Ocean Import Agent II

AIT Worldwide Logistics; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

AIT Worldwide Logistics in Palatine, IL is seeking an Ocean Import Agent II to coordinate day-to-day import of international shipments into the USA. You will partner with brokers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-efficient handling from origin to final delivery.

This role emphasizes operational excellence and world-class customer service, with responsibilities including order validation, routing options, quotations, tracking milestones, and timely invoicing.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years freight forwarding experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day import shipments for USA operations.
• Validate documents, arrange routing, and secure quotes.
• Track vessel milestones and advise customers of status.
• Prepare and issue invoices and relevant documentation.

Skills

Team player

Growth mindset

Customer service

Strong work ethic

Ownership and independence

Education

High school diploma

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 an Ocean Import Agent II that will coordinate the day-to-day Import of international freight forwarding shipments into and out of the USA across all modes of international transportation based on customer requests. The Ocean Import Agent’s primary focus is providing a high-level of operational excellence and a world-class customer service experience to all customers.

Responsibilities

• Receive and validate customer order (Cargowise Org, Credit, Export POA, Restricted 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 $27.80-$39.20 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
• 2-4 Years Freight Forwarding experience preferred