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Import Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JAS

Ocean Import Specialist

Charleston, SC · On-site

The Ocean Import Specialist is responsible for managing ocean import shipments, ensuring high ... Maintain accurate shipment status in tracking and proprietary applications. * Assist with quotes by ...

JAS

Ocean Import Specialist

Charleston, SC · On-site

The Ocean Import Specialist is responsible for managing ocean import shipments, ensuring high ... Maintain accurate shipment status in tracking and proprietary applications. * Assist with quotes by ...

FNS, INC

Sr. Ocean Import Specialist

Moonachie, NJ · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Education Assistant Program (Based on Eligibility) If you are a California resident, California law may provide you with additional rights regarding our use of your personal information. To learn ...

IK Hofmann

Import/Export Agent

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30.15/hr

Import/ Export Agents Pay Range Starting at $30.15 The Import Export Agent Responsibilities ... We may use an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) to assist with initial prescreening; we ...

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How much do import assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for import assistant in the United States is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of import assistant?

An import assistant supports the import process by preparing documentation, coordinating shipments, and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. They often work with logistics software and communicate with suppliers and customs officials to facilitate smooth import operations.

What skills are needed to work in importing?

Import assistants need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of shipping procedures and customs regulations. Proficiency in data entry, communication, and basic computer skills are also important for coordinating shipments and documentation. Familiarity with industry software and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are beneficial.

What are some typical challenges faced by Import Assistants, and how can I prepare for them?

Import Assistants often deal with tight deadlines, frequent changes in shipping schedules, and the need to resolve discrepancies in documentation or customs requirements. Staying organized and proactive can help you manage multiple shipments simultaneously and anticipate potential bottlenecks. Developing a solid understanding of import compliance and building strong working relationships with external partners will help you handle unexpected situations more effectively. By staying detail-oriented and maintaining open communication with your team and stakeholders, you can overcome common obstacles and keep imports running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Import Assistant position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Import Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of import regulations and documentation, often supported by a relevant diploma or experience in logistics or international trade. Familiarity with import management software, ERP systems like SAP, and tools for tracking shipments is highly beneficial. Effective communication, problem-solving, and the ability to multitask are important soft skills in this position. These competencies help ensure accurate, timely processing of shipments and smooth coordination between suppliers, freight forwarders, and internal teams.

What is an Import Assistant job?

An Import Assistant supports the import process by handling documentation, coordinating shipments, and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. They work closely with suppliers, freight forwarders, and internal teams to track deliveries and resolve any issues. Their role helps ensure smooth and timely import operations while minimizing costs and delays.

What does a customs assistant do?

A customs assistant helps process and clear shipments through customs by preparing documentation, verifying import/export paperwork, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They often work with customs brokers, use specialized software, and may need knowledge of trade laws and procedures. Attention to detail and organizational skills are essential in this role.

What does an import assistant do?

An import assistant supports the import process by preparing and verifying shipping documents, coordinating with customs, and tracking shipments to ensure timely delivery. They often use logistics software and require attention to detail to comply with regulations and company procedures.
More about Import Assistant jobs
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Import Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Import Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,672 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Ocean Import Specialist

JAS

Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

JAS is an international, non-asset-based supply chain services and solutions company. Our services include air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, inbound logistics, truckload brokerage and other supply chain management services, including consulting, the coordination of purchase orders and customized management services.
The Ocean Import Specialist is responsible for managing ocean import shipments, ensuring high-quality service that meets or exceeds customer expectations. This role involves providing effective solutions, adhering to company policies, and ensuring full compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Receive and track customer bookings and orders, sending shipping instructions overseas per customer specifications or established SOPs.
  • Notify customers of shipment arrivals, applicable charges, and any delays, including Customs or Exam holds.
  • Prepare and process Customs entries, classify invoices, file RLF entries, handle FDA-
  • Ensure documentation accuracy, including Customs classification, I.T. numbers, and commercial invoice details.
  • Transmit information to ABI, verify results, and make corrections as necessary. Monitor Customs and OGA releases (e.g., USDA, FCC, DOT).
  • Transmit payments for Customs duties as required.
  • Manage exceptions with relevant parties and provide updates to customers.
  • Maintain organized and complete files with all required documents in the proper sequence.
  • Coordinate entry and break-bulk shipments and monitor shipments moving under I.T., ensuring release and payment instructions are provided within the allotted free time.
  • Address customer requests and exceptions, ensuring responses align with company standards and guidelines.
  • Provide job costing forecasts, manage payables/receivables accurately, and invoice customers per payment terms. Dispute incorrect vendor payables as necessary.
  • Ensure Original Bill of Lading requirements are met in a timely manner.
  • Arrange delivery and maintain communication with truckers until completion, including confirmation of delivery and POD updates.
  • Maintain accurate shipment status in tracking and proprietary applications.
  • Assist with quotes by providing rates and tariffs as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • None

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum 3 years' experience in Ocean imports or combination of education and expertise required
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office suite
  • Detail oriented, able to multitask and meet deadlines
  • Self-motivated, able to work in a team and independently
  • Knowledge of US customs laws, practices and procedures
  • Able to perform the essential duties of this position without posing a "direct threat" to the health or safety of self or others
  • Able to interact positively and effectively with co-workers, subordinates and supervisors

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Minimum 3 years' experience in Ocean imports or combination of education and expertise required
  • Cargowise (C1) experience is preferred
  • Experience and knowledge regarding import entry procedures, compliance, rules and regulations preferred
  • Knowledge of First Port of Arrival (FPOA) entry processes is preferred
  • FDA experience preferred
  • Knowledge of Importer Security Filing (ISF) preferred
  • Good working knowledge of OGA transactions preferred

ENVIRONMENT:
100% performed in climate-controlled internal office environment working under normal office conditions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to feel and handle, reach with arms and hands, talk and hear. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stop, kneel and crouch, lift weight or exert a force up to a maximum of 25 pounds. This position requires employee to frequently work in a fluid, fast paced environment.
ADDITIONAL:
The responsibilities associated with this job will change from time to time in accordance with the Company's business needs. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities from those set forth above.
The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.
DEFINITIONS: (if any abbreviation, the meaning needs to be inserted)
Management retains discretion to add or change duties of this position at any time.
JAS Forwarding (USA), Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
JAS USA IS A CUSTOMS BROKER, GOVERNED BY FEDERAL REGULATION. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT JAS MAY HAVE IT BROKERAGE LICENSE SUSPENDED OR REVOKED IF IT "KNOWINGLY EMPLOYED, OR CONTINUES TO EMPLOY, ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY, WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THAT EMPLOYMENT FROM THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER." JAS WILL PERFORM A BACKGROUND CHECK TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY AND IF SO, ABSENT SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU WILL NOT BE HIRED OR WILL BE TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY.

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