Ocean Import Coordinator

Rhenus Logistics•McDonough, GA

About The Position

The Ocean Import Coordinator manages ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery, including FCL and LCL cargo. The role monitors vessel schedules, shipment milestones, cargo availability, and free time; processes import documentation; and coordinates with customers, carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to support customs clearance, cargo release, and delivery. The coordinator tracks shipments, communicates status updates, resolves delays and other service exceptions, and prepares arrival notices and required documentation. The role also manages potential demurrage, detention, storage, and other accessorial charges; maintains accurate shipment records in the freight forwarding/TMS system; reviews invoices and shipment costs; supports customer billing, quotations, and rate requests; and coordinates cross-trade shipments with global partners. Collaboration with Sales, Finance, and Operations supports 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.
Experience using freight forwarding/TMS platforms.
Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time management skills, including 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.
A proactive, team-oriented mindset, 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.
CargoWise experience.

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 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, 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.