Ocean Import Specialist

JAS Worldwide•Charleston, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ocean Import Specialist manages ocean import shipments and provides high-quality service that meets or exceeds customer expectations. The role involves providing effective solutions, following company policies, and complying with applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices. The specialist coordinates shipments with customers, vendors, truckers, and overseas offices; maintains accurate shipment and financial records; and supports quotes by providing rates and tariffs as needed. The role is performed entirely in a climate-controlled internal office environment under normal office conditions. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to feel and handle, reach, talk, and hear. Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting or exerting force up to 25 pounds are frequently required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of experience in imports, or a combination of education and expertise.
Organizational skills.
Proficient communication skills.
Adaptability.
Attention to detail and the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
Ability to work in a team environment and independently.
Knowledge of U.S. Customs laws, practices, and procedures.
Regularly sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to feel and handle, reach with arms and hands, talk, and hear.
Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift or exert force up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Strong computer skills, including familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite.
Experience and knowledge regarding compliance, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of First Port of Arrival (FPOA) entry processes.
FDA experience.
Knowledge of Importer Security Filing (ISF).
Good working knowledge of Other Government Agency (OGA) transactions.

Responsibilities

Receive and track customer bookings and orders, and send shipping instructions overseas according to customer specifications or established SOPs.
Notify customers of shipment arrivals, applicable charges, delays, and Customs or Exam holds.
Process shipments accurately and maintain a high level of data quality.
Manage exceptions with relevant parties and provide customers with updates.
Prepare accurate job-costing forecasts and manage payables, receivables, and accruals according to company rules and guidelines.
Work with vendors and overseas offices to dispute incorrect payables promptly.
Bill or invoice each file to the appropriate customer, observing payment terms for the responsible party.
Collect COD monies owed before arranging delivery to the customer.
Dispatch freight for delivery and maintain communication with truckers through delivery completion.
Confirm proof of delivery (POD) for each shipment and update the system with POD information.
Maintain organized, complete files with required documents in the proper sequence.
Respond to customer requests and exceptions in accordance with company standards and guidelines.
Ensure Original Bill of Lading requirements are met promptly.
Maintain accurate shipment status in tracking and proprietary applications.
Assist with quotes by providing rates and tariffs as needed.
Follow company HR policies, the Code of Business Conduct, and departmental policies and procedures; protect confidential company information, attend work punctually and regularly, and follow good safety practices.
Perform additional or different responsibilities as business needs require.