Position: Ocean Import Operation
Location: Torrance, CA
Industry: Logistics / Freight Forwarding
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $50-55K (DOE)
Position Summary
Our client, a Japanese logistics company is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Operation staff. This role is responsible for handling end-to-end ocean import operations, including coordination with carriers, brokers, truckers, and internal teams. The ideal candidate has strong import operations experience, excellent customer service skills, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced logistics environment.
Key Responsibilities
Import Operations & Coordination
- Process international ocean and air import shipments, including documentation preparation and shipment coordination
- Track, trace, and provide shipment status updates to customers and internal teams
- Coordinate with carriers, steamship lines, co-loaders, overseas agents, brokers, truckers, rail yards, and CFS
- Proactively notify customers of delays, delivery issues, and additional charges
- Review Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance
Systems & Data Management
- Input duty amounts, Pier Pass fees, freight rates, and ISO information into Cargo Wise
- Track ISFs, verify arrival information, and open entries as needed
- Pay Pier Pass fees via TMF website
- Monitor and review PODs and exception reports
Billing, Accounting & Documentation Support
- Prepare files for billing and ensure accurate documentation
- Create client billing and support accounting processes in a timely and accurate manner
- Coordinate with Accounting on ACH payments, CBP payments, and surety billings
- Collect OBLs and charges from importers/brokers and submit promptly to Accounting
Customer Service & Office Support
- Respond to customer inquiries by phone and email quickly and professionally
- Receive visitors, messengers, and trucking company runners at the front desk
- Assist with check requests and overnight delivery to steamship lines and vendors
- Support KPI monitoring and profit improvement initiatives (cargo insurance, service markups, etc.)
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of experience in ocean import operations (Break Bulk experience preferred)
- Knowledge of U.S. import procedures, documentation, ISF, and CBP requirements
- Experience with CargoWise strongly preferred
- Strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)