Import Operations Specialist I

Argents Express Group is a Family-Owned, US Based, International and Domestic Freight Forwarder/Customs House Broker, Fulfillment and e-Commerce Provider established in 1977. We have operational offices located in Charleston, SC, Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA and our Corporate Office is located on Hilton Head Island SC. Argents has handling capabilities throughout the USA and worldwide. Our service to our partners & customers is second to none. 

The Import Operations Specialist is responsible for coordinating and executing the end-to-end import process, ensuring timely and compliant movement of international shipments. This role involves managing documentation, filing customs entries, tracking cargo across air, ocean, and ground modes, and communicating with global partners, vendors, and clients to facilitate seamless logistics operations. The specialist ensures adherence to U.S. regulatory requirements (TSA, Customs, DOT, FMC), maintains accurate data in systems like CargoWise, and supports the financial aspects of shipments through invoicing, auditing, and quoting. This position plays a key role in maintaining operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and high levels of customer service in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment. 

Duties & Responsibilities

Operations Agent Competencies

• Customer Service, field phone calls and general office support 
• Creating/ Auditing an Organization in Cargowise 
• ISF filing with US Customs 
• File Opening / Data Entry in Cargowise 
• Cargo Tracking on carrier/ port websites for Air, LCL and FCL 
• Adhere to government regulations that monitor our business (TSA, FMC, DOT, US Customs) 
• Fundamental understanding of international shipping processes 
• Basic knowledge of Incoterms 
• Understanding of different types of bills of lading 
• Communication with customers, international agents, domestic vendors 
• Dispatching trucks for recovery / delivery 
• Issuing Arrival Notices 
• Paying arrival charges 
• Invoicing clients 
• Daily problem resolution 
• Ongoing Logistics and Regulatory Training 
• Vendor rate negotiations 
• Processing/ Auditing invoices for vendor charges 
• Quote clients 
• Setting up/ Coordinating Shipments with partners at origin 
• Handling Triangle Shipment Coordination 

Operations Specialist I

• Look up products in the USHTS and on CROSS to check HTS codes 
• Review shipping documents to ensure all required customs data is on the paperwork  
• Communicate with customers and agents to get documentation corrected as needed 
• Process a Single Entry Bond when required 
• Process multi- line commercial invoices through Deep Cognition 
• Entry writing / prep in Cargowise 
• Know the flags for applicable PGA’s 
• Understand current Additional tariffs 
• Work with Sales and Senior Ops team members to document Client SOW’s 

Experience & Qualifications 

• Previous experience working with Freight Forwarding Operating Systems 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office  
• Educations 
• High School or equivalent ( 2 years experience ) 
• Associates Degree 
• Bachelor Degree  
• Entry Level 
• 3-4 years of experience 
• Must pass and maintain TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA) for IAC eligibility. 

Physical Requirements (ADA Compliance)

• Ability to remain stationary at a desk for extended periods, frequently operating a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.  
• Ability to occasionally move about the office to access files, office machinery, or attend meetings; may need to transport parcels or packages up to 10-20 pounds occasionally.  
• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. 
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. 
• Ability to observe details on documents and screens, requiring normal or corrected vision for reading and data entry.  
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Argents is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including the Illinois Human Rights Act.

We are committed to compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act and ensure pay equity across our teams. We actively foster a workplace that promotes accessibility, and compliance with labor laws.

At-Will Employment

Employment with Argents Express Group is at-will unless otherwise specified in a written agreement.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person 

Salary Range: $58,240.00 - $62,400.00 per year 

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance