Ocean Import Coordinator

Rhenus Logistics•USMCH01 - McDonough (Rhenus Logistics LLC), IL

About The Position

Coordinate ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery for FCL and LCL cargo. Monitor vessel schedules, shipment milestones, cargo availability, and free time; review and process import documentation; and coordinate with customers, carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to support customs clearance, cargo release, and delivery. Ensure required information and documentation is available for U.S. import processes, including ISF requirements where applicable. Track shipments, provide proactive status updates, resolve delays and service exceptions, and manage potential demurrage, detention, storage, and other accessorial charges. Maintain accurate shipment files in the freight forwarding/TMS system, review vendor invoices and shipment costs, and support customer billing, quotations, rate requests, and commercial activities. Coordinate cross-trade shipments and collaborate with global Rhenus offices and partners, as well as Sales, Finance, and Operations, to provide a seamless customer experience.

Requirements

At least 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.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when preparing shipping documentation and managing operational records.
Proactive, team-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Coordinate FCL and LCL ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery.
Monitor vessel schedules, arrival dates, shipment milestones, free time, and cargo availability.
Review and process 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 support timely customs clearance, cargo release, and delivery.
Ensure shipment information and documentation is provided for U.S. import and customs processes, including ISF requirements where applicable.
Track shipments throughout the transportation cycle, 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 in 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 with Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure a seamless customer experience.