Ocean Import Specialist

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Specialist to join our Chicago client. This hands-on role covers the full Ocean Import process from pre-alert to final delivery and file closure.

You will manage 25+ import files weekly, coordinate with overseas agents, shipping lines, customs brokers and customers, review bills of lading and invoices, monitor vessel arrivals and clearance, and ensure timely billing and file closure while maintaining service

Qualifications

• Experience in Ocean Import/Freight Forwarding operations.
• Proven ability to manage the full A–Z ocean import process independently.
• Experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio.
• Strong knowledge of ocean import documentation, customs clearance and delivery procedures.
• Experience working with shipping lines, overseas agents and customs brokers.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated and ownership-driven approach to work.
• CargoWise experience is highly desirable.
• Comfortable working independently while contributing to a wider team.

Responsibilities

• Manage Ocean Import shipments from A–Z.
• Take full ownership of shipments from pre-alert through to final delivery and file closure.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, shipping lines, customers, customs brokers and other service providers.
• Review and process import documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists and arrival documentation.
• Coordinate customs clearance and ensure all required documentation is in place.
• Monitor vessel arrivals, container availability, releases and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate with trucking companies, warehouses, carriers and overseas offices.
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers.
• Track containers and ensure shipment milestones are updated accurately.
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ import files per week.
• Ensure timely and accurate billing and file closure.
• Proactively identify and resolve exceptions, delays, documentation discrepancies and other operational challenges.
• Monitor potential demurrage and detention exposure and take appropriate action.
• Build strong relationships with customers, carriers, overseas agents and service providers.
• Ensure customers receive a consistently high level of service throughout the shipment lifecycle.

Skills

Ocean Import

Freight Forwarding Ops

High-volume handling

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Ocean Import Specialist to join an established freight forwarder in Chicago. This is a hands‑on operational role for someone who understands the full Ocean Import process from A–Z and can confidently manage shipments from initial pre-alert through to final delivery and file closure.

This is a busy role, managing 25+ import files per week, so the right person will need to be organised, detail‑focused and able to work at pace without compromising service or accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Ocean Import shipments from A–Z
• Take full ownership of shipments from pre-alert through to final delivery and file closure
• Coordinate with overseas agents, shipping lines, customers, customs brokers and other service providers
• Review and process import documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists and arrival documentation
• Coordinate customs clearance and ensure all required documentation is in place
• Monitor vessel arrivals, container availability, releases and delivery requirements
• Coordinate with trucking companies, warehouses, carriers and overseas offices
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers
• Track containers and ensure shipment milestones are updated accurately
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ import files per week
• Ensure timely and accurate billing and file closure
• Proactively identify and resolve exceptions, delays, documentation discrepancies and other operational challenges
• Monitor potential demurrage and detention exposure and take appropriate action
• Build strong relationships with customers, carriers, overseas agents and service providers
• Ensure customers receive a consistently high level of service throughout the shipment lifecycle

What We're Looking For

• Experience in Ocean Import/Freight Forwarding operations
• Proven ability to manage the full A–Z ocean import process independently
• Experience managing a high‑volume shipment portfolio
• Strong knowledge of ocean import documentation, customs clearance and delivery procedures
• Experience working with shipping lines, overseas agents and customs brokers
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Proactive, self‑motivated and ownership‑driven approach to work
• Confident problem‑solver with a positive, solutions‑focused attitude
• Someone who takes responsibility for their shipments and follows tasks through to completion
• CargoWise experience is highly desirable
• Comfortable working independently while contributing positively to a wider team

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity to join an established and growing logistics operation
• Collaborative and professional working environment
• Exposure to international ocean freight operations
• A role where your experience, initiative and operational expertise will have a direct impact

If you're an experienced Ocean Import professional who knows how to manage shipments from A–Z, takes ownership of their work, and is the type of person who naturally stays one step ahead, we'd love to hear from you.