Import Coordinator/Customs Entry Writer

Alara Logistics Group; Humble (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

ALARA Logistics is seeking an Import Coordinator to manage import and brokerage operations, including transport, quoting, billing, and customer contact while ensuring operational excellence and high productivity, based in Houston, TX.

You will handle customs entries, coordinate with forwarders and vendors, provide quotes, and maintain strong communication with customers and carriers in a regulated, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates or bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience considered.
• CCS certification preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Process entries to Customs and other government agencies for clearance of goods into the United States.
• Review import documentation for accuracy (invoices, dangerous goods declarations).
• Coordinate freight release with forwarders, steamship lines, airlines, agents, etc.
• Provide status updates and maintain communication with customers, carriers, and vendors.
• Knowledge of ocean and air freight, including FCL/LCL, and Border Crossings.
• Coordinate pickup and destination delivery for shipments from origin to ultimate consignee.
• Provide quotes for import services by working with vendors and agents.
• Handle ocean and air freight shipments from origin to US destination with overseas agents.

Skills

Self-Managing

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Technical Capacity

Collaboration

Teamwork

Global Operations

Education

High school Diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred

Certified Customs Specialist(CCS) preferred

Job description

Who WeAre

ALARA Logistics is a small, privately owned company experiencing a period of both growth and maturity. We are a specialized logistics company headquartered in Houston, TX, with additional offices in Australia and South Korea. We focus on all phases of transportation including high-consequence material, difficult-to-transport cargo, oil-industry projects, and hazardous cargo from conception to production.

We have a small team (15-20 people in Houston) of professionals with specialized experience and licenses in the transportation industry, as well as administrative and warehouse staff.

Our work environment is a close-knit group of motivated people. We value curiosity, professional drive, and a strong focus on customer service in our employees.

Who You Are

This role is a great fit for someone who has worked in a start-up or other growth environment. You will be ready to hit the ground running with the desire to learn and execute your training in our day-to-day operations. You can work in a high-pressure environment and are able to set priorities and meet deadlines. You must have the ability to perform in this role with a high level of discretion and professionalism.

We are open to considering a wide variety of backgrounds for this role. We offer a casual office environment and offer a hybrid schedule with one work from home day per week after 90 day probationary period.

Summary

Summary/Objective

The Import Coordinator is responsible for import and brokerage operations including transport, quoting, billing, administration, and customer contact while ensuring operational excellence, high productivity, and customer satisfaction.

This position requires a unique skill set, including customized service and relationship management, exceptional problem-solving skills, incomparable attention to detail, and the ability to work proactively in a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry.

Job Description

Please note: We are not accepting inquiries or candidate submissions from recruiters or staffing agencies at this time.

Role and Responsibilities

• Process entries to Customs and other government agencies for clearance of goods into the United States


• Receive and review import documentation for accuracy (i.e. Commercial Invoices, dangerous goods declarations).


• Coordinates freight release with U.S. forwarders, steamship lines, airlines, agents, etc. and confirm availability for movement.


• Provide status updates of freight and Maintain communication with customers, carriers, and vendors


• Knowledge of various transportation modes including ocean freight (FCL/LCL), air freight, and Border Crossings


• Coordinates pickup and destination delivery for all shipments from airline, seaports and CFS (container freight station) to ultimate consignee


• Provide quotes for customers on import services by working with vendors and agents


• Handle ocean and air freight shipments from origin collection to US destination by coordinating with overseas agents


• Other duties as required and assigned

Core Competencies

• Self-Managing & Pro-active


• Customer Service Driven


• Problem Solving


• Technical Capacity


• Collaboration


• Teamwork Orientation/Cross Functional Teams


• Global Operations

Education and Experience

• Certified Customs Specialist(CCS) preferred.


• High school Diploma or equivalent (Required).


• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience in lieu of education will be considered.


• Bilingual is preferred but not required.


• Imports freight forwarding experience desired.


• Knowledge of import operations including air & ocean import logistics, entry writer, international logistics, and/or hazmat logistics experience.


• Ability to obtain regulatory requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEOC Statement

ALARA Logistics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.