Ocean Import Specialist

Apex Logistics International; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Logistics International in Hawthorne, California is seeking an Ocean Import Specialist to coordinate the final movement of ocean import shipments from vessel arrival through delivery.

You will serve as a key liaison with customers, customs brokers, warehouses, and drayage providers, ensuring timely updates, regulatory compliance, and smooth cargo flow in a fast-paced logistics operation. The role emphasizes detail orientation and customer focus in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in logistics, transportation, freight forwarding, warehouse operations, or supply chain management.
• Familiarity with Container Freight Station (CFS) operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong customer service and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor ocean import shipments from vessel arrival through final delivery.
• Track and trace containers, providing proactive shipment status updates to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor customs clearance activities and ensure shipments are processed in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with CFS warehouses regarding devanning schedules, cargo availability, and outturn reporting.
• Manage communication with drayage providers, trucking vendors, and warehouse partners to ensure timely freight movement.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and operational data within company systems and reporting tools.
• Identify and elevate shipment exceptions, delays, or service issues while developing corrective action plans.
• Provide exceptional customer support through email, phone, and customer portals.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and assist with additional operational projects as assigned.

Skills

Logistics coordination

Customer liaison

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Office Suite

Job description

Established in 2001, Apex Logistics International has become a top dependable solution for those seeking expertise in freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, transportation management, warehousing, and distribution. With a presence in 70 countries across six continents, 42 offices, 2,500+ dedicated employees, and consistent, dependable services, Apex continues to grow rapidly and deliver passion worldwide.

SUMMARY

The Ocean Import Specialist is responsible for the Final Mile coordination of ocean import shipments from arrival through final delivery. This role serves as a key liaison between customers, customs brokers, warehouses, trucking partners, and internal teams to ensure efficient cargo movement, timely communication, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, customer-focused, and thrives in a fast-paced logistics environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and monitor ocean import shipments from vessel arrival through final delivery.
• Track and trace containers, providing proactive shipment status updates to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor customs clearance activities and ensure shipments are processed in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with CFS warehouses regarding devanning schedules, cargo availability, and outturn reporting.
• Manage communication with drayage providers, trucking vendors, and warehouse partners to ensure timely freight movement.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and operational data within company systems and reporting tools.
• Identify and elevate shipment exceptions, delays, or service issues while developing corrective action plans.
• Provide exceptional customer support through email, phone, and customer portals.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and assist with additional operational projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience in logistics, transportation, freight forwarding, warehouse operations, or supply chain management.
• Familiarity with CFS (Container Freight Station) operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong customer service and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.