Import Sales Support

ECU Worldwide; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

ECU Worldwide is seeking an Import Sales Support specialist in Chicago to provide ocean import LCL quotations, bookings, and door-delivery pricing, while ensuring timely status updates and excellent customer service.

You will coordinate cargo bookings with origin agents, handle ISF information, classify HTS codes, process customs entries, and maintain accurate documentation to support compliant shipments and smooth operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• 2–3 years of experience in a Customs Brokerage environment.
• 2–3 years of experience in NVOCC/Freight Forwarding preferred.
• Prior experience with ocean imports and/or U.S. Customs brokerage strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to rate and booking requests via phone, email, or fax.

Skills

Strong organization and prioritization

Clear, persuasive verbal and written

Active listening and clarification

Numerical data interpretation

Teamwork and collaboration

Administrative task execution

Bilingual skills (optional)

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

General computer applications

Job description

Summary The Import Sales Support specialist is responsible for providing accurate and timely ocean import LCL quotations, booking coordination, and door-delivery pricing. This role also supports general import operations as needed, ensuring efficient shipment handling, regulatory compliance, and superior customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Quotations, Bookings, and Customer Support:

• Respond promptly to rate and booking requests received via phone, email, or fax.
• Provide shipment status updates and handle incoming customer inquiries from clients, agents, and outside sales representatives.
• Coordinate cargo bookings with origin agents to ensure timely delivery into designated origin export CFS.
• Confirm on-board dates and communicate relevant shipment milestones.

Operational Coordination:

• Provide ISF information to the Brokerage Department to support timely ISF filing.
• Enter and reconcile origin costs and charges accurately in the system.
• Support general import operational tasks as assigned to ensure workflow continuity.

Customs Brokerage–Related Responsibilities:

• Process customs entries through ABI.
• Classify a wide range of commodities using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
• Research, gather, and interpret information from various sources to prepare compliant and timely U.S. Customs entries.
• Prepare and manage all Customs forms required for processing consumption and in-bond entries.
• Create Single Transaction Bonds (STB), ensuring accurate calculation of bond liability.
• Determine FDA product codes and research applicable government regulations.
• Obtain freight releases from airlines, steamship lines, freight terminals, truckers, and rail carriers.
• Ensure timely submission of payments and required documentation to carriers and U.S. Customs.
• Coordinate with Customs officials, import carriers, and domestic carriers to ensure smooth cargo movement from origin to delivery.
• Prepare invoices in accordance with established client rate schedules and provide proper supporting documentation.
• Maintain complete and accurate files—both physical and digital—to support documentation, compliance, and audit requirements.
• Adhere to company communication and responsiveness standards.
• Escalate unresolved Customs or customer service issues to supervisor promptly.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental efficiency.
• Effective management of difficult customer situations with professionalism.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and follow-up capabilities.
• Clear, persuasive, and professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to listen actively and seek clarification when needed.
• Ability to interpret and present numerical data accurately.
• Strong teamwork orientation; contributes to positive team environment.
• Consistent adherence to policies, procedures, and organizational values.
• Ability to complete administrative tasks accurately and on time.

Additional competencies may be required depending on assignments.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience
• High school diploma required.
• 2–3 years of experience in a Customs Brokerage environment required.
• 2–3 years of experience in NVOCC/Freight Forwarding preferred.
• Prior experience with ocean imports and/or U.S. Customs brokerage strongly preferred.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret industry documentation and communications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with management, customers, and the general public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and general computer applications.
• Strong understanding of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, and import compliance requirements.