CAROLINA DE LA CRUZ
Edinburg,TX
Summary
Freight forwarding expert with proven relationship-building and problem-solving abilities. Consistently exceeds expectations in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Strong team player skilled in cultivating partnerships across diverse demographics and management levels. Recognized for exceptional customer service and effective communication skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
DSV Air & Sea Inc.
McAllen, TX
11.2024 - Current
- Oversee branch daily freight forwarding operations (import/export) across air, ocean, and road transportation, escalation contact
- In 2025, KPI improvements elevated the McAllen branch from a Top 10 national ranking to the #1 branch nationally within recent months, based on performance and operational efficiency.
- Streamlined processes to enhance customer satisfaction while monitoring monthly KPIs.
- Managed end-of-month financial reporting and analyzed operational performance to inform strategic decisions.
- Developed and maintained relationships with global carriers, trucking companies, vendors, and key clients to support logistics operations.
- Recruit, interview, onboard, and coach new personnel to support business growth.
- Collaborate closely with the sales team, conduct customer visits, support new business development, and prepare presentations for QBRs.
- Responsible for RFQs management for the McAllen branch
Key Account Manager
DSV Air & Sea Inc.
McAllen, TX
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Led client onboarding and implementation processes, ensuring smooth transitions while providing market insights and maintaining accurate, current rates communicated to operations teams.
- Served as primary contact for key accounts, fostering strong client relationships and continuity of service while developing and maintaining SOPs and IOPs aligned with client requirements.
- Coordinated RFQ processes for McAllen branch, collaborating with teams and clients to streamline operations.
Freight Forwarding – Air Export
DSV Air & Sea Inc.
McAllen, TX
11.2021 - 01.2024
- Coordinated air export shipments with airline bookings, cargo movement, and documentation; prepared and processed Air Waybills (AWB), AES filings, and ITN to ensure compliance with Export Controls regulations.
- Tracked and traced shipments to ensure timely delivery and service excellence while supporting air, ocean, and road import teams with ISF filings, inbond elaboration, and BOL for trucking.
- Quoted competitive transportation rates for air, ocean, and road modes to optimize client options.
International Operations Manager
TCA Logistics
Pharr, TX
04.2021 - 11.2021
- Led international operations department, launching freight forwarding for two U.S. branches (Dallas, Pharr) and supporting setup of Mexico branch, managing pricing projects and RFQs for air and ocean import/export shipments.
- Secured all required permits and licenses (FMC, WCA, IATA, TSA) for initiating freight forwarding activities.
International Traffic & Export Coordinator
Mode Transportation
McAllen, TX
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Coordinated U.S./Mexico import and export shipments across air, ocean, courier, FTL, and LTL using EDI systems to ensure visibility and accurate documentation while providing customer service and supporting inside sales and client prospecting.
International Operations Manager
Platinum Cargo Logistics
McAllen, TX
07.2014 - 03.2019
- Oversaw three logistics coordinators, enhancing operational performance and profitability through CFS cost savings and increased air freight profitability (TPEB lanes).
- Led international operations team for ocean and air freight, managing RFQs to optimize service offerings.
- Prepared shipping documentation including AWBs, Bills of Lading, ISF, ACE filings, and TSA and regulatory compliance for import/export operations.
- Managed domestic LTL, FTL, and expedited shipments, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with operational standards.
Air Import Coordinator
JAS Forwarding Worldwide
Monterrey, MX
08.2013 - 07.2014
- Coordinated air import shipments for key account, collaborating with overseas offices, customs brokers, and trucking providers to ensure timely delivery.
- Executed cost control, invoicing, airwaybill revalidation, and CAAT documentation for Mexican imports, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
Air Export Clerk
DHL Global Forwarding
Monterrey, MX
08.2010 - 08.2013
- Coordinated air export shipments for regular cargo, high-value, hazardous, and oversized freight; prepared AWBs, managed airline bookings, negotiated rates, and ensured accurate invoicing and cost control.
- Cultivated relationships with airlines, customs brokers, and trucking companies to facilitate seamless operations.
Internship – Import/Export & Purchasing
Uniform Color Company
08.2009 - 08.2010
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - International Relations, International Trade & Customs
Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
Monterrey, Mexico06.2011
Skills
- CargoWise and TMS
- ERP systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Excel and PowerPoint
- Word and Outlook
- Power BI
- EDI systems
- Tracking and tracing tools
Certification
- IATA / IMDG / 49 CFR Dangerous Goods Certification
- TSA Certified – STA
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Spanish, Native / Fluent
Timeline
Operations Manager
DSV Air & Sea Inc.
11.2024 - Current
Key Account Manager
DSV Air & Sea Inc.
01.2024 - 11.2024
Freight Forwarding – Air Export
DSV Air & Sea Inc.
11.2021 - 01.2024
International Operations Manager
TCA Logistics
04.2021 - 11.2021
International Traffic & Export Coordinator
Mode Transportation
05.2019 - 03.2020
International Operations Manager
Platinum Cargo Logistics
07.2014 - 03.2019
Air Import Coordinator
JAS Forwarding Worldwide
08.2013 - 07.2014
Air Export Clerk
DHL Global Forwarding
08.2010 - 08.2013
Internship – Import/Export & Purchasing
Uniform Color Company
08.2009 - 08.2010
Bachelor’s Degree - International Relations, International Trade & Customs
Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León