Air and Ocean Import Specialist

Elsdon Group; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Elsdon Group in Minneapolis is seeking an experienced Air & Ocean Import Coordinator. You will manage end-to-end import shipments, coordinate with overseas partners, and ensure compliance with U.S. customs and ISF requirements.

The role requires 2+ years in international freight forwarding, strong knowledge of import docs, and experience with CargoWise or similar TMS. You will collaborate with carriers, brokers and customers to move shipments efficiently.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in international freight forwarding.
• Experience handling air and/or ocean imports.
• Strong understanding of import documentation and international shipping procedures.
• Knowledge of U.S. Customs, ISF and import compliance.
• Understanding of Incoterms and international freight processes.
• Experience with a freight forwarding system/TMS; CargoWise experience is highly desirable.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational ability.
• Comfortable managing multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while taking ownership of your own workload.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of air and ocean import shipments.
• Coordinate bookings, arrival notices, cargo tracking, pickups and final delivery.
• Prepare, review and process import documentation including HBL/MBL, invoices, packing lists and ISF.
• Coordinate with overseas offices, carriers, customs brokers and transportation providers.
• Monitor shipment milestones and communicate updates to customers.
• Resolve delays, discrepancies and operational issues quickly.
• Ensure shipments comply with U.S. Customs and import regulations.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and update the TMS system.
• Support accurate rating, billing and cost control across shipments.
• Build strong relationships with customers and overseas partners.
• Work with internal teams to improve processes and service levels.

Skills

2+ years experience

air imports

ocean imports

import documentation

U.S. Customs/ISF

Incoterms

CargoWise

communication

attention to detail

multitasking

teamwork

Tools

TMS system

CargoWise

Job description

The Opportunity

We are working with a globally established freight forwarding and logistics business that is continuing to grow its presence in the Minneapolis market.

They are looking to hire an experienced Air & Ocean Import Coordinator to join their operations team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with international freight forwarding experience who wants to work within a large, well-established organization with strong career progression opportunities.

You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day movement of air and ocean import shipments, coordinating with overseas agents, carriers, customs brokers, trucking providers and customers to ensure cargo moves efficiently from origin through to final delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of air and ocean import shipments
• Coordinate bookings, arrival notices, cargo tracking, pickups and final delivery
• Prepare, review and process import documentation including HBL/MBL, commercial invoices, packing lists and ISF
• Coordinate with overseas offices, carriers, customs brokers and transportation providers
• Monitor shipment milestones and proactively communicate updates to customers
• Resolve delays, discrepancies and operational issues quickly and effectively
• Ensure shipments comply with U.S. Customs, import regulations and internal procedures
• Maintain accurate shipment records and update the company's TMS/freight forwarding system
• Support accurate rating, billing and cost control across assigned shipments
• Build strong relationships with customers and overseas partners
• Work closely with internal operations, customs, finance and sales teams
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, service levels and operational efficiency

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of experience within international freight forwarding
• Previous experience handling air and/or ocean imports
• Strong understanding of import documentation and international shipping procedures
• Knowledge of U.S. Customs, ISF and import compliance
• Understanding of Incoterms and international freight processes
• Experience using a freight forwarding system/TMS; CargoWise experience is highly desirable
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational ability
• Comfortable managing multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem solving
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while taking ownership of your own workload

Why Join?

• Join a global leader in freight forwarding and supply chain
• Established business with a strong international network
• Full-time position based in Minneapolis
• Work alongside experienced freight forwarding professionals
• Clear opportunities for career progression and development
• Exposure to both air and ocean international logistics
• Stable, long-term opportunity within a growing operation