Air and Ocean Import Specialist

ALS Recruiting Ltd; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

401(k) with company match

Career advancement opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

ALS Recruiting Ltd in Itasca, IL is seeking an experienced Air & Ocean Import Operator to manage international import shipments from origin to delivery using CargoWise. The role requires attention to detail and a customer‑focused mindset in a fast pace environment.

You will coordinate with overseas agents, airlines, and brokers, handle documentation (invoices, packing lists, bills), and ensure customs compliance. Our team values teamwork, service excellence, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in international air and ocean import freight forwarding.
• Experience using CargoWise for documentation and data entry.
• Knowledge of U.S. import procedures and partner agency requirements.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate international air and ocean import shipments from arrival to final delivery.
• Process import files in CargoWise with accurate data.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, carriers, brokers, and internal teams.
• Monitor shipment status and provide proactive customer updates.
• Prepare import documents including invoices, packing lists, and Bills of Lading.
• Coordinate customs clearance with brokers and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Arrange inland transport and minimize demurrage and storage costs.
• Close files within company timelines and support billing.

Skills

Air & Ocean Import

CargoWise

U.S. Customs

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

Join a growing international freight forwarding company that values teamwork, customer service, and operational excellence. We are seeking an experienced Air & Ocean Import Operator to manage international import shipments from origin to final delivery using the system CargoWise.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has strong attention to detail, and is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service.

Position Summary

The Air & Ocean Import Operator is responsible for coordinating international import shipments by air and ocean, ensuring timely customs clearance, accurate documentation, and proactive communication with customers, overseas agents, carriers, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• -Manage international air and ocean import shipments from arrival through final delivery.
• -Process import files in CargoWise, ensuring all shipment information is accurate and complete.
• -Coordinate with overseas agents, airlines, ocean carriers, trucking companies, warehouses, and customs brokers.
• -Monitor shipment status and provide proactive updates to customers throughout the shipment lifecycle.
• -Review and prepare import documentation including Arrival Notices, House Bills, Master Bills, commercial invoices, packing lists, and other shipping documents.
• -Coordinate customs clearance with brokers and ensure compliance with all U.S. Customs and Partner Government Agency requirements.
• -Arrange inland transportation and final delivery while minimizing storage and demurrage charges.
• -Verify shipment costs, complete job costing, and prepare files for accurate customer billing.
• -Respond promptly to customer inquiries, shipment issues, and service requests.
• -Maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and overseas partners.
• -Ensure all files are completed accurately and closed within company timelines.

Qualifications

• -Minimum 2 years of experience in international air and ocean import freight forwarding.
• -Hands-on experience using CargoWise
• -Strong knowledge of U.S. import procedures and freight forwarding operations.
• -Experience working with airlines, steamship lines, customs brokers, and trucking companies.
• -Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• -Ability to prioritize multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.
• -High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• -Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.

What We Offer

• -Competitive salary based on experience.
• -Paid vacation and company holidays.
• -401(k) with company match.
• -Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization.
• -Supportive and collaborative team environment.