Overview
Air & Ocean Import Coordinator Jobs in Houston, TX at People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists
Title: Air & Ocean Import Coordinator
Company: People Freight | Freight Forwarding & Logistics Recruitment Specialists
Location: Houston, TX
Air & Ocean Import Coordinator | Houston, Texas | Hybrid work schedule
This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end import process for both air and ocean shipments, ensuring compliance with U.S. import regulations, providing exceptional customer service, and coordinating closely with overseas agents, carriers, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in international freight forwarding, extensive knowledge of import operations, and the ability to independently manage complex air and ocean import shipments from origin through final delivery.
Benefits
- Competitive salary up to $65,000 annually
- Hybrid work schedule
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Career advancement opportunities within a global organization
- Professional development and training programs
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the complete import process for air and ocean freight shipments from origin booking through final delivery.
- Coordinate with overseas offices, agents, steamship lines, airlines, trucking companies, warehouses, customs brokers, and government agencies.
- Prepare, review, and process import documentation including Bills of Lading, Air Waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, delivery orders, and customs documentation.
- Coordinate shipment arrivals and ensure timely cargo release and delivery.
- Monitor shipment status and proactively communicate updates, delays, and exceptions to customers and internal teams.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. import regulations, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), FDA, USDA, DOT, and other applicable government agency requirements.
- Coordinate customs clearance with customs brokers and ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate.
- Verify shipment details, import documentation, billing information, duties, taxes, and vendor invoices for accuracy.
- Coordinate with origin and destination partners to ensure smooth execution of international shipments.
- Resolve operational issues, customs holds, documentation discrepancies, claims, and customer concerns in a timely and professional manner.
- Track key shipment milestones and maintain accurate records within the company's transportation management and operating systems.
- Maintain strong relationships with customers, carriers, overseas partners, customs brokers, and service providers.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance import processes, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3+ years of experience in international freight forwarding, with a focus on air and ocean import operations.
- Strong understanding of import documentation, customs clearance procedures, and international transportation regulations.
- Experience coordinating FCL, LCL, and air freight import shipments.
- Working knowledge of Incoterms, import compliance requirements, and U.S. Customs regulations.
- Experience working with customs brokers and government agency clearance requirements.
- Proficiency with freight forwarding software and transportation management systems.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Advanced problem-solving abilities with a strong customer service mindset.
- Knowledge of duty assessment, customs entry processes, and cargo release procedures is preferred.
