Ocean Import Agent I

Ait-Worldwide-Logistics; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Prescription

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Dental

Vision

Life

Paid Parental Leave

401(k)

Tuition Reimbursement

Vacation days

Job summary

AIT Worldwide Logistics is seeking an Ocean Import Agent I to coordinate the day-to-day export of international shipments into and out of the USA, across all modes. The role emphasizes high-level operational excellence and world-class customer service for diverse customers.

The position requires familiarity with CargoWise, Incoterms, and documentation; strong numerical skills and attention to detail. Located in Palatine, IL with potential for growth and bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0-2 Years Freight Forwarding experience preferred.
• Basic math & geography skills.
• Ability to analyze numerical data and understand components, relationships, find patterns and draw conclusions.
• Basic knowledge or ability to learn CargoWise preferred.
• Basic knowledge or ability to learn country regulations, incoterms, and shipment profitability.

Responsibilities

• Receive and validate customer order (CargoWise Org, Credit, Import POA, Restricted Commodities, Cargo Value, Embargoes/Sanctions, Additional Services, Documentation Requirements, Incoterms).
• Identify best routing / transit option per customer request/SOP.
• Anticipate and secure quotation from vendors/agents for all potential order costs.
• Issue customer or overseas office/agent quotation & confirm acceptance.
• Ensure ISF completed timely by broker (if applicable).
• Receive and validate customer documents.
• Track and confirm vessel arrival and update system milestone.
• Issue Arrival Notice and distribute per customer requirement.
• Dispatch inland carriage with subcontractor if applicable.
• Track and confirm shipment arrival to final cfs/terminal (if applicable).
• Track and confirm Customs Release Status.
• Ensure Original B/L surrendered to AIT (if applicable).
• Obtain Pick Up # from Carrier & forwarded to relevant parties (if applicable).
• Confirm timely delivery/release of cargo and update system milestone.
• Accrue for all costs in CargoWise and perform initial profitability check.
• Confirm final costs, ensuring all are accrued and final profitability check complete.
• Issue Invoice to customer/overseas office as required.
• Distribute documents as per shipper requirement / SOP.
• Manage customer reporting and/or additional system milestones as required.

Skills

Team player

Work ethic

Growth mindset

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

Introduction

Join us at AIT, where we believe every day presents an opportunity to make a global impact!

We’re problem solvers, driven by our curiosity and creativity, in endless pursuit of solutions for our customers. Together, we champion the strength of our global teams. And, as trusted advisors, we go above and beyond, working together in a supportive and collaborative environment to ensure customer satisfaction.

Through the company's continued growth, we challenge ourselves to be better, continuously learning and growing in our dynamic environment. Helping others is at the core of our culture, join us in finding fulfillment by giving back to our local communities as the united team that is AIT. Find out what our people deliver.® means when you come move the world with us!

Hear directly from our teammates at AIT Worldwide Logistics and make us the next stop on your career journey.

Overview

AIT Worldwide Logistics is seeking anOcean Import Agent I that willcoordinate the day-to-day export ofinternational freight forwarding shipments into and outof theUSA across all modes of international transportation based on customer requests. TheOcean Import Agent’sprimary focus is providing a high-level of operational excellence and aworld-classcustomer service experience to all customers.

Responsibilities

• Receive and validate customer order (Cargowise Org, Credit, Import POA, Restricted Commodities, Cargo Value, Embargoes/Sanctions, Additional Services, Documentation Requirements, Incoterms)
• Identify best routing / transit option per customer request/SOP
• Anticipate and secure quotation from vendors/agents for all potential order costs
• Issue customer or overseas office/agent quotation & confirm acceptance
• Ensure ISF completed timely by broker (if applicable)
• Receive and validate customer documents
• Track and confirm vessel arrival and update system milestone
• Issue Arrival Notice and distribute per customer requirement
• Dispatch inland carriage with subcontractor if applicable
• Track and confirm shipment arrival to final cfs/terminal (if applicable)
• Track and confirm Customs Release Status
• Ensure Original B/L surrendered to AIT (if applicable)
• Obtain Pick Up # from Carrier & forwarded to relevant parties (if applicable)
• Confirm timely delivery/release of cargo and update system milestone
• Accrue for all costs in CargoWise and perform initial profitability check
• Confirm final costs, ensuring all are accrued and final profitability check complete
• Issue Invoice to customer/overseas office as required
• Distribute documents as per shipper requirement / SOP
• Manage customer reporting and/or additional system milestones as required
• The wage range for this position is $25.10-$35.50 and may vary based on geography as well as relative knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience.

Qualifications

• A team player who works well with others – being respectful to our teammates is a Core Value
• A strong work ethic with an appreciation for ownership, independence, accountability, and autonomy in your role
• Growth mindset – being passionate about your craft, always looking for ways to improve yourself and the company, being open to change and doing things differently
• Customer service focus – we serve a wide variety of customers, both internal and external, and building relationships is a part of our culture

Other Skills We Hope to See:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 0-2 Years Freight Forwarding experience preferred
• Basic math & geography skills
• Ability to analyze numerical data and understand components, relationships, find patterns and draw conclusions.
• Basic knowledge or ability to learn CargoWise preferred
• Basic knowledge or ability to learn freight movement, ocean vendors, ocean space configurations, container loads, special loading constraints, regulatory requirements, pricing, service routings, AIT product offerings, equipment types, incoterms, and shipment profitability.
• Basic knowledge or ability to learn country regulations and AIT policies & procedures that minimize risks to the customer and company.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide using units of currency, weight, volume, and distance measurements.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret verbal and written requests/directions.
• Ability to communicate and interact effective ly with a variety of people; can effective ly present information in one-on-one settings.
• Time management is extremely important to meet customer deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment

What AIT Can Offer You

In addition to your base compensation, you may be eligible for a bonus based on achievement of business and/or individual performance metrics (dependent on position).

• Medical
• Prescription
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• AD&D
• Disability
• Supplemental Health
• Employee Support
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• up to 10 to 20 days of vacation (depending on tenure)
• 2 personal days
• 1 floating holiday
• 5 sick days
• 5 volunteer hours
• 6 company holidays (plus Veterans Day for Veterans) annually

About AIT Worldwide

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high-tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.

AIT Worldwide Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veterans/Disabled. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact Human Resources at 630-766-8300 ext 5218.