Import Specialist

About the role

JAS is an international, non-asset-based supply chain services and solutions company offering air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, inbound logistics, truckload brokerage, and other supply chain management services including consulting, purchase order coordination, and customized management services. The Import Specialist processes and handles air and ocean import shipments for customers, ensuring the highest quality standards and providing service solutions that meet or exceed customer requirements. The role requires compliance with laws, regulations, and JAS Forwarding operating procedures. In some locations, this position may also be responsible for completing all custom house broker transactions and other government agency regulations in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and process appropriate documents (e.g., customer classification, commercial invoices) ensuring files contain all necessary copies, are accurate, and in the proper sequence
• Receive and track customer bookings/shipments, update clients on shipment status/delays, dispatch for delivery, collect proof of delivery (POD), cost and invoice all files
• Comply with all company business process guidelines
• Bill/invoice each file to the respective customers paying close attention to payment terms for the responsible party
• Resolve and reconcile incorrect payables by working with vendors and overseas offices
• Assist sales, department manager(s), and colleagues in compiling quotes
• Provide accurate job costing forecasts ensuring all payables, receivables, and accruals are set and properly managed per company rules and guidelines
• Provide responsive customer service
• Dispatch freight for delivery, maintain communication with trucker throughout delivery
• Recognize any changes in customers' shipping trends and report to Management
• Cross-train and act as a back-up for any team member if necessary
• Report on customer performance and identify any change in support
• Promote compliance across the department/section
• Work through problems and recognize issues that may need to be communicated/escalated to management
• Ensure all timely correspondence to customers
• Other duties as requested

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience handling imports (air and/or ocean) or combination of education and expertise required
• Experience and knowledge regarding imports, compliance, rules and regulations preferred
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexibility
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office suite a plus
• Detail oriented, able to multitask and meet deadlines
• Able to work in a team and independently
• Knowledge of US customs laws, practices and procedures

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma is a plus or GED required
• Experience working in CargoWise (C1) is preferred
• Experience handling the full life cycle of imports (air and/or ocean) or combination of education and expertise required
• Experience and knowledge regarding import, compliance, rules and regulations preferred
• Knowledge of Importer Security Filing (ISF) preferred
• Good working knowledge of Incoterms required

Environment

100% performed 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 with arms and hands, talk and hear. Frequently required to stoop, kneel, and crouch; lift weight or exert a force up to a maximum of 25 pounds.

Additional

Follow the Company HR Policy, the Code of Business Conduct, and department policies and procedures, including protecting confidential company information, attending work punctually and regularly, and following good safety practices in all activities. Responsibilities may change from time to time in accordance with the Company's business needs; the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities. The above declarations describe the general nature of the job and are not an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, skills, or abilities. Management retains discretion to add or change duties of this position at any time.