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Import Specialist - International Customs & Freight Forwarding

Chicago, IL Area & Minneapolis, MN Area

Edward J Zarach & Associates, Inc., dba Zarach Logistics’ Head Office near Chicago is located in Bensenville, IL 60106; and the Minneapolis Branch Office is located in Eagan, MN 55121. We are an innovative, collaborative and engaging international freight forwarder and customs brokerage.

Our work environment includes:

• On-the-job training
• Growth opportunities
• Casual work attire
• Relaxed atmosphere

Position Overview: 

We are looking for an Import Specialist who will be responsible for all duties and tasks related to moving our clients’ freight from foreign countries into the United States. The Import Specialist is the single point of contact within Zarach Logistics for the clients that they support. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks while thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities and Competencies: 

• Coordinate air and ocean shipments from beginning to end.
• Consistently update clients with the status of their shipments.
• Working with and interacting with clients, carriers, and warehouses to resolve issues as they occur with shipments.
• Ensuring timely updates of shipment details and updating the transportation system in a timely manner with proper and pertinent information while meeting deadlines.
• Proper product classification of imported goods.
• Customs clearance processing in ACE system.
• Ensuring the on-time delivery of cargo.
• Correct and timely billing of clients’ shipments for the services provided.
• Demonstrating a basic knowledge and understanding of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.
• Demonstrating a basic knowledge and understanding of Partner Government Agencies (PGAs).

Skills and Educational Requirements: 

• Must be willing to train in a customs brokerage and/or freight forwarding role. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams). 
• Excellent communications skills.

Interpersonal Relationships: 

As the designated single point of contact, the Import Specialist may collaborate with all levels of personnel within the client’s company, its agents, vendors, and customers. You will occasionally have video calls in support of your clients and must be comfortable interacting with these clients in a consistently professional manner.

Working conditions: 

Employees work on site at the Zarach Logistics offices. There may be instances where you may work beyond normal operating hours or need to work from home. There may be instances where you travel to client locations.

Applicant Attributes Required: 

We are looking for a well-organized, disciplined, and motivated team member who has the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. They should be resourceful, decisive, thorough, and detail oriented. As an organization, we value relationships and are looking for caring team members that help us build enduring relationships with all of our stakeholders.

About Us:

Zarach Logistics is an International Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker specializing in the fast-paced logistics world. We believe that providing meaningful work is our mission. The organization has been thriving for over 40 years due to a culture of empowering its team to serve clients and providing our team members with the tools and flexibility to do this well. We invest in leadership and industry relevant education opportunities for our team. We celebrate our team successes in and out of work. We offer a collaborative environment and excellent benefits. If you have integrity, strive to be a good listener, and have a growth mindset, please contact us.

Please visit www.zarachlogistics.com for further information about our company.

Edward J. Zarach & Associates, Inc. dba Zarach Logistics, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Starting salary will be based on current experience.

Job Type: Full-time

What We Offer:

• 401(k) Retirement Savings with Company Match Paid time off
• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Life/ADD insurance available
• Flexible Schedule
• Collaborative Team Culture
• Career Growth Opportunities in a Growing Company

Experience:

• Logistics: 1 year (Preferred)
• Office: 1 year (Preferred)