Import Specialist

Future Forwarding Company; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Future Forwarding Company is seeking an Import Operations Specialist to manage end-to-end inbound shipments, ensure compliance with US customs, and coordinate with brokers and carriers to secure timely deliveries.

The role requires 4+ years in international freight forwarding, strong knowledge of ISF filings and CargoWise, and excellent communication across internal teams and clients. On-site work in Maryland supports high-end apparel imports.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Oversee import operations ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and regulatory bodies
• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and IOR providers
• Collaborate with sales, logistics, and merchandising teams for timely delivery
• Review and approve shipment bookings and communicate updates to internal stakeholders
• Track active freight shipments daily and resolve delays or issues
• Prepare import documentation including ISFs, invoices, and bills of lading
• Manage full lifecycle of international purchase orders and customs compliance
• Audit carrier invoices and facilitate timely payment through Accounts Payable
• Own pricing, quotations, and billing for import shipments
• Maintain records for Free Trade Agreements and special import programs,

Skills

International freight forwarding

Customs entry & ISF filings

Communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Incoterms knowledge

Excel

Outlook

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CargoWise

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