Ocean Pricing Analyst

Job Summary

The Ocean Pricing Analyst is responsible for managing and leading ocean freight pricing activities with a strong focus on FCL and LCL services. This role plays a critical part in developing competitive and profitable pricing strategies through direct negotiation with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, co-loaders, and inland service providers.

The position works closely with Sales, Operations, and overseas offices to support RFQs, customer-specific pricing solutions, and margin optimization while ensuring accurate rate application and operational feasibility. This is a Mid-senior level position expected to provide market insight, pricing leadership, and process improvements.

Job Responsibilities

Ocean Pricing & Rate Management

• Prepare and provide global ocean freight (FCL & LCL) quotations for import and export shipments.
• Negotiate contract, spot, and promotional rates directly with ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and co-loaders.
• Manage carrier service contracts and monitor GRI, PSS, CAF, BAF, and other surcharges.
• Analyze ocean market trends by trade lane (Transpacific, Transatlantic, Intra-Asia, etc.) and adjust pricing strategies accordingly.

RFQ & Customer Pricing Support

• Lead global RFQ responses, including FOB and key strategic accounts.
• Design customized ocean and door-to-door pricing solutions based on customer needs.
• Conduct margin and profitability analysis and recommend pricing improvements.
• Support strategic customers with long-term pricing and performance monitoring.

Inland Transportation & Accessorial Costs

• Source and negotiate trucking, drayage, rail, warehouse, and transloading costs.
• Coordinate origin and destination local charges (THC, documentation, handling, etc.).
• Maintain and update drayage and inland rate tables on a regular basis.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales to support deal closing through competitive yet profitable pricing.
• Work closely with Import and Export Operations teams to ensure correct rate application.
• Coordinate with overseas offices to align origin costs and service routing.
• Resolve pricing-related escalations and exceptions.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain and manage ocean pricing databases and rate repositories.
• Prepare pricing performance, margin, and lane analysis reports for management.
• Provide insights and recommendations to support ocean pricing strategy development.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Support and mentor junior pricing team members.
• Drive process improvements, standardization, and best practices within pricing operations.
• Perform additional pricing or strategy-related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in ocean pricing, freight forwarding, or international logistics.
• Strong expertise in FCL and LCL ocean freight pricing and trade lane dynamics.
• Proven experience negotiating rates with ocean carriers and NVOCCs.
• In-depth knowledge of RFQ processes and customer pricing strategies.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and pricing data analysis.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• Experience working with U.S. and global freight forwarders.
• Familiarity with CargoWise or other TMS/ERP systems.
• Strong analytical mindset with a focus on margin optimization.
• Professional-level English communication skills (written and verbal).