Import Specialist

JAS•Houston, TX

16d

About The Position

JAS is an international, non-asset-based supply chain services and solutions company. Our services include air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, inbound logistics, truckload brokerage and other supply chain management services, including consulting, the coordination of purchase orders and customized management services. JOB SUMMARY: The role of the Import Specialist is to process and handle air and ocean import shipments for our customers, ensuring the highest quality standards and providing service solutions that meet or exceed our customers’ requirements. An Import Specialist must ensure compliance with laws and regulations, as well as JAS Forwarding operating procedures. Within some JAS locations, this position may also be responsible for the completion of all custom house broker transactions and other government agency regulations in a timely manner.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years’ experience handling imports (air and/or ocean) or combination of education and expertise required
Experience and knowledge regarding imports, compliance, rules and regulations preferred
Efficient organizational skills
Effective communication skills
Proficent computer skills including Microsoft Office suite a plus
Detail oriented, able to multitask and meet deadlines
Able to work in a team and independently
Knowledge of US customs laws, practices and procedures
High School Diploma is a plus or GED required
Experience handling the full life cycle of imports (air and/or ocean) or combination of education and expertise required
Knowledge of Importer Security Filing (ISF) preferred
Good working knowledge of Incoterms required
Follow the Company HR Policy, the Code of Business Conduct and department policies and procedures, including protecting confidential company information, attending work punctually and regularly, and following good safety practices in all activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in CargoWise (C1) is preferred
Experience and knowledge regarding import, compliance, rules and regulations preferred

Responsibilities

Prepare, review and process appropriate documents (i.e. customers classification, commercials invoices, etc.) ensuring files contain all necessary copies, are accurate and in the proper sequence
Receive and track customer bookings/shipments, update client of shipment status/delays, dispatch for delivery, collect proof of delivery (POD), cost and invoice all files
Comply with all company business process guidelines
Bill/Invoice each file to the respective customers paying close attention to payment terms for the responsible party
Resolve and reconcile incorrect payables by working with vendors and overseas offices
Assist sales, department manager(s) and colleagues in compiling quotes
Provide accurate job costing forecasts ensuring all payables, receivables and accruals are set and properly managed per company rules and guidelines
Provide responsive customer service
Dispatch freight for delivery, maintain communication with trucker throughout delivery
Ability to recognize any changes in customers shipping down trends and report to Management
Ability to be cross trained and act as a back-up for any member of the team if necessary
To report on customer performance and identify any change in support
Promote compliance across the department/section
Ability to work through problems, but also recognize issues that may need to be communicated/escalated to management
Ensure all timely correspondence to customers
Other duties as requested