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, ensuring high-quality service that meets or exceeds customer requirements. The role ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and JAS Forwarding operating procedures, and in some locations may include completing customs house broker transactions and meeting other government agency requirements in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and process documents such as customer classification and commercial invoices, ensuring files are accurate, complete, and in proper sequence
• Receive and track customer bookings and shipments; update clients on status and delays; dispatch for delivery; collect proof of delivery (POD); cost and invoice files
• Comply with company business process guidelines
• Bill and invoice files to 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 managers, and colleagues in compiling quotes
• Provide accurate job costing forecasts, ensuring all payables, receivables, and accruals are set and managed per company rules
• Provide responsive customer service
• Dispatch freight for delivery and maintain communication with truckers throughout delivery
• Recognize changes in customer shipping trends and report to management
• Act as cross-trained backup for team members as needed
• Report on customer performance and identify changes in support
• Promote compliance across the department
• Work through problems and escalate issues to management when necessary
• Ensure timely correspondence to customers
• Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience handling imports (air and/or ocean) or a combination of education and expertise
• Experience and knowledge regarding imports, compliance, rules, and regulations preferred
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Flexibility and strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite
• Detail-oriented with ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of US customs laws, practices, and procedures

Education and Experience

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

Work Environment

This position is performed in a climate-controlled internal office environment under normal office conditions. Regular activities include sitting, standing, walking, using hands and fingers to handle objects, reaching with arms and hands, talking, and hearing. Frequent activities include stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting up to 25 pounds.