Import Specialist

IMPORT OPERATIONS

ABOUT VANGUARD

VANGUARD LOGISTICS has been "making it fit to ship" and leading the less-than-container load (LCL) ocean shipping industry for over 40 years. Our 3,300+ shipping experts in local offices are passionate about delivering superior service to our customers around the globe. We know how to maximize space for the most efficient and fastest-possible shipping. But our services aren't limited to LCL or even to ocean freight. Our range of products and services delivers end-to-end and door-to-door solutions for all of our customers' shipping needs - be they Ocean, Inland, Air or in the Warehouse. Today, we are the world's premier LCL ocean freight consolidator, and we're still pushing boundaries.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

To provide the highest level of customer service through prompt response to all cargo enquiries, complete and accurate communication on the arrival of the customers cargo. It is the responsibility of the Import Operator to ensure all requirements for the file registration process are supplied to the BPO Office so they can complete the file registration into the operating system per the SOP. Clear and timely communication with the BPO is imperative to ensure you are meeting our customer and local statutory reporting requirements on the notification of cargo arrival into the country.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Communicate effectively to meet customer requirements, resolve customer problems or complaints expeditiously, and complete all requests timely.
• Follow up Track and Trace Requests from the customer with origin or hub offices.
• Receiving Pre-Alerts documents (electronically and via email) from Overseas Offices and co-ordinate closely with the Documentation/BPO Team to have the file registered into the operating platform.
• Review all documentation received to check for errors or omissions.
• Communicate with local carrier to confirm arrival details and obtain vessel exchange rate.
• Working with the warehouse and trucking vendor to co-ordinate the transport of Import Containers from the arriving terminal to the warehouse for deconsolidation.
• When file is returned from the BPO office confirming registration review/complete:
• SOP has been completed
• Exceptions noted by BPO staff
• All Statutory reporting has been correctly completed
• Auto Rating Completed
• Arrival Notices and Invoices sent to Customers for all Prepaid Shipments
• Delivery Orders issues for customers who have credit (Prepaid Shipments that are Express Release)
• Check all consignee's have a customs broker assigned, if not contact the customer to advise VLS can assist with a Brokerage Service
• Complete Invoicing for all Collect Shipments and issues Delivery Orders once payment is made
• Arrange payment to the carrier to obtain Container Delivery Order
• Send Manifest and Container Delivery Order to the warehouse / transport company to arrange collection from the terminal
• Complete any container Customs entry (if required) so container(s) can be moved from arriving terminal to our nominated customs controlled warehouse for deconsolidation.
• Handle Container Deconsolidation Reports from Warehouse, Sending Container Availability Reports and handling OS&D exceptions noted with customers and origin offices.
• Complete all finance elements on the file including Invoicing, Vendor Cost Accruals and Payments so file can be handed over to Revenue Management for month end closing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

High school or equivalent education; associate degree preferred

· Minimum 2 years of customer service experience; logistics experience preferred

· Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively

· Strong listening, written and verbal communication skills (English required); excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills

· Strong MS Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint