Ocean Import Operator

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

PTO and company holidays

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

We are partnering with a dynamic, rapidly expanding mid-sized freight forwarder in Miami to recruit an experienced Ocean Import Coordinator. This hands-on, end-to-end role manages ocean import files from start to finish, including documentation, customs coordination, and last-mile dispatch. Proficiency in CargoWise (One) is essential, with 2–5+ years of ocean import operations experience.

English is required; Spanish is highly preferred. Active US work authorization is mandatory.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of hands-on ocean import operations experience within a 3PL or international freight forwarding environment.
• CargoWise (One) proficiency is essential.
• Strong working knowledge of ocean import documentation (FCL/LCL), ocean freight terminology, IncoTerms, and port/terminal operations in South Florida.
• English fluency required; Bilingual (English / Spanish) skills are highly preferred given local market trade lanes.
• Proactive mindset with a sharp attention to detail regarding shipment deadlines and container demurrage prevention.
• Must hold active, unrestricted US work authorization (sponsorship is not available for this role).

Responsibilities

• A-to-Z File Execution: Open, manage, and process ocean import files (FCL & LCL) from origin notification through to final delivery and billing.
• Documentation Management: Review and process master and house ocean bills of lading (MBL/HBL), arrival notices, delivery orders, commercial invoices, and packing lists.
• System Management: Accurately enter and update all shipment milestones, routing notes, and costings within CargoWise.
• Carrier & Vendor Coordination: Liaise directly with steamship lines, co-loaders, terminal operators, drayage truckers, and overseas agents to track container movements and resolve operational delays.
• Customs & Clearance Support: Coordinate closely with internal customs brokers or third-party filing agents to ensure timely CBP and PGA releases before container demurrage/per diem accrues.
• Customer Communication: Provide proactive tracking updates and exceptional service to domestic importers and LATAM trade lane partners.
• Billing & File Profitability: Complete file costing, ensure accurate billing of freight and accessorial charges, and execute timely file closing.

Skills

Ocean import operations

Attention to detail

Customer communication

Problem solving

English fluency

Spanish bilingual

Tools

CargoWise (One)

Job description

Software Requirement: CargoWise (One) experience required

About the Role:

We are partnering with a dynamic, rapidly expanding mid-sized freight forwarder in Miami to recruit an experienced Ocean Import Coordinator.

This is a hands-on, end-to-end operational role executing ocean import files from start to finish. Working within a close-knit, fast-paced team, you will manage file creation, shipping documentation, arrival notices, customs coordination, and last-mile drayage/delivery dispatch.

If you are an experienced ocean operator who thrives in a collaborative mid-sized environment—where your work is recognized and you aren't just a number—this is an exceptional opportunity to grow your career.

Key Responsibilities:

• A-to-Z File Execution: Open, manage, and process ocean import files (FCL & LCL) from origin notification through to final delivery and billing.
• Documentation Management: Review and process master and house ocean bills of lading (MBL/HBL), arrival notices, delivery orders, commercial invoices, and packing lists.
• System Management: Accurately enter and update all shipment milestones, routing notes, and costings within CargoWise.
• Carrier & Vendor Coordination: Liaise directly with steamship lines, co-loaders, terminal operators, drayage truckers, and overseas agents to track container movements and resolve operational delays.
• Customs & Clearance Support: Coordinate closely with internal customs brokers or third-party filing agents to ensure timely CBP and PGA releases before container demurrage/per diem accrues.
• Customer Communication: Provide proactive tracking updates and exceptional service to domestic importers and LATAM trade lane partners.
• Billing & File Profitability: Complete file costing, ensure accurate billing of freight and accessorial charges, and execute timely file closing.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Industry Experience: 2–5+ years of hands‑on ocean import operations experience within a 3PL or international freight forwarding environment.
• Software: CargoWise (One) proficiency is essential.
• Freight Expertise: Strong working knowledge of ocean import documentation (FCL/LCL), ocean freight terminology, IncoTerms, and port/terminal operations in South Florida.
• Languages: English fluency required; Bilingual (English / Spanish) skills are highly preferred given local market trade lanes.
• Problem Solving: Proactive mindset with a sharp attention to detail regarding shipment deadlines and container demurrage prevention.
• Work Authorization: Must hold active, unrestricted US work authorization (sponsorship is not available for this role).

What's on Offer:

• Base salary up to $65,000 (depending on experience).
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance benefits package.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays.
• Clear career growth opportunities within an expanding, financially stable forwarder.