Import Freight Forwarder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Air Freight Import Account Manager is responsible for the overall ownership, management and growing key customer accounts within the air import division, with a primary focus on customs clearance, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service. This role oversees the end-to-end import process from cargo arrival through final delivery, ensuring timely customs clearance, seamless shipment coordination, and compliance with all applicable government regulations. The position requires a strong understanding of import operations, U.S. Customs regulations, account management, and customer engagement to achieve business objectives while maintaining profitability and service excellence.Key ResponsibilitiesMaintain full ownership of assigned air import customer accounts, ensuring exceptional customer service and timely communication throughout the import process.Manage air import shipments from pre-arrival through customs clearance, release, and final delivery, ensuring all customer requirements and service commitments are met.Coordinate and oversee customs clearance activities, ensuring complete and accurate documentation and compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), and all applicable import regulations.Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, customs brokers, airlines, government agencies, trucking providers, and other key business partners.Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, air waybills, and other import documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.Work closely with customs brokerage teams to resolve entry issues, customs holds, examinations, and regulatory requirements while minimizing shipment delays.Negotiate customer pricing and service agreements while maintaining competitive rates and profitable account margins.Identify opportunities to grow existing customer accounts by expanding import services, customs brokerage, and value-added logistics solutions.Proactively resolve customer concerns, shipment exceptions, customs delays, and service issues by providing timely and effective solutions.Coordinate with operations, warehouse, transportation, and customs brokerage teams to ensure smooth execution of import shipments.Monitor shipment performance and provide customers with shipment visibility, customs status updates, KPI reporting, and performance reviews.Analyze account performance, revenue, profitability, and operational metrics to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and business growth.Collaborate with internal departments to improve operational efficiencies, streamline customs clearance processes, and reduce costs.Prepare regular reports on account performance, import activity, customs compliance, forecasts, and market trends for management.Stay informed on changes in customs regulations, tariff updates, trade policies, and import compliance requirements to provide customers with accurate guidance and maintain regulatory compliance.Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.3–5 years of experience in air freight import, customs brokerage, or international logistics preferredProven experience in account management, customs clearance, or customer-facing roles within the freight forwarding industry.Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, customs entry proceduresExperience working with customs brokerage systems and freight forwarding software.Proficiency in English (verbal and written).Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple customer accounts simultaneously.Customer-focused mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and issue resolution.Proficiency in logistics management software and Microsoft Office applications.Ability to identify account growth opportunities and contribute to business development initiatives.BenefitsCompetitive salary and benefits packageOpportunities for professional growth within a dynamic and expanding company.Collaboration with a dedicated and passionate logistics team.Due to the seasonal nature of our business, flexibility in your work schedule is required, including the ability to work mandatory overtime during peak seasons. We appreciate your commitment to ensuring the success of our operations during these critical times.This job description is not an inclusive or exhaustive list of responsibilities and may be updated or revised at the Company’s discretion to meet operational needs. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will nature of employment, which may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, in accordance with federal and state laws.HPL Apollo LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr