Trade Customs Specialist - Apex Logistics International

Delivering Passion with Every Shipment!

Established in 2001, Apex Logistics International has become a top dependable solution for those seeking expertise in freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, transportation management, warehousing, and distribution. With a presence in 70 countries across six continents, 42 offices, 2,500+ dedicated employees, and consistent, dependable services, Apex continues to grow rapidly and deliver passion worldwide. In 2021, Apex joined the Kuehne+Nagel Group and together have become the Number 1 Global Air Freight Forwarder.

Summary:

To coordinate the transportation of international shipments and prepare international trade documentation for clients import shipments. Ensure compliance with US import requirements on behalf of client and Apex. Coordinate all activities necessary to transport international shipments with contracted cartage agents, airlines, and contracted Customs bonded facilities. Responsible for interfacing with US Customs and coordinate Customs entry clearance activities.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Prepare international trade documents; e.g. Air waybills, Ocean/Truck Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Certificates of Origin, In-Bond Documents, Customs Entry documents, Delivery Orders for company shipments.
• Coordinate all activities necessary to transport clients import shipments with contracted cartage agents, airlines and company bonded facilities.
• Performs daily follow up of clients import shipments to ensure Customs clearance is obtained for U.S. import shipments, Coordinates with foreign clients, airlines, US Customs, gateway clearance points, clients customer service, the consignee and external vendor agents, concerning shipments that are either held or delayed. Provides proactive notification of shipment status to clients customer service. Resolve all issues on service inquiries related to the clients import shipments.
• Maintains up to date specific knowledge of U.S. Import requirements (Customs & Border Protection, FDA, etc.), specific transportation industry knowledge and general knowledge of other federal regulatory agencies.
• Payment of duties and fees on behalf of our clients
• Prepare all necessary documents for data entry submission to US Customs
• Verify eligibility for trade programs including NAFTA, CAFTA-DR, GSP, CBI, Chapter 98, etc.
• Ensure that all entries are filed on time and freight delivered in a timely manner in accordance with our company and customer expectations
• Follow up on customs clearance, other government agency and resolving related issues.
• Communication with inter office staff and customers.
• Customs entry auditing.
• Develop business relationships with US Customs & clients.
• Stay abreast of all import laws and regulation changes to ensure compliance.
• Provides HTS classification for import shipments and any other government agency requirements
• Assists the client in logistic planning and coordinates the movement of large and/or complex shipments.
• Creates and provides reports of shipping activity and client billing.
• Maintains and ensures regulatory integrity of import records for seven years.
• Assist company to implement compliance processes for the purpose of adhering to corporate polices and relevant regulations, including but not limited to the US Customs Regulations.
• Audit import entries, including verification of classification, valuation, country of origin, commercial invoice requirements, Incoterms, documentation, and other government agency requirements.
• Maintain client and import shipment files ensuring hard copy and electronic copies maintained.

Job requirements:

• Two years college / equivalent. One (1) to Two (2) years Customs Brokerage experience, Or, two (2) to three (3) years administrative experience in US import and international shipping/documentation requirements.
• Broad general knowledge of Federal regulations regarding Import requirements.
• Must be able to type minimum of 35 WPM.
• Knowledge of Customs entry and international transportation of goods preferred.
• Ability to multi-task, customer service skills, attention to detail, time management, effective analytical, human relations, professional written and oral communications skills and attendance punctuality required.
• Experience with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Outlook) required.