Ocean Import Coordinator

What You Can Expect:

• Coordinate ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery, including FCL and LCL cargo.
• Monitor vessel schedules, arrival dates, shipment milestones, free time, and cargo availability.
• Review and process import documentation, including HBLs/MBLs, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and other required shipping documents.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, NVOCCs, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, overseas agents, and origin offices to ensure timely customs clearance, cargo release, and delivery.
• Ensure required shipment information and documentation is provided for U.S. import and customs processes, including ISF requirements where applicable.
• Track shipments throughout the transportation cycle, proactively communicate status updates, and resolve delays, documentation issues, holds, discrepancies, and service exceptions.
• Prepare and distribute arrival notices and required documentation to customers, customs brokers, consignees, and other parties.
• Monitor free time and proactively manage potential demurrage, detention, storage, and other accessorial charges.
• Maintain complete and accurate shipment files within the freight forwarding/TMS system in accordance with company standards.
• Review carrier and vendor invoices, reconcile shipment costs, and ensure accurate and timely customer billing.
• Support quotations, rate requests, and commercial activities as required.
• Coordinate cross-trade shipments and collaborate with Rhenus offices and partners globally.
• Work closely with Sales, Finance, and Operations to ensure a seamless customer experience.

What You Bring:

• 2+ years of hands-on ocean freight forwarding experience, with a strong focus on import operations.
• Demonstrated experience independently coordinating FCL and LCL ocean import shipments from pre-alert through final delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Bills of Lading, arrival notices, import documentation, cargo release processes, Incoterms, and international shipping procedures.
• Knowledge of U.S. import requirements, customs clearance processes, and ISF requirements.
• Experience coordinating with customs brokers, ocean carriers, NVOCCs, overseas agents, truckers, and warehouses.
• Understanding of demurrage, detention, storage, free time, and other import-related accessorial charges.
• Experience with Letters of Credit, cross-trade shipments, and international agent coordination is an asset.
• Dangerous Goods (DG) certification or experience handling hazardous ocean cargo is an asset.
• Experience using freight forwarding/TMS platforms; CargoWise experience is an asset.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple shipments in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when preparing shipping documentation and managing operational records.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy a must: Strong attention to detail required for documentation and day-to-day tasks.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.