Ocean Import Specialist

DHL; Houston (TX); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock purchase plan

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding in Houston seeks an Ocean Import Specialist to ensure accurate and timely import movements. You will track shipments, communicate with brokers and customers, and manage cost efficiency. The role demands strong IT skills, INCOTERMS knowledge, and 5+ years in ocean import. A dynamic, detail-oriented team environment awaits.

This position emphasizes customer satisfaction, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration, with competitive pay and benefits. On-site in Houston, TX.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Ocean Import / industry related experience.
• Strong financial business acumen and cost awareness.
• A quick learner with a can-do attitude and strong prioritization skills.
• Knowledge of INCOTERMS and shipping compliance.
• Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint; CargoWise or LOGIS experience a plus.
• Hazmat certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Daily tracking and tracing to ensure timely cargo movement and customer satisfaction.
• Update shipment status, obtain entry documents, and liaise with customs brokers.
• Arrange freight release with carriers and confirm cargo availability.
• Provide status updates and maintain relationships with customers.
• Identify supplier performance issues and propose corrective actions.
• Ensure profitable cost management for cargo moves.
• May perform additional tasks (e.g., Ocean Export) as needed.

Skills

Ocean import exp

Financial acumen

Prioritization

INCO terms

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

CargoWise

LOGIS

Hazmat

Tools

CargoWise

LOGIS

Job description

Job Title: Ocean Import Specialist
Job Location: Houston, Texas

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is the world leader in air freight services and one of the leading providers of ocean freight services. Around 30,000 employees work to ensure we transport our customers of shipments by air or sea. DGF's logistics solutions span the entire supply chain, from the factory to the shop floor. This also includes special transport-related services. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

We have an exciting opportunity for an OCEAN IMPORT SPECIALIST with excellent communication and customer service skills. Accuracy and timely movement of freight and information is a key component for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daily tracking and tracing and follow-up required to ensure timely and efficient movement of cargo and customer satisfaction; identify incidents and ensures resolution of incidents
• Update shipment status, issue arrival notice and obtain entry documents for customs entries. Communicate with customs brokers to confirm customs release status.
• Arrange freight release with carriers/co-load agents, confirm cargo availability
• Provides status updates and maintains excellent relationships with customers
• Is responsible for identifying performance issues of suppliers and proposes solutions to improve/correct performance
• Ability to ensure profitable cost management for cargo moves
• May be required to perform other tasks as required (i.e.: Ocean Export)

Skills / Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of Ocean Import / industry related experience
• Strong financial business acumen
• A quick learner with a “Can-Do” attitude and strong prioritization skills
• Knowledge of INCO terms
• Good computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• LOGIS or Cargo Wise systems knowledge is a plus
• Hazmat certification is a plus

Pay Range: $25.21 - $33.61/hr. (Based on Experience)

Benefits (All Non-Union Employees)

• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus role dependent performance-based incentives.
• 401(k) Match: $1-for-$1 match up to 4% quarterly + 2% annual base contribution.
• Stock Purchase Plan: Ability to purchase Deutsche Post AG shares at a discounted rate.
• Medical: Comprehensive plans covering preventive care, inpatient/outpatient services, and prescriptions.
• Vision: Optional coverage for exams, frames, and contacts.
• Dental: Optional coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
• Paid Time Off: 7 major holidays, 8 floating holidays, and accrued vacation/sick days.

Why Join DHL Global Forwarding?

At DHL Global Forwarding, we invest in our employees’ growth, providing training, guidance, and career advancement opportunities. We believe in building careers, not just jobs, and empowering our team to develop skills and achieve long-term success.

Be part of DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics provider, operating in 220+ countries. DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is a global leader in air and ocean freight, with 30,000+ employees ensuring seamless transport and supply chain solutions. Explore careers with us: DHL Careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DHL Global Forwarding is committed to equal employment opportunities, evaluating all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.