Import Specialist - Air & Sea Freight

Import Specialist – Air and Ocean Freight

Title: Import Specialist – Air and Ocean Freight

Reports To: Head of Freight Forwarding Operations

Division: Freight Forwarding Operations

Location: Detroit, MI

Status: Non-exempt (hourly, overtime-eligible)

About the Company

Emons is a global freight forwarding and customs brokerage company, founded in 1990 and headquartered in Romulus, Michigan. We provide air freight, ocean freight, multi-modal transport, warehousing, and customs brokerage services through a network of over 100 offices and 200 gateways worldwide. Our teams work with clients in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, retail, and manufacturing to deliver affordable, reliable, and transparent shipping solutions. We value clear communication, quick problem solving, and a team that puts clients first.

Job Summary

The Import Specialist coordinates and executes international air and ocean import shipments from origin to final destination, ensuring cargo moves on time, accurately, and in compliance with applicable regulations while delivering exceptional customer service.

This role is the primary operational contact for customers, overseas agents, carriers, customs brokers, and service providers, and plays a key part in shipment visibility, regulatory compliance, and vendor cost management.

Job Responsibilities

Import Operations

• Coordinate and manage air and ocean import shipments from origin through final delivery.
• Review shipping documentation for accuracy and completeness before cargo arrives.
• Arrange cargo release, coordinate customs clearance with customs brokers and government agencies, and schedule final inland transportation.
• Monitor shipment milestones and proactively manage exceptions and delays.
• Communicate with airlines, ocean carriers, overseas offices, and agent partners.
• Follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), TSA, and FMC requirements and company procedures.

Financial Management

• Prepare freight quotations for customers and overseas agents.
• Ensure timely, accurate customer billing and complete capture of costs and revenue on each file.
• Help resolve billing discrepancies and vendor invoice disputes, following company financial controls.

Customer Service and Continuous Improvement

• Resolve customer inquiries and operational issues promptly and professionally, and provide timely shipment status updates to customers and internal teams.
• Identify and support process improvements, new systems, and operational standards, and stay current on industry regulations and best practices.

Job Requirements

Required

• Minimum 3 years of experience in international freight forwarding, logistics, customs brokerage, or transportation, including air and ocean imports.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of international transportation and import procedures.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines.
• Strong customer service, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain, business, or a related field.
• Knowledge of U.S. Customs import processes and documentation.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Benefits & Compensation

Compensation: $24–$28 per hour, depending on experience

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO & more

This search is being conducted by Flex HR on behalf of Emons. Qualified candidates should apply to this posting.

Flex HR uses AI for document preparation and meeting transcription only — never to screen or evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are made by a human recruiter. Roles may be posted on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn, which are independent companies that may use AI in their own technology.

Emons is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital or familial status, or any other status protected by law.