Ocean Import Coordinator

Rhenus Logistics•Cranford, NJ

About The Position

Coordinate ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery, including FCL and LCL cargo. Monitor vessel schedules, arrival dates, shipment milestones, free time, and cargo availability. Review and process import documentation, including HBLs/MBLs, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and other required shipping documents. Coordinate with customers, carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to ensure timely customs clearance, cargo release, and delivery. Ensure required shipment information and documentation is provided for U.S. import and customs processes, including ISF requirements where applicable. Track shipments throughout the transportation cycle, proactively communicate status updates, and resolve delays, documentation issues, holds, discrepancies, and service exceptions. Prepare and distribute arrival notices and required documentation to customers, customs brokers, consignees, and other parties. Monitor free time and proactively manage potential demurrage, detention, storage, and other accessorial charges. Maintain complete and accurate shipment files within the freight forwarding/TMS system in accordance with company standards. Review carrier and vendor invoices, reconcile shipment costs, and ensure accurate and timely customer billing. Support quotations, rate requests, and commercial activities as required. Coordinate cross-trade shipments and collaborate with Rhenus offices and partners globally. Work closely with Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Requirements

2+ years of hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience, with a strong focus on import operations.
Demonstrated experience independently coordinating FCL and LCL ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery.
Strong knowledge of Bills of Lading, arrival notices, import documentation, cargo release processes, Incoterms, and international shipping procedures.
Knowledge of U.S. import requirements, customs clearance processes, and ISF requirements.
Experience coordinating with customs brokers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, truckers, and warehouses.
Understanding of demurrage, detention, storage, free time, and other import-related accessorial charges.
Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when preparing shipping documentation and managing operational records.
Attention to Detail and Accuracy a must: Strong attention to detail required for documentation and day-to-day tasks.
A proactive, team-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Letters of Credit, cross-trade shipments, and international agent coordination is an asset.
Dangerous Goods (DG) certification or experience handling hazardous ocean cargo is an asset.
Experience using freight forwarding/TMS platforms; CargoWise experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

Coordinate ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery, including FCL and LCL cargo.
Monitor vessel schedules, arrival dates, shipment milestones, free time, and cargo availability.
Review and process import documentation, including HBLs/MBLs, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and other required shipping documents.
Coordinate with customers, carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to ensure timely customs clearance, cargo release, and delivery.
Ensure required shipment information and documentation is provided for U.S. import and customs processes, including ISF requirements where applicable.
Track shipments throughout the transportation cycle, proactively communicate status updates, and resolve delays, documentation issues, holds, discrepancies, and service exceptions.
Prepare and distribute arrival notices and required documentation to customers, customs brokers, consignees, and other parties.
Monitor free time and proactively manage potential demurrage, detention, storage, and other accessorial charges.
Maintain complete and accurate shipment files within the freight forwarding/TMS system in accordance with company standards.
Review carrier and vendor invoices, reconcile shipment costs, and ensure accurate and timely customer billing.
Support quotations, rate requests, and commercial activities as required.
Coordinate cross-trade shipments and collaborate with Rhenus offices and partners globally.
Work closely with Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure a seamless customer experience.