Ocean Import Operations

About the role

SGL is seeking a proactive Ocean Import Specialist to oversee end-to-end ocean import operations. In this role, you will manage the complete freight forwarding process from initiating shipment documentation to coordinating with internal teams and delivering exceptional customer service. You will ensure the accurate and timely movement of cargo and information while maintaining compliance with company procedures and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Enter international ocean import tracking documentation from origin to destination.
• Ensure all applicable regulatory requirements are met and that shipments have accurate and complete documentation, including transit documents, customs clearances and permits.
• Ensure that documentation is processed, distributed, and discharged in a timely way to carriers, forwarders, customers, agents and other relevant parties.
• Prepare all major data entry and confirmation of key milestones (including departure, arrival, customs clearance, delivery, PODs, and so on) as per Customer Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor and manage ocean import shipments from booking through completion, proactively communicating shipment status, delays, exceptions, and other relevant updates to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate costs and profits by overseeing and completing proper billing to clients based on agreed pricing, including reviewing shipment profitability and accruals.
• Ensure that shipments are picked up and transferred with the proper partners.
• Develop techniques and procedures for transporting commodities from local or offshore locations to warehouses, other storage offices, or final consignee locations for nominated shippers.
• Negotiate shipping costs.
• Prepare customs declarations and bonds.
• Develop and manage successful relationships with local suppliers and other co-load carriers (for example, airline agents, freight forwarders, customs brokers, local pickup and delivery firms, regional trucking companies, and line-haul providers).
• Establish and manage the essential procedures to ensure that all employees work in a clean, well-organized, safe, and healthy environment.
• Take booking requests, ensure bookings are made at current and accurate rates, consolidate and route shipments based on local office procedures from departure, arrival, customs clearance, PODs, etc.
• Arrange for container pickup and return to railyard.
• Coordinate daily shipments (documentation, monitoring, arranging pickup/dispatching, communicate with carriers and issuing invoices etc.).
• Monitor and manage shipments until completion. Keep customers appraised to the import details of transactions in accordance with local office import operation procedures.
• Conduct in-depth communications with vendor, shipper, customer carrier, overseas agents, freight forwarders, customs broker, local pickup, and delivery companies etc.
• Respond to emails and rate requests in a timely manner, assisting local sales efforts.
• Perform accurate and timely billing, e.g., create customer invoices and approve payables. Reconcile vendor invoices and assist with resolving invoice discrepancies and disputes.
• Review standard operating procedures to ensure compliance, FMC, Quality Assurance Standards, TAPA, and IMDG, ISO, Customs, etc.
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the Ocean Import process, U.S. Customs requirements, import documentation, and NVOCC / Non-NVOCC operations.
• Understand department process flow, looking for best practices to improve operational efficiency and productivity.
• Complete all inbound moves, including ITs and permits to transfer.
• Collaborate with overseas offices, sales, pricing, accounting, and operations to ensure accurate and timely shipment execution and resolution of operational or billing matters.
• Escalate problems to Management when necessary.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Department Manager.

Qualifications

• Customer service oriented
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving attitude
• Active Listening
• Telephone Etiquette
• Basic Software Skills (Ms. Office & Ms. Excel)
• Basic Computer Skills

Education and Experience

• Ocean Import experience +2 years (is must)
• Experience in freight forwarding Ocean operations processes and procedures.
• Experience of bonded freight and cargo

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements

• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Must pass TSA eligibility screening.

Pay

$28.85 to $31.25 Per Hour

Schedule

8-hour shift (Monday to Friday)

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement