ensure all ocean import and export documentation is consistently accurate, complete, and compliant per shipment, including Bills of Lading, SLIs, AWBs, and TDG documentation. CBSA eManifest Portal filing is also under your responsibility as the freight forwarder.
• Shipment Tracking: Ensure timely and accurate movement of freight and information. Keep clients informed with proactive booking notices, position updates, and escalation of any delays or anomalies.
• Agent Coordination: Arrange collection of client goods with overseas agents and communicate pick-ups, updates, and status changes in a timely manner, at times even outside of office hours.
• Cargo Register: Liaise with shippers to capture cargo details in advance of Required At Site (RAS) dates, entering all details into the Cargo Register and flagging any challenging cargo (oversized dimensions, special handling, TDG, etc.) to the Transportation Analyst.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with our Transportation Analyst and Logistics Coordinators to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned on delivery schedules and logistics requirements.

What You Offer

• +5 years of hands-on experience in a 3PL or freight forwarding environment with a strong focus on ocean transportation. You have an established network of carrier contacts, experience vetting partners, and proven relationships you can call upon to get things done.
• Oversized & project cargo experience is required. You’ve worked with breakbulk, oversized, or complex cargo from industries such as construction, mining, nuclear, or utilities. You understand the nuance of this cargo well enough to verify optimal shipping conditions and flag risks before they become problems.
• Strong communicator in English—written and verbal. A second language is a definite plus.
• Tech-savvy and adaptable— you can quickly learn and navigate new systems. Our stack includes Neosix, ZoHo, and Microsoft Suite.
• Able to work in-office 5 days a week at our HQ in Cambridge, ON, with occasional travel within the GTA and to project sites.

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Extended health care
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person