Ocean Import Specialist

JAS Worldwide; Charleston (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

JAS Forwarding (USA), Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented import coordinator to manage ocean import shipments, ensure compliance with regulations, and coordinate with Sales for a smooth transition from sales to operations.

The role requires strong organizational skills, proficiency in the MS Office suite, and knowledge of US customs procedures. This on-site position supports a climate-controlled office environment with routine travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Detail oriented with ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of US customs laws, practices and procedures.
• Experience in imports and entry procedures is preferred.
• Able to work in a team and independently.
• FDA entry/process knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Receive and track customer bookings/orders and send shipping instructions.
• Notify customer of arrival, charges and any delays with proper documentation.
• Process Customs Entries, classify invoices, file RLF entries, and enter electronic invoices.
• Own FDA related entries and ensure accurate documentation across shipments.
• Transmit information to ABI and monitor customs releases and related agencies.
• Coordinate entry and break bulk shipments and support Sales during transitions.
• Provide quotes with rates and tariffs and maintain data quality in records.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

US customs knowledge

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

JAS is an international, non-asset-based supply chain services and solutions company. Our services include air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, inbound logistics, truckload brokerage and other supply chain management services, including consulting, the coordination of purchase orders and customized management services.

To process and handle ocean import shipments for our customers, ensuring the highest quality standards and providing service solutions meeting or exceeding our customer’s requirements and company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and best practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receive and track customer bookings/orders. Send shipping instructions overseas according to customer instructions or established SOP’s.
• Notify customer of arrival and charges. This must apply to any delay notices and Customs/Exam holds. Applicable charges for any holds must also be advised to the necessary party concerned immediately after we receive our notification.
• Follow the guidelines specified by the company’s business process team.
• Process Customs Entries, i.e. classify invoice, file RLF entries, and enter electronic invoices.
• Own the process for FDA related entries.
• Review and prepare documentation with accuracy on every detail and aspect, not limited to but including Customs classification, I.T. number, commercial invoices, details, etc.
• Transmit information to ABI, verify results and make corrections if necessary, monitoring the release of customs and also any OGA as may apply (USDA, FCC, DOT… etc.).
• Check Customs release details and ensure any discrepancies are handled properly.
• Transmit payment of Customs duties as needed.
• Manage exceptions with involved parties and customer.
• Ensure that file contains all necessary document copies in proper sequence.
• Coordination of entry and break bulk shipments.
• Work with Sales on account implementation, ensuring a smooth transition from Sales to Operations.
• Answer all customer requests in accordance with our company standards and guidelines.
• Monitor closely any shipments moving on an I.T. and provide release, payment and delivery instructions within the allotted free time.
• Collect any COD monies owed before arranging delivery to the customer.
• Handle and manage all customer contact at file level regarding exceptions.
• Ensure highest level of data quality by processing the shipment accurately.
• Provide accurate job costing forecast – Ensure all payables, receivables and accruals are set and properly managed per company rules and guidelines.
• Work with vendors and overseas offices to dispute any incorrect payables at the earliest opportunity to maintain accurate accounting.
• Bill/Invoice each file to the respective customers paying close attention to payment terms for the responsible party.
• Assure that Original Bill of Lading requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Dispatch freight for delivery, maintaining communication with trucker throughout delivery.
• Confirm POD for each shipment and updating our system with POD information.
• Update Track and Trace proprietary applications.
• Assist Sales, Department Manager and Colleagues in compiling quotes by providing rates, tariffs, etc.
• Assure that file contains all necessary documents as set by company standards and filed promptly in appropriate location.
• Other duties as requested.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office suite
• Detail oriented, able to multitask and meet deadlines
• Self-motivated, able to work in a team and independently
• Knowledge of US customs laws, practices and procedures
• Able to perform the essential duties of this position without posing a “direct threat” to the health or safety of self or others
• Able to interact positively and effectively with co-workers, subordinates and supervisors

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in imports or combination of education and expertise required
• Experience and knowledge regarding import entry procedures, compliance, rules and regulations preferred
• Knowledge of First Port of Arrival (FPOA) entry processes is preferred
• FDA experience preferredKnowledge of Importer Security Filing (ISF) preferred
• Good working knowledge of OGA transactions preferred

ENVIRONMENT

100% performed in climate-controlled internal office environment working under normal office conditions. Travel will be (up to__ %) required in support of the position’s responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to feel and handle, reach with arms and hands, talk and hear. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stop, kneel and crouch, lift weight or exert a force up to a maximum of 25 pounds. This position requires employee to frequently work in a fluid, fast paced environment.

ADDITIONAL

The responsibilities associated with this job will change from time to time in accordance with the Company’s business needs. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities from those set forth above.

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.

DEFINITIONS

(if any abbreviation, the meaning needs to be inserted)

Management retains discretion to add or change duties of this position at any time.

JAS Forwarding (USA), Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

JAS USA IS A CUSTOMS BROKER, GOVERNED BY FEDERAL REGULATION. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT JAS MAY HAVE IT BROKERAGE LICENSE SUSPENDED OR REVOKED IF IT “KNOWINGLY EMPLOYED, OR CONTINUES TO EMPLOY, ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY, WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THAT EMPLOYMENT FROM THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER.” JAS WILL PERFORM A BACKGROUND CHECK TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY AND IF SO, ABSENT SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU WILL NOT BE HIRED OR WILL BE TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY.