Sales Executive - Ocean Freight Forwarding

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

Where you'll be: 745 West New Circle Road, Building 200 Suite 300 Lexington, KY 40511

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.