Ocean Import Coordinator

Rhenus Logistics; Cranford (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhenus Logistics in Cranford, NJ is seeking an Ocean Import Coordinator to manage end-to-end international ocean import shipments (FCL/LCL). You will be the primary contact for customers, carriers, brokers, and internal teams, ensuring accurate documentation and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate has hands-on ocean freight experience, strong knowledge of import procedures and ISF requirements, and the ability to juggle multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment while delivering

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience.
• Experience coordinating FCL and LCL shipments from pre-alert through delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Bills of Lading, arrival notices, import documentation, cargo release processes, Incoterms, and international shipping procedures.
• Knowledge of U.S. import requirements, customs clearance processes, and ISF requirements.
• Experience coordinating with customs brokers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, truckers, and warehouses.
• Understanding of demurrage, detention, storage, free time, and other import-related accessorial charges.
• Experience with Letters of Credit, cross-trade shipments, and international agent coordination is an asset.
• Dangerous Goods (DG) certification or experience handling hazardous ocean cargo is an asset.
• Experience using freight forwarding/TMS platforms; CargoWise experience is an asset.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when preparing shipping documentation and managing operational records.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy a must: Strong attention to detail required for documentation and day-to-day tasks.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery for FCL and LCL.
• Monitor vessel schedules, milestones, free time, and cargo availability.
• Process import documentation such as HBLs/MBLs, invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and other required shipping documents.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to ensure timely customs clearance, cargo release, and delivery.
• Ensure ISF requirements are met for U.S. imports.
• Track shipments and resolve delays, documentation issues, holds, discrepancies, and service exceptions.
• Prepare arrival notices and distribute documents to customers and brokers.
• Monitor free time and proactively manage demurrage, detention, storage, and other charges.
• Maintain complete and accurate shipment files in the TMS system.
• Review carrier invoices and reconcile shipment costs.
• Assist with quotations, rate requests, and commercial activities.
• Coordinate cross-trade shipments with Rhenus offices and partners globally.
• Work with Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Skills

Ocean freight forwarding

Import documentation

Incoterms

ISF requirements

Communication skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics service providers operating worldwide. We offer tailor-made solutions along the entire supply chain for companies from a wide diversity of industries. From multimodal transports to perfect warehousing, from smooth customs clearance to innovative value-added services: We always keep our pulse on the times and are at our customers' side.

What you will be doing

Reporting to the Branch Manager, the Ocean Import Coordinator is responsible for the end-to-end coordination of international ocean import shipments, including both FCL and LCL cargo.

This role serves as a key point of contact for customers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, overseas agents, transportation providers, and internal teams, ensuring shipments are handled accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable import requirements.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience, strong knowledge of import documentation and customs processes, and the ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

You will be contributing to that vision by…

• Coordinate ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery, including FCL and LCL cargo.
• Monitor vessel schedules, arrival dates, shipment milestones, free time, and cargo availability.
• Review and process import documentation, including HBLs/MBLs, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and other required shipping documents.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to ensure timely customs clearance, cargo release, and delivery.
• Ensure required shipment information and documentation is provided for U.S. import and customs processes, including ISF requirements where applicable.
• Track shipments throughout the transportation cycle, proactively communicate status updates, and resolve delays, documentation issues, holds, discrepancies, and service exceptions.
• Prepare and distribute arrival notices and required documentation to customers, customs brokers, consignees, and other parties.
• Monitor free time and proactively manage potential demurrage, detention, storage, and other accessorial charges.
• Maintain complete and accurate shipment files within the freight forwarding/TMS system in accordance with company standards.
• Review carrier and vendor invoices, reconcile shipment costs, and ensure accurate and timely customer billing.
• Support quotations, rate requests, and commercial activities as required.
• Coordinate cross-trade shipments and collaborate with Rhenus offices and partners globally.
• Work closely with Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure a seamless customer experience.

What skills & experience you will bring to us

• 2+ years of hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience, with a strong focus on import operations.
• Demonstrated experience independently coordinating FCL and LCL ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Bills of Lading, arrival notices, import documentation, cargo release processes, Incoterms, and international shipping procedures.
• Knowledge of U.S. import requirements, customs clearance processes, and ISF requirements.
• Experience coordinating with customs brokers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, truckers, and warehouses.
• Understanding of demurrage, detention, storage, free time, and other import-related accessorial charges.
• Experience with Letters of Credit, cross-trade shipments, and international agent coordination is an asset.
• Dangerous Goods (DG) certification or experience handling hazardous ocean cargo is an asset.
• Experience using freight forwarding/TMS platforms; CargoWise experience is an asset.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when preparing shipping documentation and managing operational records.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy a must: Strong attention to detail required for documentation and day-to-day tasks.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

What You can expect

• Continuous Training: Sharpen your skills and advance your expertise with our professional development programs.
• Great Team: It's truly the people that make the difference - and with us you'll join the best team around.
• Flat Hierarchies: Get straight through to the decision-makers with our streamlined organizational structure.
• Room for Innovation: Turn your ideas into action in an environment that champions creativity and empowers you to lead change.
• Events: From team outings to holiday parties and networking events, we build strong connections by spending quality time together.
• Quick Decision Processes: Make things happen faster with streamlined processes that promote efficiency and effectiveness.