Ocean Import Specialist

DHL Global Forwarding

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 34,000 - 47,000

Full time

5 days ago
Be an early applicant
Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary plus role‑dep.
401(k) Match: up to 4% quarterly + 2%
Stock Purchase Plan
Medical
Vision
Dental
Paid Time Off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding in Houston is seeking an Ocean Import Specialist to ensure accurate and timely movement of shipments by ocean. You will track cargo, communicate with customers and brokers, and manage import entries to support smooth customs processing.

The role requires 5+ years in Ocean Import, strong financial acumen, and knowledge of INCO terms. DHL offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

  • 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.

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

Ocean Import Experience
Financial Acumen
Quick Learner
INCO Terms
Excel
PowerPoint
CargoWise / LOGIS
Hazmat Certification

Tools

Excel
Word
PowerPoint
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.

Get your free, confidential resume review.

or drag and drop your file here.

Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Ocean Freight Specialist
Ocean Freight Specialist

DHL Global Forwarding • Minneapolis (MN)

On-site
USD 29,000 - 39,000
401(k) Match
Stock Purchase Plan
Medical Coverage
+3
Ocean Import Specialist
Ocean Import Specialist

DHL Global Forwarding • Seattle (WA)

On-site
USD 37,000 - 51,000
401(k) Match
Stock Purchase Plan
Medical Insurance
+3
Ocean Export Supervisor
Ocean Export Supervisor

DHL Global Forwarding • Houston (TX)

On-site
USD 80,000 - 106,000
Competitive base salary
401(k) Match
Stock Purchase Plan
+4
Airfreight Operations Specialist
Airfreight Operations Specialist

DHL Global Forwarding • City of Rochester (NY)

On-site
USD 29,000 - 39,000
401(k) match
Stock purchase plan
Medical plans
+3
Air Import Specialist
Air Import Specialist

DHL Global Forwarding • San Francisco (CA)

On-site
USD 39,000 - 52,000
401(k) Match
Stock Purchase Plan
Medical coverage
+3
Airfreight Operations Specialist
Airfreight Operations Specialist

DHL Global Forwarding • Maplewood (NY)

On-site
USD 29,000 - 39,000
401(k) Match
Stock Purchase Plan
Medical coverage
+3
Air Import Specialist
Air Import Specialist

DHL Global Forwarding • Austin (TX)

On-site
USD 2,893,000 - 3,900,000
401(k) Match
Stock Purchase Plan
Medical insurance
+3
Air Export Agent
Air Export Agent

DHL Global Forwarding • Atlanta (GA)

On-site
USD 29,000 - 39,000
401(k) match
Stock purchase plan
Medical plans
+3
Air Import Specialist: Global Freight and Service
Air Import Specialist: Global Freight and Service

DHL Global Forwarding • Hebron Estates (KY)

On-site
USD 32,180 - 42,898
401(k) match
Stock Purchase Plan
Medical coverage
+2
Air Export Agent
Air Export Agent

DHL Global Forwarding • Milwaukee (WI)

On-site
USD 32,000 - 43,000
401(k) Match
Stock Purchase Plan
Medical
+3