Import Coordinator
About The Position
The Import Coordinator, also described as an Import Operations Customer Service Representative, manages international cargo arriving in the United States while providing customer service. The role works with importers, U.S. Customs, carriers, Participating Government Agencies, clients, and internal teams to coordinate shipment clearance, transportation, documentation, tracking, and related import operations. It requires strong communication, accuracy, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This is a contract-to-hire position based in Nashville, Tennessee, and is fully onsite. The role is based in a professional import operations office, using computers, Microsoft Office, web-based systems, and cargo tracking software, with frequent phone and email communication.
Requirements
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills and meticulous follow-up.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and manage time efficiently.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Organized and efficient approach to documentation and shipment workflows.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Proficiency using the internet for research and web-based systems.
- Experience clearing air, ocean, truck, and rail cargo through U.S. Customs.
- Familiarity with logistics, import operations, and freight forwarding processes.
- Experience with import shipment data entry and documentation.
- Ability to use email professionally for customer and internal communication.
- Ability to use cargo tracking software to monitor and report shipment status.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with freight forwarders and ocean import operations.
- Background in dispatch, invoicing, and order entry in a logistics or import environment.
- Knowledge of bills of lading and other import-related documentation.
- Experience with Cargowise (CW1) software.
- Comfort working with air, ocean, truck, and rail transportation modes.
Responsibilities
- Work with importers and U.S. Customs to prepare, transmit, clear, examine, and deliver international cargo arriving in the United States.
- Coordinate with airlines, steamship lines, and trucking companies to facilitate shipment movement into the U.S.
- Collaborate with Participating Government Agencies, including FDA, FCC, DOT, Fish & Wildlife, and EPA, to ensure cargo is properly cleared.
- Follow customer standard operating procedures, applicable agency regulations, and internal company standards.
- Enter, upload, and compile shipment importation data and commercial invoice information in in-house software for transmission to U.S. Customs.
- Perform preliminary Entry Summary audits to support accurate and compliant customs entries.
- Work with clients to understand and fulfill U.S. Customs entry requirements for their shipments.
- Manage import shipment documentation, including bills of lading and other required paperwork.
- Use cargo tracking software to monitor shipment status and provide timely updates to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Communicate professionally with customers, carriers, and internal teams to resolve issues and provide proactive updates.
- Support order entry, dispatch, and invoicing activities related to freight and import operations.
- Maintain organized records and documentation to support compliance and efficient workflows.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support the import operations team.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits, subject to eligibility.
- Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage, subject to eligibility.
- 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, subject to eligibility.
- Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents, subject to eligibility.
- Short- and long-term disability, subject to eligibility.
- Health Spending Account (HSA), subject to eligibility.
- Transportation benefits, subject to eligibility.
- Employee Assistance Program, subject to eligibility.
- Time off/leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave, subject to eligibility.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
