Carrier Representative – Procurement Specialist (Ocean Freight)

Skypace is the ocean freight service and technology division of Maxton Shipping Inc., a U.S.-based freight forwarder with a global operating network. Skypace provides a shipper-facing platform that enables customers to execute ocean freight shipments using both Maxton’s carrier contracts and their own negotiated agreements, supported by sourcing analytics and structured cost-based decision making across the supply chain.

‍

The platform supports quoting, booking, documentation management, and real-time shipment tracking through direct integrations with major ocean carriers, including Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd. Supporting services such as inland transportation, customs clearance, cargo insurance, and 4PL coordination are managed within the same execution framework.

‍

Skypace is used for active freight operations and is designed to automate standardized processes while applying human expertise where regulatory accuracy, coordination, and customer communication are required.

‍

The Carrier Representative - Procurement Specialist is responsible for negotiating ocean freight rates and commercial terms with ocean carriers and NVOCC partners. This role manages carrier pricing inputs that directly support sales quoting, customer contracts, and shipment execution across global trade lanes.

‍

The position exists to ensure competitive, reliable, and contractually sound carrier sourcing aligned with market conditions and operational capacity.

‍

Key Responsibilities:

‍

Carrier Rate Negotiation and Contract Management

• Negotiate FAK and named account ocean freight rates with ocean carriers and NVOCC partners;
• Manage service contracts, rate agreements, and spot pricing structures;
• Align rate negotiations with customer requirements, trade lane volumes, and service expectations;
• Review carrier surcharges, accessorials, and validity periods.

Market and Capacity Management

• Monitor market rate trends, capacity shifts, and carrier behavior across major trade lanes;
• Track seasonal changes, GRIs, PSS, and equipment availability;
• Provide market intelligence to sales and pricing teams.

Pricing Support and Internal Coordination

• Support sales and pricing teams with carrier-backed rate structures;
• Validate rate applicability for specific trade lanes, commodities, and customer profiles;
• Coordinate allocation usage and space commitments with operations.

Data and System Management

• Maintain accurate carrier rate data within the Skypace platform;
• Ensure rate validity, routing rules, and service parameters are correctly configured;
• Support sourcing analytics and cost-based decision logic through clean pricing inputs.

Carrier Relationship Management

• Maintain working relationships with carrier account managers;
• Coordinate service reviews, performance feedback, and escalation discussions;
• Support long-term carrier engagement and commercial continuity.

‍

Operational Interfaces:

• Ocean freight sales and pricing teams;
• Ocean freight operations and booking teams;
• Carrier account managers and pricing desks;
• Finance and management for margin and cost analysis.

‍

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Experience negotiating ocean freight rates with container carriers or NVOCCs;
• Strong understanding of carrier pricing structures, trade lanes, and service contracts;
• Familiarity with GRIs, PSS, equipment constraints, and allocation models;
• Analytical mindset with attention to rate applicability and cost exposure;
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

‍

This role directly shapes the commercial foundation of ocean freight execution. Carrier pricing decisions influence customer competitiveness, margin structure, and operational reliability. Skypace applies structured systems to manage rate data and sourcing logic while relying on experienced procurement professionals to interpret market conditions and negotiate effective commercial outcomes.

Professionally, the role provides continuous exposure to carrier markets, trade lane dynamics, and the interaction between pricing strategy and live shipment execution.