Description

The Pricing & Solutions Analyst is responsible for developing, analyzing, and optimizing ocean freight pricing strategies to support competitive quoting, margin improvement, and operational excellence. This role partners closely with Sales, Operations, Procurement, and Carrier Management to ensure accurate rate distribution, market‑aligned pricing, and strong profitability across all ocean freight service offerings, including FCL, LCL, special equipment, and consolidations. The Pricing Analyst manages RFQs and spot quotes, conducts cost and margin analysis, and maintains pricing tools and databases to support informed decision-making. This position requires strong analytical abilities, exceptional attention to detail, and the capability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of ocean markets, a collaborative mindset, and a proactive approach to supporting commercial strategies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver competitive ocean freight quotes for FCL, LCL, and special commodities.
• Review customer RFQs, bids, and spot quote requests and provide timely, accurate responses.
• Analyze total cost components—including ocean freight, inland transport, surcharges, and accessorials—to produce profitable pricing structures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of carrier tariffs, surcharges, GRI/FAK levels, and market fluctuations.
• Partner with Sales to tailor pricing strategies for strategic accounts and growth opportunities.
• Support procurement activities by gathering rate sheets, assisting in small-scale price negotiations, and maintaining vendor relationships.
• Monitor carrier performance and pricing trends across key trade lanes.
• Coordinate with Carrier Relations to align pricing with awarded allocations and service commitments.
• Track market trends, capacity changes, and ocean rate movements to forecast impacts.
• Conduct profitability and margin analysis to identify opportunities for yield improvement.
• Maintain rate databases, pricing tools, and internal reference materials.
• Generate recurring reports on quote activity, win/loss ratios, and pricing competitiveness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, and Sales to support accuracy, governance, and customer-facing initiatives.
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Economics, or related field preferred.
• Certification/Licensure: None required.
• 2–4+ years of experience in freight forwarding, logistics, supply chain, or ocean transportation pricing.
• Strong understanding of ocean freight markets (FCL, LCL, surcharges, Incoterms, carrier structures).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong data analysis capabilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in calculations.
• Experience using pricing or TMS platforms (CargoWise preferred).
• Familiarity with NVOCC/Ocean Freight contract and RFQ processes.
• Analytical background with experience in reporting, dashboarding, or modeling.
• Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
• Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.).
• Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on‑site setting listed in this posting, with travel for related meetings/events.

Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Most Trustworthy Companies" publication