Import Specialist
Livingston International · Illinois, United States
- On site
- Full-time
- $60,000 / year
- Illinois, United States
Job highlights
- Coordinate import release and entry processing.
- Ensure accurate customs classification and billing.
- Manage shipment data for release and billing.
- Maintain client relationships and compliance standards.
- Utilize system automation for efficient processing.
About the role
Import Specialist
We provide clarity in a world of trade complexity so that businesses can grow further, faster, smarter. Over 30,000 clients trust us with their customs brokerage, trade consulting, global trade management and freight needs.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Manager, Service Delivery, this position is responsible for coordinating release and entry processing for air and/or ocean shipments, including US Customs and/or PGA releases. You will ensure all entries are classified and billed correctly according to client and Livingston standards.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of shipments.
- Create customs entries through proper selection of client and client records, interpretation of documentation for all clients' shipments.
- Data entry of shipment information for release, rating and billing and ensuring that all mandatory fields are completed and accurate in NSCs.
- Ensure correct value for duty is reported based on invoice details and terms of sale. Establish correct value for duty and tariff treatment by selecting the correct keyword/HS code.
- In a professional manner, work with team members as required for missing documentation, information or instructions necessary to release a shipment.
- Verify documentation for release conditions, compliance and rating compliance (e.g., free trade certificates).
- Participate fully with other team members in the day-to-day operation of Release Operations in NSCs.
- Endeavor to utilize and take advantage of system automation tools that are available to support release processing.
- Open file/data input for new shipments in relevant systems.
- Coordinate and prepare entry summary as needed.
- At time of release, monitor status of Customs and PGA releases.
- Ensure that all SOP's and business rules are adhered to following special client instructions, notes and alerts.
- Identify those that are missing or those that have become outdated or ineffective, making recommendations for change.
- Research and respond to requests for information from team or traffic in a professional manner via phone or email.
- Prioritize and complete work according to production supervisor direction, Customs requirements and Livingston standards.
- Maintain effective relationship with clients, carriers, forwarders, Customs, etc.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by management.
- Adhere to established policies and procedures.
Knowledge & Skills
- Familiar with all applicable Customs laws, regulations, procedures and industry practices.
- Client service oriented.
- Organizational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Assertiveness in problem solving.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to multitask.
- Detailed oriented.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Ability to present a professional image.
- Knowledge of Word and Excel software.
- Office equipment/machinery used: Personal computer and common business machines/software
Work Experience – Minimum Required
2 years of related experience
EDUCATION
Required: High School/GED or equivalent
Certifications Description
LCB, or working towards/or successful completion of the Certified Customs Specialists (CCS) designation with the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) or the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is a requirement, if not already obtained.
We know that women and people of color may be less likely to apply if their professional experience does not exactly match the job description. Livingston is striving to build a culture where differences are celebrated; therefore, if you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply even if your experience may not check every box.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Key skills/competency
- Import Operations
- Customs Brokerage
- Trade Compliance
- HS Classification
- Data Entry
- Client Relations
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Customs Regulations
Skills & topics
- Import Specialist
- Customs Brokerage
- Trade Compliance
- Logistics
- Supply Chain
- Customs Regulations
- HS Classification
- Data Entry
- Client Service
- Entry Processing
- Air Freight
- Ocean Freight
- PGA Releases
- US Customs
- Excel
- Word
- SAP
How to get hired
- Research Livingston's culture: Study their mission, values, and employee testimonials to align your application.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 2+ years of import/customs experience and relevant certifications like LCB or CCS.
- Showcase key skills: Emphasize your knowledge of customs laws, data entry accuracy, and client service abilities.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach and experience with trade compliance.
- Follow application instructions carefully: Ensure all required documentation and details are submitted accurately.
Technical preparation
Master HS code classification and duty value reporting.,Become proficient in customs entry software (e.g., NSCs).,Practice accurate data entry for shipment details.,Familiarize yourself with common business software (Word, Excel).
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you resolved a complex import issue.,How do you manage competing deadlines effectively?,Give an example of excellent client service you provided.,How do you ensure accuracy in detailed work?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of an Import Specialist at Livingston International?
- The Import Specialist at Livingston International is primarily responsible for coordinating the release and entry processing of air and ocean shipments, ensuring accurate customs classification, and correct billing according to client and company standards. This involves detailed data entry, verification of documentation, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders.
- What experience and education are required for the Import Specialist role?
- A minimum of 2 years of related experience is required. A High School GED or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement. Additionally, familiarity with applicable customs laws, regulations, procedures, and industry practices is crucial. Possession of or progress towards an LCB or CCS designation is highly preferred.
- What kind of systems and tools will I use as an Import Specialist at Livingston?
- As an Import Specialist, you will use various internal systems for data entry, release processing, and billing (such as NSCs). You will also utilize common business software like Microsoft Word and Excel. The role encourages the use of system automation tools to support efficient processing.
- How does Livingston International support diversity and inclusion for Import Specialist applicants?
- Livingston International is committed to building a diverse culture. They encourage applications even if your experience doesn't precisely match every point in the job description and are an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity in all its forms.
- What are the key skills needed to succeed as an Import Specialist at Livingston?
- Successful Import Specialists at Livingston possess strong knowledge of customs laws, excellent organizational and time management skills, assertiveness in problem-solving, great communication abilities, and a detailed-oriented approach. Client service orientation and the ability to multitask are also essential.
- Is this Import Specialist role remote or on-site?
- The job description lists several 'HomeOffice' locations (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas), indicating that this role is remote within those specific states. Some on-site locations are also listed (Dearborn, MI; Port Huron, MI; Amherst, NY; Champlain, NY).