Import Specialist

JAS Worldwide•Detroit, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Import Specialist processes and handles air and ocean import shipments for customers, ensuring high-quality service that meets or exceeds customer requirements. The role ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations and JAS Forwarding operating procedures. Depending on the location, the position may also handle customs broker transactions and other government agency requirements in a timely manner. The position includes preparing and processing shipment documentation, tracking bookings and shipments, coordinating deliveries, managing customer communications, and billing and costing files. The specialist works with vendors, overseas offices, colleagues, and management to resolve issues, compile quotes, maintain accurate financial records, and support department compliance and customer service. The job is performed entirely in a climate-controlled office environment under normal office conditions. The employee must be able to sit, stand, walk, handle and feel objects, reach, talk, and hear; the role also frequently involves stooping, kneeling, and crouching, and lifting or exerting force up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience handling imports (air and/or ocean), or a combination of education and expertise.
High school diploma is a plus; GED is required.
Knowledge of U.S. customs laws, practices, and procedures.
Good working knowledge of Incoterms.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Flexibility.
Detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Strong computer skills; Microsoft Office suite experience is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Experience and knowledge regarding imports, compliance, rules, and regulations.
Experience working in CargoWise (C1).
Knowledge of Importer Security Filing (ISF).

Responsibilities

Prepare, review, and process shipment documents, ensuring files are accurate, complete, and properly organized.
Receive and track customer bookings and shipments; communicate shipment status and delays; dispatch shipments for delivery; collect proof of delivery; and cost and invoice files.
Comply with company business process guidelines.
Bill or invoice each file to the appropriate customer, paying attention to payment terms and the responsible party.
Resolve and reconcile incorrect payables with vendors and overseas offices.
Assist sales, department managers, and colleagues in compiling quotes.
Provide accurate job-costing forecasts and ensure payables, receivables, and accruals are properly managed under company guidelines.
Provide responsive customer service and timely correspondence to customers.
Dispatch freight for delivery and maintain communication with truckers during delivery.
Recognize changes in customer shipping trends and report them to management.
Cross-train and provide backup for team members when necessary.
Report on customer performance and identify changes in support needs.
Promote compliance across the department or section.
Work through problems and identify issues that should be communicated or escalated to management.
Perform other duties as requested.
Follow company HR, business conduct, department, confidentiality, attendance, and safety policies.
Perform additional or different responsibilities as business needs change.