Ocean Import Operation Agent, Freight Forwarding

Position
Title: Ocean Import Operation Agent, Freight Forwarding

Location: East Rutherford, NJ (Onsite)

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Work
Schedules: Monday -
Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Overtime may be required based on business volume
and time-sensitive operational needs).

Summary

This position is
with a premier global logistics and freight forwarding enterprise recognized
for providing comprehensive supply chain solutions across international
markets. The Ocean Import Operation Agent is responsible for processing sea
freight import operations with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. This
role ensures that all documentation from overseas offices and customers is
verified, standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed, and cargo is
tracked and delivered seamlessly to its final destination.

Essential
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Documentation
  Management: Review pre-alerts sent by overseas offices via email
  or digital imaging applications to open and create shipment files daily.
• Coordination
  & Compliance: Verify documents and follow up with overseas branches,
  carriers, and co-loaders to resolve discrepancies or obtain missing
  documentation.
• System
  Operations: Perform data entry into the Unified Freight System
  (UFS) to generate arrival notices, customer invoices, internal invoices,
  and delivery orders.
• Financial
  Processing: Process vendor payment requests, protect operational
  costs within the system, and prepare billing worksheets for customer
  submission.
• Broker
  & Carrier Liaison: Turn over necessary documents to custom brokers,
  providing updates on ETA, IT numbers, and applicable fees (e.g., exam
  fees).
• Cargo
  Tracking: Trace the status and location of cargo through UFS;
  notify customers and brokers of progress until the shipment is delivered
  and the empty container is returned.
• Payment
  Collection: Collect charges from customers or brokers, documenting
  receipts of payment and submitting them to the accounting department for
  processing.
• Release
  Coordination: Facilitate the release of cargo once payments and
  Original Bills of Lading (OBL) have been secured.
• Vendor
  Management: Coordinate with vendors and customers for delivery
  arrangements, providing timely notifications and status reports to all
  stakeholders.

Qualifications

The ideal
candidate will possess a strong background in maritime logistics and a
meticulous eye for detail. They must be able to thrive in a fast-paced
environment where meeting daily deadlines is critical to the supply chain's
success.

While industry
experience is valued, candidates who are new to the logistics field but
demonstrate high potential, exceptional administrative capabilities, and
superior communication skills can be also considered.

Required:

• Strong
  organizational skills and a high level of proficiency in administrative
  processing.
• Excellent
  verbal and written communication skills for interacting with overseas
  offices, carriers, and brokers.
• Ability
  to manage financial tasks including billing, vendor payments, and cost
  protection.
• Proficiency
  in standard office software and a quick aptitude for learning new freight
  management systems.
• Flexibility
  to work overtime when business volume dictates.

Preferred:

• Prior
  experience in ocean import operations or freight forwarding.
• Experience
  using Unified Freight System (UFS).
• Knowledge
  of customs brokerage processes and arrival notice requirements.