Import Operation Specialist

Position Overview

Location: Valley Stream, NY

Salary: Starting at $65k  

Job Summary: Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Import Operations Specialist in the international freight forwarding industry is responsible for managing the end-to-end process of shipping goods across borders. This includes coordinating the import of cargo, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, and maintaining accurate documentation. The agent liaises with customers, carriers, and other stakeholders to provide timely updates on shipment status, resolve any issues, and optimize routes for efficiency. They also handle booking and scheduling transportation, preparing shipping and customs documentation, and ensuring that all goods are properly tracked and delivered according to customer expectations. Customer service is a key responsibility, as the agent must address inquiries, provide solutions to shipping challenges, and maintain strong client relationships.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Advancement opportunities

What You’ll Do:

Shipment Coordination:

• Coordinate and manage import shipments, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries
• Schedule and book shipments with truck carriers
• Maintain communication with customers and vendors regarding the status of shipments

Customs Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other government agencies
• Prepare and review customs documentation
• Review Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) documentation as it is received
• Collaborate with customs brokers to ensure proper clearance and timely release of shipments

Documentation Management:

• Maintain and manage all necessary documentation for import shipments
• Ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate (e.g., certificates of origin, packing lists, import/export permits)
• Track and archive documents for audit purposes

Customer Service:

• Communicate regularly with customers regarding shipment updates, delays, and delivery timelines
• Resolve customer inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Offer proactive solutions to minimize delays or disruptions in the shipping process

Cost Management:

• Provide quotes to customers based on shipping routes, carrier rates, and service levels
• Track and report costs associated with shipments, ensuring that budgets are adhered to and any discrepancies are addressed
• Negotiate rates with carriers, suppliers, and service providers

Tracking and Reporting:

• Track shipments through various stages and report on the status to customers and internal teams
• Prepare reports on shipment activity, cost analysis, and other relevant performance metrics
• Identify areas for improvement in the logistics process and recommend solutions

Problem Resolution:

• Address and resolve any issues related to damaged goods, delays, miscommunications, or lost shipments.
• Work closely with warehouses, carriers, and customs brokers to identify and resolve operational challenges

Operational Process Improvement:

• Continuously improve operational processes to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction
• Stay updated on international trade regulations, industry trends, and best practices in freight forwarding

What You’ll Need:

• 2 years of experience in import operations, freight forwarding, or logistics
• Familiarity with U.S. Customs regulations, import documentation, and international shipping practices
• Experience with freight management software (Cargowise) and TMS (Transportation Management Systems) is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of international trade and customs procedures
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Data integrity and timeliness
• Attention to detail and accuracy in managing documents and shipment tracking
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle customer service issues
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and logistics software

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Able to travel as needed

Who we are:

CLASQUIN is a multinational, mid-cap “Pure Player” company in the International Freight Management sector. It is currently the only market operator able to offer the services of a multinational combined with the advantages of a mid-cap company, as we are reliable, responsive, able to customize based on customer needs, creativity, innovation, and more. This unique positioning, is reinforced by its sound fundamentals: its expert and committed team members, our international network, our integrated IT tools, all of which present very high barriers for any new competitors. For more than 40 years, CLASQUIN has managed import and export flows, mainly between Western Europe and overseas, in particular the Asia-Pacific and North America. A pioneer on the Europe-Asia route, CLASQUIN has a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific, via its network of 22 offices. More recently, CLASQUIN has also grown its business in the Near and Middle East, as well as in Northwest and sub-Saharan Africa.

Visit our website at: Clasquin, the global expert in international transport and logistics

Pay Range

Salary : $65,000