FREIGHT RATE SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of transportation classification, routing, administration, and procurement tasks pertaining to the OCONUS/CONUS shipments of hazardous materials, general supplies, tools and equipment by rail, motor, air, water, and other means.

Determines the legally applicable and most economical rates and routes for shipment of freight in accordance with published tariffs.

In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Clerical and Administrative Support Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-08, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes: Knowledge of published classification guides, rate tariffs, agreements, contracts and related carrier and Federal publications; Knowledge of a wide range of commercial tariffs and tenders to properly rate and route freight/cargo shipments; Knowledge of transportation regulations, methods, and techniques relating to the movement of freight in order to affect shipment of commodities; Knowledge of safety and security practices and procedures.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-08 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of published classification guides, rate tariffs, agreements, contracts and related carrier and Federal publications.

Knowledge of a wide range of commercial tariffs and tenders to properly rate and route freight/cargo shipments.

Knowledge of transportation regulations, methods, and techniques relating to the movement of freight in order to affect shipment of commodities.

Knowledge of safety and security practices and procedures. Skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing.

Ability to apply procedures and directives by reading and interpreting transportation related instructions and guidelines.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

Plans and carries out shipping arrangements for movements are made principally within a geographic area comprised of approximately one-half of the United States or nationwide (and sometimes to contiguous foreign countries) including shipments to seaports when there is no responsibility for rates and routes beyond the seaports.

Performs difficult and complex classification, routing, and rating of shipments. Conducts pre- and post-audits and maintains shipping documentation, and performs carrier evaluations.

Provides technical guidance and advice on problems in all phases of outbound/inbound shipping.