Industry: Logistics
Location: Torrance, California
Salary: $22.00 ‐＄27.00 /Hour (DOE)
Visa Sponsor: No
Language: English: Business Level, Japanese: Conversation Level
Detail: Japanese logistics company seeks an Ocean Import Operation Staff-Torrance, California
Job Title: Ocean Import Operation Staff
Location: Torrance, California 90502
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Schedule: On-site, Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week
Hourly Wage: $22.00 – $27.00 per hour DOE (Non-Exempt)
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors, including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and applicable certifications. Candidates with salary expectations above the listed range will not be considered. Candidates without similar experience of this position will start at $22 per hour.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, Retirement Plan, and other benefits.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Import Coordinator is responsible for managing international import shipments via air and ocean, ensuring smooth cargo movement and accurate documentation. This role communicates closely with carriers, truckers, importers, brokers, and rail yards to track and trace shipments and resolve customer-related issues. The position requires strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to execute all functions of the import process efficiently.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
●Answer calls, respond to issues quickly and accurately and route them to correct individuals.
●Communicate with carriers, overseas agents, and customers via telephone and email.
●Input duty amounts in Cargo wise for Brokerage files.
●Input pier pass amounts in Cargo wise for Brokerage files.
● Input freight forwarders or air / ocean freight rates in Cargo wise for Brokerage files
●Make check requests and send them out by messenger or FEDEX to be overnighted to steamship lines, etc.
●Assembling of files which involve copying if needed and preparing for billing
● Once files billed by Brokerage agent, staple the billing to the correct packet
● Prepare the billed packet and put in envelope and give to accounting for mailing
● Receive visitors, messenger, trucking company runners at front lobby window
●Assist in filing of ISFs and monitor ISFs
●Assist with entering and/or verifying billing information for surety companies. Once the information is verified in Citrix, forward the bills to Accounting for prompt payment.
● Assist with daily statements, preparing documents for CBP payments and documents requested by CBP, disseminating info to Accounting for ACH payments
●Track and trace delivery orders, update PODs regularly, and review the POD Exception Report twice per week.
●Pay PierPass fees through the TMF website.
●Assist with inputting ISO information.
●Visit CBP, other government agencies, airlines, trucking companies, freight forwarders, and CFS facilities as needed.
●Assist with the distribution of import cargo—prepare UPS/FedEx labels, attach them to cargo, and ensure timely pickup from the warehouse.
●File documents, prepare storage boxes, and move them to the warehouse when office shelves are full.
●Check arrival information for ISFs and open files as needed for Brokerage/Ocean BB agents.
●Track inbound shipments and provide shipment status updates to customers.
●Contact co-loaders and steamship lines to obtain arrival information.
●Provide arrival information to customers and brokers prior to shipment arrival/availability.
●Collect OBLs and charges from importers/brokers when necessary.
●Input required information for proper cargo release and promptly deliver checks to Accounting.
●Proactively notify customers of any delays related to arrival or delivery, including additional billing or required notifications.
●Review Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance.
●Open entries within 24 hours of receipt and provide support to Entry Writers.
●Create client billing and handle accounting processes accurately and in a timely manner.
●Contribute to profit growth through cargo insurance, best‑in‑class service, and appropriate profit markups.
●Monitor and develop KPIs.
●Provide support in issuing checks when the Accounts Payable or Customer Service staff is absent.
●Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS：
●Business‑level English reading, writing, speaking, and arithmetic skills required.
●An associate degree is preferred but not required.
●Ability to organize, prepare, and assemble documents containing data from various sources.
●Knowledge of standard office processes, procedures, and technology.
●Understanding of U.S. Customs Tariff, Fish & Wildlife Service, FDA, and USDA filing requirements.
●Knowledge of air and ocean import freight release procedures.
●Computer literacy, including experience with ABI systems.
●Prior experience working for an international freight forwarder is preferred.
●Ability to identify, secure, and grow new freight-related business opportunities.
●Preferably two years of experience in Customer Service or Operations within the international transportation industry.
●Familiarity with the local marketplace and industry trends.
●Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
●Highly motivated and goal‑oriented individual with a strong drive to achieve revenue and sales targets.
●Comfortable working in a Japanese corporate environment.
●Knowledge of the Japanese language is highly preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS：
Working conditions are normal for an office environment.
Work may require time in the warehouse and/or outdoors.
