Ocean Import Coordinator

Rhenus Group; Cranford (NJ); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhenus Group is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Coordinator to manage shipments from pre-alert through delivery. You will coordinate with customers, carriers, brokers, and offices to ensure timely customs clearance and cargo release.

Responsibilities include monitoring vessel schedules, processing import documents, and tracking shipments to resolve delays. The role requires strong communication and a detail-oriented approach to maintain compliant, on-time deliveries.

Qualifications

• Proficient in handling import documentation (HBLs/MBLs, invoices, packing lists).
• Experience coordinating with carriers, brokers, and customers in ocean freight.
• Strong understanding of US import processes and ISF where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ocean import shipments from pre-alert to final delivery.
• Monitor vessel schedules, milestones, free time, and cargo availability.
• Review and process import documents and ensure timely clearance.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, brokers, and offices to ensure smooth delivery.
• Track shipments, communicate updates, and resolve delays or discrepancies.
• Prepare arrival notices and distribute necessary documentation to parties.

Skills

Ocean import coordination

Schedule monitoring

Documentation management

Customer coordination

ISF/compliance knowledge

Billing support

Tools

TMS software

Job description

• 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.