BERKAN TIKTAS
Wood-Ridge,NJ
Summary
Experienced and results-driven Ocean Import & Export Operations Manager with over 5 years of leadership in international logistics, specializing in full-cycle management of FCL, LCL, Reefer and project cargo shipments. Led multiple teams of over 20 people. Proven expertise in driving operational efficiency, managing global trade compliance, and leading high-performing teams in fast-paced freight forwarding and supply chain environments. Skilled in carrier negotiation, documentation accuracy, AES/ISF filings, and cost control. Committed to delivering seamless customer service, maintaining regulatory compliance, and enhancing KPIs across import and export functions.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Ocean Import and Export Reefer Operations Manager
DB Schenker
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Manage all aspects of refrigerated container logistics for both imports and exports pharma and GDP customers, including booking, documentation, dispatch, and delivery.
- Ensure temperature-controlled cargo is handled per shipper/consignee requirements and cold chain integrity is maintained throughout transit.
- Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, CBP, and destination-country requirements, including inspections and certifications.
- Liaise with ocean carriers, terminals, truckers, and warehouses for reefer bookings, PTIs (Pre-Trip Inspections), plug-in slots, and reefer yard movements.
- Track reefer container availability, PTIs, and genset usage.
- Monitor and manage temperature settings, reefer alarms, and in-transit data (via telematics or carrier platforms).
- Lead and train reefer operations staff on cold chain handling protocols and SOPs.
- Manage scheduling, team KPIs, and performance reviews.
- Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, temperature deviations, or port delays.
- Coordinate contingency plans for power outages, customs holds, or reefer rejections.
- Monitor charges such as reefer plug-in, PTI, genset, demurrage, and reefer detention fees.
- Work with finance to reconcile costs and ensure accurate customer billing.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
Ocean Export Operations Manager
DB Schenker
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Oversee all ocean export activities, ensuring timely bookings, documentation, and shipment execution for FCL cargo.
- Manage and develop a team of coordinators and supervisors of TATOC, LATAM and Canada; set goals, conduct performance reviews, and drive accountability.
- Ensure adherence to U.S. export laws (FMC, EAR), including AES filing, restricted party screening, and documentation accuracy.
- Negotiate service contracts with carriers and NVOCCs; monitor performance, space allocation, and rate adherence.
- Serve as escalation point for service issues; collaborate with sales and customer service to meet client expectations.
- Identify inefficiencies and implement SOPs, automation, or system enhancements to streamline export workflows.
- Review invoices, manage accessorial charges (e.g., demurrage), and ensure accurate billing and cost control.
- Utilize logistics systems for visibility, reporting, and compliance tracking.
- Proactively manage shipment delays, rollovers, compliance holds, and port disruptions.
- Monitor KPIs (on-time delivery, cost per shipment, compliance accuracy) and report operational performance to leadership.
Ocean Export Operations Supervisor
DB Schenker
11.2022 - 08.2023
- Supervise day-to-day export operations for FCL shipments
- Lead and mentor a team of export coordinators; monitor workload and performance
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of bookings, documentation, and AES filings
- Resolve escalations related to booking delays, rollovers, or documentation discrepancies
- Maintain strong relationships with carriers, NVOCCs, warehouses, and truckers
- Monitor vessel schedules, port cut-offs, and cargo readiness to prevent delays
- Review and approve freight invoices; manage cost controls and margin targets
- Support process improvements and ensure team adherence to SOPs and KPIs
Ocean Export Coordinator
DB Schenker
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Coordinate FCL ocean shipments including hazmat and reefer, bookings, and vessel schedules
- Prepare and review export documents (BL, CI, PL, COO, SLI, etc.)
- File AES/EEI via Descartes and ensure compliance with export regulations
- Communicate with clients, carriers, and vendors to track and manage shipments
- Schedule container pickups with truckers and monitor port cut-off timelines
- Use systems like Tango or INTTRA for booking and tracking
- Maintain shipment records and support operational reporting
- Handle billing process from A to Z
Ocean Export Operations Specialist & Manager
Chain Logistics
01.2018 - 11.2021
- Managing export shipments including FCL, LCL, Reefer, OT, Flat Rack for the branch from A to Z.
- Scheduling shipments as requested by the client.
- Filing shipments on the Automated Export System (AES) for government requirements.
- Opening shipment files and preparing all required export documents, including shipping instructions, invoices, packing lists, insurance, certificate of origin, etc.
- Submitting shipping instructions to carriers for each export booking.
- Providing completed documents to overseas customers, agents, or offices as needed for the shipment.
- Providing customer service and operations support for export accounts communicating with client on daily basis with updates.
- Coordinating cargo pickup and transfer; monitoring the status of the cargo.
- Tracking shipments and updating customers and agents of status.
- Following all export related regulations, and remaining compliant with government, industry and company standards.
- Processing billing and invoicing for all export shipments.
- Responding to quotation requests and providing rate information for prospective shipments.
- Establishing a positive relationship with both internal and external customers and vendors.
- Performing additional duties as assigned.
Education
MBA - Marketing Management
Wilmington University
Wilmington, DE01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Anadolu University
01.2011
Associate of Science - International Trade
Mustafa Kemal University
Antakya, Hatay01.2009
Skills
- Proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Effective problem solving skills
- Goal-oriented
- Rapid learner
- Proficient in decision-making
- Effective team leadership
- Customer service excellence
- GDP Trained and certified
- DGD Trained and certified
- Operations management
- Customer relationship management
Accomplishments
Led the Reefer Operations Team to successfully achieve their GDP certification
Completed a comprehensive series of trainings, documentation, and permit submissions for GDP certification
Certification
IMDG Certified,
GDP Certified
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Ocean Import and Export Reefer Operations Manager
DB Schenker
05.2024 - 08.2025
Ocean Export Operations Manager
DB Schenker
08.2023 - 05.2024
Ocean Export Operations Supervisor
DB Schenker
11.2022 - 08.2023
Ocean Export Coordinator
DB Schenker
11.2021 - 11.2022
Ocean Export Operations Specialist & Manager
Chain Logistics
01.2018 - 11.2021
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Anadolu University
Associate of Science - International Trade
Mustafa Kemal University
MBA - Marketing Management
Wilmington University
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