Import Specialist I

Noatum; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent Contract

Flexible Benefits Plan

Birthday leave

Job summary

Noatum Logistics is seeking an Import Specialist I to manage daily freight forwarding operations, including customer service, shipment tracking, and documentation, while ensuring regulatory compliance and cost control. The role emphasizes data accuracy, rate negotiation, and strong client relations.

The candidate will develop a thorough understanding of clients’ shipping needs, operate in a fast-paced environment, and contribute to process improvements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Operational experience in international transportation or a related field.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Competent math skills using units of currency, weight, volume, and distance measurements.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Competency in PC, spreadsheets, and database applications (including Microsoft Office Suite).
• 2+ years import operational experience in international transportation, preferably with an international freight forwarder.
• CargoWise platform experience.
• Knowledge of state, federal and international laws and regulations as they relate to import services.
• College degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work in a paperless environment.

Responsibilities

• Enter transportation data to meet regulatory and tracking requirements.
• Ensure regulatory requirements are met and proper documentation exists for shipments.
• Distribute and release documentation to carriers, forwarders, customers, and agents.
• Confirm key milestones (departure, arrival, customs clearance, PODs) per SOPs.
• Negotiate shipping rates and obtain local management approval as needed.
• Complete accurate billing to clients based on established pricing.
• Develop knowledge of Incoterms and commercial invoice requirements.
• Coordinate transportation to warehouses or final consignee locations.
• Prepare timely shipment management information and reports per KPIs.
• Build relationships with customers, government agencies, and local vendors.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Data entry

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College degree in related field (preferred)

_import regulatory knowledge_ (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CargoWise platform

Job description

As a global client-centered logistics operator, Noatum Logistics provides integrated value-added solutions for the supply chain of all our clients. With a vast network of offices in 27 different countries, Noatum Logistics has onsite experts to develop and execute logistics solutions tailored to meet our client’s needs.

Renowned for its excellent service and specialized staff, the company has positioned itself as an industry leader, offering solutions to meet the needs of clients across various sectors. Our services include Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road & Rail Freight, Customs Brokerage, Warehousing & Distribution, and Value Supply Chain services. The solutions offered are Integrated Supply Chain Solutions, 3PL for eCommerce business (eSolutions), Reefer/Cold Chain Logistics, and Project Cargo.

Noatum Logistics responds to different industry needs with in-depth knowledge and experience in defined industries, including Fashion & Retail, Industrial & Construction, High Tech & Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Food & Consumer Goods, Mining, Energy and Oil & Gas, Defense & Aerospace, and Pharma & Healthcare.

About The Role

We are looking for a Import Specialist I to join our dynamic team at Noatum Logistics. In this role, you will be responsible for daily freight forwarding operations including, but not limited to customer service, shipment tracking, document handling, and regulatory compliance. The import specialist plans and schedules appropriate services to maintain an effective balance between customer service and shipment costs. The import specialist develops a thorough understanding of our clients’ shipping requirements and patterns; demonstrates sound customer service and data entry skills; and develops job related knowledge to support growth within current position and further career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Enter transportation data to meet regulatory and tracking requirements.
• Ensure regulatory requirements are met and proper documentation, including transit and customs clearance documents, exist for shipments.
• Ensure documentation is accurately processed, distributed, and released to carriers, forwarders, customers, and agents in a timely manner.
• Complete all necessary data entry and confirmation of key milestones (departure, arrival, customs clearance, PODs, etc.) as specified by customer standard operating procedures.
• Negotiate shipping rates and submit to local management for approval as necessary.
• Complete accurate billing to clients based on established pricing, while ensuring appropriate costs and profits are maintained.
• Establish knowledge of Incoterms and commercial invoice requirements.
• Develop methods and procedures for transportation of commodities for designated shippers from local or offshore locations to warehouses, other storage facilities or final consignee locations.
• Arrange the transfer and delivery of shipments with appropriate partners.
• Prepare timely shipment management information and reports as requested or specified per department KPIs.
• Develop and maintain successful relationships with customers, government agencies, and local vendors (e.g., airline representatives, freight forwarders, custom brokers, local pickup and delivery companies, regional trucking companies, line haul providers).
• Participate as an effective team member with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain courteous, prompt, and efficient customer relations.
• Comply with necessary procedures to assure a clean, properly organized, safe, and healthy environment for all personnel.

What We Are Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Operational experience in international transportation or a related field.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Competent math skills using units of currency, weight, volume, and distance measurements.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Competency in PC, spreadsheets, and database applications (including Microsoft Office Suite).
• Preferred Qualifications
• 2+ years import operational experience in international transportation, preferably with an international freight forwarder.
• CargoWise platform experience.
• Knowledge of state, federal and international applicable laws, and regulations as they relate to primary services provided (i.e., customs, security, other import and export government agencies that regulate international trade).
• College degree in related field or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Ability to work in a paperless environment.

Physical Requirements

• Noatum is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Noatum will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
• The job is performed indoors in a traditional office setting. Activities include extended periods of sitting while working at a computer and occasional fast-paced operations and events.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to communicate orally with customers, vendors, management, and co-workers. Regular use of the telephone, virtual meetings, and e‑mail for communication. Hearing, vision, and speaking within normal ranges are essential for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information, and to prepare or inspect documents.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computers, calculators, and copiers.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, handle, use hands to grasp, or feel and operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone keypad.

What We Offer

• Permanent Contract – Enjoy stability and long-term career opportunities.
• Flexible Benefits Plan – Choose what suits you best: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K Plan with company match.
• Celebrate Your Birthday – Take a day off to make your special day even better.
• 11 paid Holidays and 5 floating holidays.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Professional Growth – Access continuous learning and development opportunities to boost your career.
• Collaborative & International Environment – Work with diverse teams and be part of a global network.
• Corporate University – Benefit from ongoing training programs designed to keep you ahead.

At Noatum Logistics, we guarantee equal opportunities and non-discrimination based on sex, gender, race, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation in our selection processes. Our goal is to maximize people’s talents in all their diversity while eliminating any form of discrimination.