Import Specialist - Detroit

Emons Air & Sea; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Professional development

Global exposure

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Emons Air & Sea LLC in Detroit is seeking an Import Specialist to manage end-to-end import operations, coordinating with overseas agents, carriers, and the brokerage team. The role emphasizes accuracy, proactive communication, and strong customer service.

You will handle quotations, invoicing support, and shipment tracking while contributing to team growth and operational excellence across the U.S. operations.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of freight forwarding experience, with exposure to import processes.
• Experience with customs brokerage, brokerage coordination and clearance steps.
• Familiarity with HTS, ISF, PGA/OGA requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate import shipments from origin to final delivery and liaise with overseas partners and carriers.
• Prepare quotations for agents and customers and assist with invoicing and shipment costing.
• Support the brokerage team with customs clearance, ISF filings, and regulatory documentation.
• Mentor and contribute to process improvements within a growing domestic team.

Skills

Freight forwarding

Customs compliance

HTS classification

ISF filings

Customer service

Independence

Tools

MS Office

SharePoint

Copilot/AI tools

Job description

Join a Global Logistics SME Leader

Emons Air & Sea LLC is a full-service International Freight Forwarder, NVOCC, and Licensed Customs House Broker with 6 offices across the United States, multiple offices all over Europe and the Middle East, plus an extensive global agent network. We provide comprehensive logistics solutions and customized transportation services to a diverse portfolio of clients worldwide.

Our reputation is built on personalized service, operational excellence, and the ability to deliver innovative solutions for even the most complex logistics challenges including using IT & AI tools.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Import Specialist to join our team at our Detroit Headquarters.

Position Overview

This is an excellent opportunity for a logistics professional who combines strong freight forwarding expertise with hands‑on freight forwarding and customs brokerage experience. We are looking for an individual who can manage the complete import process from A to Z, including working with brokerage department for customs clearance, handling transportation coordination, customer communication, quotations, and shipment management.

The ideal candidate takes pride in delivering exceptional service, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and enjoys working independently while contributing to the growth and development of a small, high‑performing team.

This position offers significant career advancement opportunities, including a potential path into management roles within our U.S. operations or internationally throughout the Emons Group.

What We Offer

• Bonus
• Stable and growing international organization
• Professional development and ongoing training
• Exposure to global logistics operations
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment

Key Responsibilities

Freight Forwarding Operations

• Coordinate international air and ocean import shipments from origin through final delivery.
• Work directly with overseas agents, customers, steamship lines, airlines, truckers, and co-loaders.
• Arrange transportation, customs clearance, and final‑mile delivery.
• Track and monitor shipments to ensure timely execution and customer satisfaction.

Customer Service & Business Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and overseas partners.
• Prepare freight quotations for agents and customers.
• Assist with invoicing and shipment cost management.
• Provide proactive communication regarding shipment status and issue resolution.

Team Development

• Support cross‑training initiatives within the branch.
• Assist in mentoring and supervising team members as the department expands.
• Contribute to process improvements and operational excellence initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Experience

• 2-3 years of strong Freight forwarding experience, including:
  • Knowledge of HTS classification
  • OGA/PGA processing
  • Remote Location Filing (RLF)
  • Knowledge of Customs entries
  • Importer Security Filing (ISF)
  • General commodities clearance
• Additional 2-3 years of experience in:
  • International air freight forwarding
  • Ocean freight forwarding
  • Rating and quotations
  • Customer service
  • Freight invoicing
• Strong understanding of freight forwarding regulations and import compliance.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently within a small office environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Detail‑oriented with exceptional follow‑through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong mathematical aptitude and understanding of domestic and international geography.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience training, cross‑training, or supervising others is highly desirable.

Customs Brokerage & Compliance – Knowledge of

• Prepare, review, and submit import documentation in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.
• Process customs entries, ISF filings, PGA/OGA requirements, and related import documentation.
• Ensure compliance with CBP, FMC, C-TPAT, and company procedures.
• Monitor regulatory requirements and maintain accurate records.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability and willingness to learn Microsoft 365 and SharePoint systems.
• Understand and can use AI tools such as Copilot

This role is designed for professionals seeking more than just an operational position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help build and expand a growing department while developing leadership capabilities that can lead to future management opportunities within Emons Air & Sea in the United States or internationally.

Why Emons Air & Sea?

At Emons Air & Sea, we believe our people are the key to our success. We invest in professional development, encourage innovation, and provide employees with opportunities to grow alongside our international organization.

Build your future with Emons Air & Sea and become part of a globally connected team committed to delivering world‑class logistics solutions