Import/Export Specialist
The Position
Job Title: Import/Export Operations Specialist
Job Type: Full-time; Remote
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate air and ocean import/export shipments from initial booking through final delivery.
- Set up new shipments and make updates or amendments based on customer requirements.
- Communicate with customers, overseas agents, carriers, brokers and internal teams to ensure shipments move according to expectations.
- Obtain and evaluate freight rates and quotes based on shipment specifications, routing, service requirements and other applicable variables.
- Monitor shipment milestones and provide timely tracking updates to customers and relevant stakeholders.
- Proactively follow up on shipments and address delays, exceptions or other issues that may impact service.
- Respond to customer inquiries and specialized requests in a timely, professional manner.
- Maintain accurate shipment information, documentation and activity within internal systems.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers, importers/exporters, global agents and service providers.
- Develop a strong understanding of customer requirements, standard operating procedures and key trade lanes.
- Work closely with customs brokerage partners and customer-appointed brokers as needed to facilitate the import/export process.
- Support compliance requirements related to international air and ocean freight, including applicable regulatory and documentation requirements.
- Identify operational issues and work proactively to resolve them while keeping customers informed.
- Collaborate with sales and operations teams to support customer needs and deliver effective transportation solutions.
- Maintain a high level of customer service while managing multiple priorities and time-sensitive shipments.
Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in international freight forwarding, logistics or transportation operations, with hands-on experience supporting air and/or ocean imports and exports.
- Strong understanding of the air and ocean import/export process, including shipment coordination, documentation, tracking and delivery.
- Experience obtaining and evaluating freight quotes and understanding the variables that impact international transportation pricing.
- Experience working with global agents, customers, carriers and customs brokers.
- Working knowledge of international shipping processes, trade lanes and applicable compliance requirements.
- Strong computer skills and the ability to learn and navigate transportation management systems and other logistics technology.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
- Highly organized with excellent time-management and follow-up abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and determine appropriate solutions.
- Ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities and customer requests in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate complex operational information clearly to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, supply chain or a related field is preferred, but equivalent industry experience will be considered.
Location: Remote
Compensation Details: This position offers a competitive base salary.