Surcharges
Surcharges are additional fees added to standard shipping rates in the freight forwarding industry. These are special charges that shipping companies add to cover extra costs like fuel price changes, peak season demands, or special handling requirements. Think of them like extra fees a restaurant might add for delivery during bad weather or holidays. Understanding surcharges is important in freight forwarding because they significantly impact the final cost of shipping and need to be correctly calculated and explained to customers.
Examples in Resumes
Managed and monitored Surcharges for a portfolio of 200+ international shipping accounts
Negotiated Surcharge rates with carriers resulting in 15% cost reduction
Developed client communication strategy for seasonal Surcharges implementation
Typical job title: "Freight Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Freight Coordinators
Professional Networks
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a strategy to manage seasonal surcharge fluctuations?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should include creating forecasting models, maintaining carrier relationships, developing client communication plans, and having contingency plans for unexpected surcharge changes.
Q: How do you handle customer disputes regarding surcharges?
Expected Answer: Should discuss verification processes, documentation requirements, negotiation strategies, and maintaining customer relationships while protecting company interests.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the most common types of surcharges and how do you explain them to clients?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain fuel surcharges, peak season surcharges, and special handling fees in simple terms, with examples of how they impact shipping costs.
Q: How do you calculate and verify surcharge accuracy?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of reviewing carrier invoices, checking against agreed rates, and using systems to verify calculations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a surcharge and why are they applied to shipments?
Expected Answer: Should explain that surcharges are additional fees beyond base rates that cover specific costs like fuel or special handling, with basic examples.
Q: How do you document and track surcharges in shipping quotes?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic documentation processes and importance of clear communication with customers about additional charges.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of common surcharge types
- Quote preparation including surcharges
- Customer service and basic explanations
- Data entry and tracking
Mid (2-5 years)
- Surcharge calculation and verification
- Carrier negotiation
- Customer dispute resolution
- Rate analysis and comparison
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic surcharge management
- Contract negotiation
- Team training and development
- Process improvement implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain different types of surcharges
- Lack of experience with rate calculations
- Poor understanding of industry terminology
- No experience with customer communication regarding fees
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