Hazardous Shipment SpecialistPurpose of Job
The purpose of a Hazardous Shipment Specialist is to obtain, assess, audit, and document hazardous materials information related to cargo sailing on TOTE's vessels to ensure the safety of all involved.
This role serves as a critical link in maintaining regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and safe transportation practices. The Hazardous Shipment Specialist partners with customers and internal teams to ensure hazardous cargo documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with all applicable regulations while supporting the efficient movement of freight throughout TOTE's network.
Main Duties and Responsibilities- Add complete hazardous data to bookings and bill of ladings timely and accurately
- Attend hazardous training courses and fully understand hazardous related documented materials within the TOTE organization
- Run daily hazardous reports from our back office and terminal systems
- Receive and review customer’s hazardous paperwork to identify inconsistencies that will prevent cargo receipt at the terminal
- Pre-Audit hazardous bill of ladings sent prior to sailing
- Comprehend and apply the regulations contained in the 49 CFR as well as TOTE specific regulations
- Understand segregation of hazardous in containers and on the ship
- Work flexible hours to ensure hazardous data is entered to prevent driver stops at the gate
- Approve and attach hazardous documents to shipments in our back office system
- Understand the appropriate escalation path for hazardous issues that could place TOTE at risk
- Manage KPIs related to hazardous documentation and workflow
- Address customer non-compliance issues associated with hazardous documentation and cutoffs
- Understand and be able to run the hazardous dangerous cargo manifest for any vessel SB or NB
- Develop an understanding of customer business models/processes for all accounts. Evaluate customer needs and recommend solutions to ensure the timely receipt of required information.
- Communicate important customer transactional information to other departments and employees.
- Work cross functionally to build relationships, enhance communication, resolve issues, and identify opportunities for improving existing processes/services.
- Educate customers with regards to documentation and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of both industry and TOTE specific terminology and procedures as they pertain to freight movement, rating, documentation, hazardous, and regulatory compliance.
- Assist Supervisor with continuous improvement projects, reports, and tasks as needed.
Assists the Company in any necessary duties to achieve Company goals.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Little or no direct supervision. A wide choice in selection, development and coordination of methods within broad framework of general policies.
Judgment DecisionsMistakes and errors in judgment are significant, difficult to detect, involving major expenditures, may involve the preparation or presentation of data on which management bases important decisions.
Disclosure of Information SelectionsThis position involves regular work with some information of major importance, which if disclosed may be detrimental to the company's interests.
Financial Responsibility SelectionsNo authority to commit funds for the organization.
Skills- Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, & Outlook
- Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills
- Must display good judgment and make sound decisions
- Must demonstrate strong leadership skills
- Must be flexible to work additional hours as needed
- Experience with the management of hazardous materials and the 49 CFR strongly preferred
Applicant must possess at least an Associates Degree and/or five or more years in the transportation field with knowledge of all areas of the industry.
Physical Requirements of the PositionSedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Why Join TOTE?As a Hazardous Shipment Specialist, you will play an essential role in ensuring the safe and compliant movement of hazardous cargo throughout TOTE's maritime transportation network. Your expertise will help protect our customers, employees, vessels, and operations while contributing to the success of a trusted industry leader committed to safety, service, and operational excellence.
Equal Opportunity Employer
TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Affirmative Action and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin disability, or status as a protected veteran. TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.
Skills Required
- Associate degree and/or five or more years of experience in the transportation field
- Knowledge of all areas of the transportation industry
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Good judgment and sound decision-making ability
- Strong leadership skills
- Flexibility to work additional hours as needed
- Experience managing hazardous materials and knowledge of 49 CFR
What We Do
TOTE provides twice-weekly shipping service to Alaska and Puerto Rico with offices in Anchorage, AK; Tacoma, WA; Jacksonville, FL; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. We operate the world's first LNG-powered containerships between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico and a fleet of roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) cargo ships between Tacoma and Anchorage. Together, with our vessel and crew management company TOTE Services, TOTE Maritime Alaska and TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico compose the TOTE family of companies. Dedicated, Reliable and Built To Serve.


