Cheryl Stephenson
Sunbury,NC
Summary
Logistics Specialist with over 25 years of expertise in Imports, Transportation Management, and Global Logistics. Demonstrated success in optimizing freight logistics and negotiating competitive rates. Experienced in implementing process improvements and enhancing customer service. Proficient in Microsoft, SAP, JDE, Tableau, and TMS software.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Import Specialist
Amcor/Berry Global, Inc
Suffolk, VA
02.2021 - Current
- Oversee coordination and monitoring of international logistics from overseas facilities to US and Canada plants.
- Optimized container capacity by making independent decisions on order adjustments and shipment consolidations.
- Collaborated with International Plant Schedulers to develop cost-effective shipment schedules based on demand signals.
- Identified opportunities to streamline import procedures and trained Sales and Customer Service teams on new processes.
- Created purchase orders aligned with customer demand and forecasts, optimizing stocking agreements.
- Established and managed SKU numbers for import items in JD Edwards system, ensuring accurate tracking and inventory management.
- Maintained master data in JD Edwards, including customer requirements and estimated discharge dates.
- Acted as primary liaison among Shipping Facilities, Customer Care, Sales, Receiving Facilities, and Forwarders/Brokers.
Terminal Manager
Hoover Transportation Services, Inc.
Portsmouth, VA
01.2007 - 01.2021
Terminal Manager
Mason Dixon Intermodal Inc
Portsmouth, VA
08.2005 - 01.2007
- Established all aspects of a new intermodal terminal, including office/yard acquisition, office/equipment setup, and utilities.
- Handled dispatch, driver recruitment, business development, and overall terminal operations.
- Oversee owner operator/driver recruitment including hiring, retention, safety and compliance. Responsible for actively contacting, qualifying, converting, processing & hiring CDL-A drivers. Responsible for conducting the orientation process for newly hired owner operators/drivers. Overseeing any compliance requirements including driver logs, driver compliance with drug testing, physical requirements and annual reviews.
- Facilitate the successful delivery of dispatched loads and creatively seek alternatives to ensure that customer commitments are met. Forecast and plan daily workload ensuring no service failures.
- Negotiate intermodal rates and accessorials with Steamship Lines, Freight Forwarders and Brokers based on market demands. Monitor and resolve all per diem, storage and demurrage issues.
- Ensured timely and accurate driver settlement data input for weekly payroll and billing.
- Oversaw driver safety compliance, including auditing logs, conducting safety meetings, and implementing DOT and CSA 2010 updates.
- Oversee the implementation of Electronic Log Devices (ELDs) companywide, including tractor set-up, driver tutorials, system updates and everyday monitoring.
- Collaborate with Corporate and other managers to formulate and implement policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
- Maintain current knowledge of State and Federal Laws governing the Transportation Industry as well as local port procedures and requirements.
Assistant Manager – North America Intermodal
ZIM American Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.
Norfolk, VA
09.2004 - 08.2005
- Oversee $100 million annual inland transportation department and related activities in North America.
- Negotiated intermodal carrier rates and agreements, analyzed contracts, and developed service and cost improvement strategies.
- Develop competitive and innovative routing solutions for inland transportation while actively pursuing cost efficiencies.
- Defined business processes and system requirements to enhance efficiency in moving customers’ cargo.
- Implemented optimal logistics decisions that aligned with company requirements and met customer expectations, including intermodal pricing and tailored transportation services.
- Managed relationships with third-party service providers to support seamless logistics operations.
Import Pricing Analyst
ZIM American Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.
Norfolk, VA
08.2001 - 09.2004
- Negotiated import rates from Far East for service contracts and tariff filings, managing RFPs and online timed bids to optimize cost efficiency.
- Managed import rate coordination with overseas offices across the Mediterranean, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, including foreign trade routes.
- Monitored and evaluated service contract performances; negotiated and amended contracts based on shifting market demands to ensure competitiveness.
- Prepare service contracts and tariff rates for filing with the FMC.
- Coordinate with Sales Department, both domestic and abroad. Help coordinate contract negotiations, spot rating, manifest correctors & sales leads.
- Compile inbound statistical data based on JOC PIER stats.
- Supported documentation, traffic, and customs processes to enhance customer service delivery and streamline operations.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia, VASkills
- International logistics and compliance
- Purchase order management
- Data analysis and organization
- Process optimization
- Freight management
- Supply chain coordination
- Incoterms knowledge
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Import Specialist
Amcor/Berry Global, Inc
02.2021 - Current
Terminal Manager
Hoover Transportation Services, Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2021
Terminal Manager
Mason Dixon Intermodal Inc
08.2005 - 01.2007
Assistant Manager – North America Intermodal
ZIM American Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.
09.2004 - 08.2005
Import Pricing Analyst
ZIM American Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.
08.2001 - 09.2004
Some College (No Degree) -
Old Dominion University