Ocean Import Ops Specialist
About The Position
The Ocean Import Operations Specialist manages ocean import shipments from origin through final delivery, serving customers while maintaining shipment profitability. The role handles shipment documentation, customs coordination, carrier payments, trucking, tracking, customer communication, rates and quotations, billing, and accounting. It requires independent judgment and day-to-day decisions that meet customer requirements while staying within profit targets set by the Station Manager. This is a full-time, on-site position in Renton, Washington, with a minimum of eight hours per day.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of experience in international ocean import freight forwarding.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of transportation management software, such as SAP or CargoWise.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
- Proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Highly organized, accurate, and detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.
- Respectful and cooperative approach with teammates.
Nice To Haves
- Broader freight forwarding background, including knowledge of import regulations and documentation requirements.
- Familiarity with ISF, AMS, CBP, C-TPAT, and related government regulations.
- Knowledge of domestic transportation modes and pricing methods.
Responsibilities
- Prepare ocean import arrival notices and deliver documents to customs brokers on time for clearance.
- Obtain booking documents from overseas agents and offices.
- Pay steamship lines and CFS warehouses for ocean freight and CFS charges.
- Create load tenders, send them to appropriate transportation providers, and follow up to maintain delivery performance.
- Enter proof-of-delivery data and follow up with truckers on requests.
- Track and trace shipments daily and monitor shipment movement.
- Alert customers and management when shipments may miss delivery commitments.
- Keep peers and team members informed about customer activity.
- Request rates and follow up on rate requests.
- Prepare and record rate quotations.
- Invoice customers on time, accrue costs, and post shipments to the accounting system.
- Resolve payment discrepancies and prevent invoicing errors.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Benefits
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
- Health Savings Account with employer contributions.
- Flexible Spending Account options for medical and/or dependent care.
- Company-provided life insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
- Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and company-observed holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
