Import Specialist

Future Forwarding Company; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Future Forwarding Company seeks an experienced Import Operations Specialist to lead end-to-end import shipments—apparel-focused—ensuring regulatory compliance and seamless communication with brokers, forwarders, and IORs.

Collaborate with sales, logistics, and merchandising teams, track shipments daily, review bookings, and own pricing, quotations, and billing processes. Strong communication and detail orientation are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of international freight forwarding operation experience.
• 3+ years customs entry, certificate of origin, ISF filings experience.
• 3+ years CargoWise software experience.
• 2+ years Ocean Import experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all import operations to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, forwarders, carriers, and Importer of Record providers.
• Collaborate with sales, logistics, and merchandising teams to ensure timely delivery and accurate shipment information.
• Review and approve shipment bookings from brokers/forwarders; communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Track all active freight shipments daily and resolve delays or issues.
• Prepare and manage import documentation including ISFs, invoices, and bills of lading.
• Manage lifecycle of international purchase orders with proper documentation and customs compliance.
• Audit carrier invoices and process payments through Accounts Payable.
• Own end-to-end import processes including pricing, quotations, and billing.
• Maintain records for Free Trade Agreements and other import programs.
• Serve as main point of contact for customers; resolve issues and ensure satisfaction.
• Support Import Manager on special projects and process improvements.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Attention to detail

English language proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CargoWise

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Job description

Description

Core Focus

Deliver exceptional import logistics support by managing inbound shipments, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring all client communications are handled promptly and professionally.

Role

• Oversee all import operations to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and other regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and Importer of Record (IOR) providers to streamline transit and customs clearance.
• Collaborate with sales, logistics, and merchandising teams to ensure timely delivery and accurate shipment information.
• Review and approve shipment bookings from brokers/forwarders; communicate any updates or changes to internal stakeholders.
• Track all active freight shipments daily and proactively resolve any delays or issues.
• Prepare and manage all required import documentation, including ISFs, invoices, and bills of lading.
• Manage the full lifecycle of international purchase orders, ensuring proper documentation, classification, and customs compliance.
• Audit carrier invoices for accuracy and process for timely payment through Accounts Payable.
• Full A-Z process ownership across Import shipments, including pricing, quotations, and billing.
• Familiar with high-end apparel commodities
• Maintain accurate records for Free Trade Agreements and other special import programs.
• Serves as the main point of contact for customers, resolving issues and ensuring customer satisfaction
• Support the Import Manager on special projects and process improvements as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Minimum of 4 years of international freight forwarding operation experience
• 3+ years customs entry, certificate of origin, ISF fililings, a plus
• 3+ years of CargoWise software
• 2+ years of Ocean Import Experience

Preferred Skills

• Familiar with wide range of commodity codes
• Strong knowledge of US Customs regulations
• Strong Communication, analytical, and math skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proficient in the English Language
• Attention to detail
• Reliable, accountable, and collaborative team player
• Demonstrated proficiency with applicable software Microsoft Outlook & Excel
• Understanding of International Trade Regulations (Incoterms, customs documentation, tariffs)

Location

• 6180 Buffington Road, On site