Freight Billing Specialist in Illinois Career Overview

As a Freight Billing Specialist, your primary responsibility involves managing and processing invoices related to the shipping and transportation of goods. This role is vital to ensuring that the logistics and supply chain operations run smoothly, allowing businesses to maintain accurate financial records and foster positive customer relationships.

Key aspects of the Freight Billing Specialist role include:

  • Invoice Preparation: You prepare detailed invoices based on freight charges, ensuring that all relevant costs are captured accurately. This includes verifying services rendered, determining rates, and applying any applicable discounts or surcharges.

  • Dispute Resolution: You play a key role in addressing any discrepancies between billed amounts and transportation agreements. Effective communication with both clients and internal teams is necessary to resolve billing issues promptly.

  • Data Management: You maintain organized records of invoices, payments, and customer interactions, facilitating efficient audits and providing valuable data for reporting and analysis.

  • Collaboration: Working closely with various departments such as sales, customer service, and transportation, you help to ensure that all aspects of freight billing align with company practices and contractual obligations.

  • Financial Reporting: Your role may also involve assisting with financial reporting processes, highlighting trends in freight costs and helping management make informed decisions.

Your expertise in navigating the complexities of freight billing not only supports the financial health of your organization but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of the supply chain network.

Freight Billing Specialist Salary in Illinois

Annual Median: $46,020
Hourly Median: $22.13

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Freight Billing Specialist in Illinois

To become a Freight Billing Specialist, you typically need a combination of educational qualifications and specialized training. The following degree programs are beneficial:

  • Accounting: This program provides foundational knowledge in financial principles, essential for managing billing and invoicing processes.

  • Accounting and Business Management: This degree combines accounting principles with business management practices, equipping you with skills relevant to both finance and operational aspects of freight billing.

  • Auditing: A focus on auditing prepares you to examine records and ensure accuracy in billing, an important aspect of the freight industry.

  • Logistics: This program covers the principles of supply chain management, including transportation and distribution, which are integral to the billing of freight services.

  • Purchasing: A degree in purchasing offers insights into procurement processes that relate closely to billing practices in freight management.

  • Procurement: This degree focuses on the acquisition of goods and services, providing you with knowledge relevant to billing and cost management in freight operations.

  • Acquisitions: Similar to procurement, a program in acquisitions allows you to understand the financial implications of purchasing decisions, beneficial for managing freight costs.

  • Contracts Management: This coursework helps you understand the complexities of contracts related to freight services, important for accurate billing practices.

In addition to degrees, relevant training programs or certifications in logistics, freight auditing, billing software, and compliance can enhance your qualifications for this role.

Best Schools to become a Freight Billing Specialist in Illinois 2024

#1Salt Lake County

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935
#2Merrimack County

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091
#3New York County

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$6,930
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,880
Admission Rate:50%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:19,854
#4Maricopa County

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891
#5Utah County

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT

In-State Tuition:$5,614
Out-of-State Tuition:$17,174
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:39%
Total Enrollment:43,099
#6Jefferson County

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

In-State Tuition:$6,840
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,840
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:48,668
Freight Billing Specialist Job Description:
  • Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes.
  • Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.

Freight Billing Specialist Required Skills and Competencies in Illinois

  • Attention to Detail: You must be meticulous when processing billing information, as small errors can lead to significant financial discrepancies and operational issues.

  • Analytical Skills: The ability to assess various data sources and invoices is essential. You will analyze shipping charges, client agreements, and payment histories to ensure accurate billing.

  • Mathematical Proficiency: Strong math skills are necessary for calculating freight charges, discounts, and total costs associated with shipping services.

  • Computer Proficiency: Familiarity with billing software and databases is important. You should be comfortable using spreadsheet applications to manage, analyze, and report billing information.

  • Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is vital when working with clients, carriers, and internal departments. You need to convey billing issues, resolutions, and updates succinctly.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You should have the capability to identify invoicing discrepancies and develop solutions to resolve billing-related issues efficiently.

  • Time Management: Being organized and able to prioritize tasks will help you meet deadlines associated with invoicing cycles and client queries.

  • Knowledge of Freight Industry Regulations: Understanding the rules and regulations related to freight billing, including tariffs and compliance standards, will enhance your effectiveness in the role.

  • Customer Service Orientation: You should be prepared to interact positively with clients, ensuring their billing queries are handled promptly and professionally.

  • Team Collaboration: Working effectively with transportation, logistics, and accounting teams is necessary for seamless operations and accurate billing practices.

Job Duties for Freight Billing Specialists

  • Prepare itemized statements, bills, or invoices and record amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.

  • Resolve discrepancies in accounting records.

  • Verify accuracy of billing data and revise any errors.

Technologies and Skills Used by Freight Billing Specialists

Accounting software

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Sage 50 Accounting

Medical software

  • Epic Systems
  • MEDITECH software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Using math to solve problems

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Freight Billing Specialist in Illinois

  • The demand for Freight Billing Specialists in Illinois has remained steady, driven by the growth of the logistics and transportation sectors. As businesses continue to expand their supply chain operations, the need for professionals who can manage billing accuracy and freight charges is increasing.

  • Employment opportunities for Freight Billing Specialists are expected to grow as more companies seek to streamline their billing processes. The complexity of freight invoicing, along with regulatory changes affecting the transportation industry, adds to the need for qualified specialists.

  • Geographically, the Chicago metropolitan area is a significant hotspot for Freight Billing Specialists. Being a major transportation hub, Chicago hosts numerous logistics firms, freight carriers, and shipping companies, creating a wealth of job openings.

  • Other areas in Illinois with promising opportunities include cities such as Elgin, Rockford, and Aurora, where businesses are implementing more efficient logistics and transportation management systems.

  • Smaller cities and towns also present opportunities as companies in various industries are looking to optimize their freight processes, leading to the need for specialized billing staff.

  • The shift towards e-commerce has further fueled the demand for Freight Billing Specialists. As online retail continues to grow, logistics companies associated with e-commerce platforms require experts to manage a higher volume of shipments and corresponding billing processes.

  • Networking events, industry conferences, and local job fairs can provide valuable leads and connections within the freight and logistics community.

  • Professional organizations, such as the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) or the Illinois Trucking Association, often have job boards and resources tailored to Freight Billing Specialists, enhancing job search opportunities.

  • As the industry evolves with technology, there may also be more opportunities for specialists who are proficient in freight management software, presenting additional avenues for career advancement.

Top Related Careers to Freight Billing Specialist 2024

Invoice Processor
Service Charge Analyst
Shipment Billing Coordinator
Delivery Invoice Clerk

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Freight Billing Specialist in Illinois

  • Transportation, Logistics and Civil Engineering Research (TLCE):
    Gain insights into current research and trends in freight billing and transportation management.
    Visit TLCE

  • American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL):
    Explore membership options and educational resources to enhance your knowledge in transportation and logistics.
    Visit ASTL

  • National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA):
    Access valuable information on freight classification, tariff updates, and industry regulations.
    Visit NMFTA

  • FreightWaves:
    Stay updated on freight news, trends, and analysis that could impact your role as a Freight Billing Specialist.
    Visit FreightWaves

  • Logistics Management:
    Browse articles and resources that cover various aspects of logistics, including billing practices and industry standards.
    Visit Logistics Management

  • Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP):
    Learn about industry best practices and take part in educational webinars and seminars.
    Visit CSCMP

  • Illinois Trucking Association (ITA):
    Discover local resources and networking opportunities specific to Illinois's trucking industry.
    Visit ITA

  • U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT):
    Access regulations, data, and tools relevant to freight shipping and billing processes.
    Visit USDOT

  • Institute for Supply Management (ISM):
    Find educational resources and certifications that can enhance your supply chain management skills.
    Visit ISM

  • FreightPros Blog:
    Read up on tips and guides regarding freight billing, shipping strategies, and more.
    Visit FreightPros

These resources can significantly enhance your understanding and professional growth within the field of freight billing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Freight Billing Specialist in Illinois

  • What does a Freight Billing Specialist do?
    A Freight Billing Specialist manages the billing process for freight services. This includes preparing invoices, verifying charges, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring timely payments from customers.

  • What skills are required for this role?
    Important skills include attention to detail, proficiency in accounting software, strong analytical abilities, and effective communication skills. Knowledge of freight and shipping regulations is also beneficial.

  • What education is needed to become a Freight Billing Specialist?
    A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, although an associate's degree in finance, accounting, or business can be advantageous. Some employers may prefer candidates with additional certifications in billing or logistics.

  • What is the typical salary for a Freight Billing Specialist in Illinois?
    The salary can vary based on experience and location within the state, but the average range is generally between $40,000 and $65,000 per year.

  • What are the common employers for Freight Billing Specialists?
    Common employers include freight companies, shipping firms, logistics firms, and other organizations that manage supply chain operations.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
    Yes, there are several pathways for advancement, such as moving into billing management, logistics coordination, or other finance-related positions within a company.

  • What software tools do Freight Billing Specialists typically use?
    Specialists often use accounting software like QuickBooks or Sage, as well as transportation management systems (TMS) to manage billing processes effectively.

  • What are the typical working hours for this position?
    Most Freight Billing Specialists work a standard 40-hour week, but this can vary depending on the employer. Some positions may require overtime during peak shipping seasons.

  • Is certification beneficial for a Freight Billing Specialist?
    While certification is not mandatory, obtaining credentials such as the Certified Billing Specialist (CBS) can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, potentially leading to better job prospects.

  • What challenges do Freight Billing Specialists face?
    Common challenges include managing high volumes of data, ensuring accuracy in billing, handling disputes, and adapting to changing regulations in the freight and logistics industry.