Import Specialist (H)

About the role

The role of the Import Specialist is to process and handle air and ocean import shipments for our customers, ensuring the highest quality standards and providing service solutions that meet or exceed our customers’ requirements. An Import Specialist must ensure compliance with laws and regulations, as well as JAS Forwarding operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review and process appropriate documents (i.e. customers classification, commercials invoices, etc.) ensuring files contain all necessary copies, are accurate and in the proper sequence
• Receive and track customer bookings/shipments, update client of 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
• Aid 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
• Able to recognize any changes in customers shipping down trends and report to Management
• Able to be cross trained and act as a back-up for any member of the team if necessary
• To report on customer performance and identify any change in support
• Promote compliance across the department/section
• Able to work through problems, but also recognize issues that may need to be communicated/escalated to management
• Able to ensure all timely correspondence to customers

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