Ocean Import Specialist

JAS Worldwide; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

JAS Forwarding (USA), Inc. is seeking an Ocean Import Specialist in Illinois to manage ocean import shipments, ensuring high-quality service and full regulatory compliance.

The role requires at least 3 years in ocean imports, strong organization, and solid communication skills. You will handle bookings, customs documentation, and coordination with vendors and customers, while ensuring accurate data in tracking systems and timely billing.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Ocean imports or a mix of education and expertise.
• Excellent organizational skills and clear written/verbal communication.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office suite and industry tools.

Responsibilities

• Receive and track customer bookings and orders per SOPs.
• Notify customers of arrivals, charges, and delays including customs holds.
• Prepare and process Customs entries and classify invoices.
• Transmit information to ABI and monitor customs releases.
• Coordinate entry, break-bulk shipments, and ensure timely releases.
• Maintain accurate shipment status and assist with quotes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

MS Office proficiency

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Teamwork and independence

US customs laws knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Cargowise (C1)

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.

The Ocean Import Specialist is responsible for managing ocean import shipments, ensuring high-quality service that meets or exceeds customer expectations. This role involves providing effective solutions, adhering to company policies, and ensuring full compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Receive and track customer bookings and orders, sending shipping instructions overseas per customer specifications or established SOPs.
• Notify customers of shipment arrivals, applicable charges, and any delays, including Customs or Exam holds.
• Prepare and process Customs entries, classify invoices, file RLF entries, handle FDA-
• Ensure documentation accuracy, including Customs classification, I.T. numbers, and commercial invoice details.
• Transmit information to ABI, verify results, and make corrections as necessary. Monitor Customs and OGA releases (e.g., USDA, FCC, DOT).
• Transmit payments for Customs duties as required.
• Manage exceptions with relevant parties and provide updates to customers.
• Maintain organized and complete files with all required documents in the proper sequence.
• Coordinate entry and break-bulk shipments and monitor shipments moving under I.T., ensuring release and payment instructions are provided within the allotted free time.
• Address customer requests and exceptions, ensuring responses align with company standards and guidelines.
• Provide job costing forecasts, manage payables/receivables accurately, and invoice customers per payment terms. Dispute incorrect vendor payables as necessary.
• Ensure Original Bill of Lading requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Arrange delivery and maintain communication with truckers until completion, including confirmation of delivery and POD updates.
• Maintain accurate shipment status in tracking and proprietary applications.
• Assist with quotes by providing rates and tariffs as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Ocean imports or combination of education and expertise required
• 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 Ocean imports or combination of education and expertise required
• Cargowise (C1) experience is preferred
• 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 preferred
• Knowledge 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:

Follow the Company HR Policy, the Code of Business Conduct and department policies and procedures, including protecting confidential company information, attending work punctually and regularly, and following good safety practices in all activities.

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.

In accordance with Illinois pay transparency laws, the hourly pay range for this position is $28.85-30/hourly. This range reflects the base salary or wage, which may vary based upon, but not limited to factors such as education, experience, skills, proficiency, job performance, shift and location. In addition to base salary, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program

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.