Import Specialist I

Customs Broker, Freight Forwarding & Trade Compliance Services•Dearborn, MI

7d•Remote

About The Position

The Import Specialist I processes and assimilates customer data to support the movement of goods across international borders. This remote role supports the Detroit, Michigan team and follows a Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time schedule. The specialist serves as a customer service liaison, processes customs and Participating Government Agency (PGA) entries for U.S. clearance, and coordinates shipment details among customers, carriers, vendors, government agencies, and other service providers. The role also supports regulatory compliance, accurate accounting, and timely, professional customer communications. The hourly compensation range is $19.00–$24.00, depending on experience and education; pay may vary based on regional market rates. The position requires previous customs brokerage experience and a high school diploma or GED. The specialist may be required to complete specified dangerous-goods and export-regulation courses within twelve months. Deringer describes its core values as Passion, Respect, Integrity, Expertise, Innovative Solutions, Relationships, Support, Determination, Value, and a High Level of Accountability. The role includes health, dental, and vision plans, voluntary health and wellness benefits, generous paid time off including paid holidays, and flexibility in the work environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Previous customs brokerage experience.
Demonstrate accuracy, thoroughness, analytical ability, and attention to quality.
Ability to gather and analyze information, multitask, and establish priorities.
Customer-service skills, including responding promptly to customer needs, handling difficult situations, communicating clearly, listening, and seeking clarification.
Interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, maintaining confidentiality, emotional self-control, openness to others’ ideas, and contributing to a positive team environment.
Motivation and persistence in pursuing challenging goals and overcoming obstacles.
Problem-solving skills, including identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner and developing alternative solutions.
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, handle large volumes of work, and complete tasks with a high level of effort and commitment.
May be required to complete IATA Dangerous Goods, IATA Basic Export, CFR49 Dangerous Goods, CFR 15 Export Regulation, and IMDG Dangerous Goods courses within twelve months.

Responsibilities

Serve as the customer service liaison between the company and its customers.
Resolve problems such as billing and shipment tracking issues, and handle customer concerns.
Build relationships with customers.
Process Customs and PGA entries for clearance of goods into the United States.
Apply knowledge of client submission requirements and clearance requirements for specific commodities.
Open files and enter notes, information, and document requests in corporate systems.
Review commercial invoices for required information.
Review documentation or issue documents to meet government and carrier regulations.
Convert and verify shipment weight, volume, and foreign currency.
Send information and document requests to company employees, suppliers, service providers, and U.S. government agencies as needed.
Communicate with offices, departments, and teams about issues affecting customs brokerage.
Ensure compliance with U.S. government regulatory agencies, including FDA, EPA, and USFWS.
Coordinate shipping details with U.S. forwarders, steamship lines, airlines, and agents.
Maintain communication with customers, carriers, and vendors.
Coordinate shipments from airlines, ocean piers, and container freight stations to customer or consignee destinations.
Coordinate pickups and invoice files.
Stay up to date on regulations, laws, guidelines, and Deringer requirements.
Act as a resource to internal and external clients.
Handle accounting processes accurately and in a timely manner.
Answer email and telephone calls promptly and professionally.
Handle confidential information.
Provide instruction to colleagues as needed and make recommendations to improve processes and department or company operations.
Perform other duties as required and assigned.