Import Coordinator

Company Introduction & Mission

Bestway Transport, founded in 1995, has grown into a trusted Chicago-regional transportation partner for many of the nation’s leading freight-forwarding and logistics companies. With a team of experienced logistics professionals and highly trained, TSA-approved drivers, Bestway delivers secure, efficient air, ocean, intermodal, and local cartage solutions throughout the region.

As a TSA-bonded warehouse operator, we maintain strict security, compliance, and cargo-handling standards to ensure the safety and integrity of every shipment. Our core objective is simple and unwavering: to create lasting customer loyalty by providing exceptional service on every move.

Position Title & Summary 

Job Title: Import Coordinator

Report To: Operations Director

Employment Type: Hourly

Position Summary

The Import Coordinator is a critical operations role responsible for managing the flow of inbound freight through Bestway’s facility. This position oversees driver check-in procedures, ensures all incoming and outgoing freight is properly processed and documented, and coordinates shipment-related delivery orders, storage fees, and ocean container requests. The Import Coordinator serves as a key compliance checkpoint, ensuring that no freight is released unless it has been fully cleared. This role requires strong organizational skills, a professional demeanor when interacting with drivers and partners, and the ability to manage high-volume queues efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Check in drivers upon arrival, verifying documentation and directing them through proper intake procedures in a professional and courteous manner.
•  Ensure all incoming and outgoing freight is properly received, processed, documented, and accounted for within Bestway’s systems.
• Coordinate shipment-related delivery order requests, ensuring accuracy and timely communication with customers, freight forwarders, and internal teams.
• Manage and coordinate storage fee tracking, ensuring proper billing and communication with customers regarding storage timelines and charges.
• Coordinate ocean container requests, including scheduling, documentation, and status tracking from arrival through final delivery.
• Serve as a compliance checkpoint to ensure no freight is released unless it has been fully cleared by customs, the customer, or other required parties.
• Manage driver queues to minimize wait times and maintain an orderly, efficient flow of operations at the facility.
• Communicate with drivers, customers, freight forwarders, and internal teams in a timely, clear, and professional manner regarding shipment status, exceptions, and updates.
• Monitor and manage inbound emails through shared operational inboxes; ensure all import-related requests are routed, handled, and closed out efficiently.
• Update shipment tracking systems to reflect accurate, real-time progress, exceptions, and delivery confirmations.
• Schedule appointments with steamship lines, container yards, warehouses, and other partners as required to support import freight movement.
• Collaborate with accounting to reconcile import-related billing, delivery paperwork, storage invoices, and any required supporting documents.
• Support compliance with TSA, customs, and internal security procedures as required for cargo handling and release.
• Assist with other import operations duties as assigned to ensure overall team and customer success.

Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and data entry
• Strong focus on customer service and professional driver interaction
• Ability to communicate with drivers courteously and de-escalate situations when necessary
• Effective queue and workflow management in a high-traffic environment
• Urgency and time-management skills with a focus on meeting deadlines
• Clear, confident communication under pressure
• Multi-tasking, organization, and prioritization skills
• Problem-solving and situational judgment
• Reliability, accountability, and follow-through
• Team collaboration in a fast-paced, service-driven environment

Required Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in import operations, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, trucking, or logistics operations
• Familiarity with ocean freight import processes, container drayage, and delivery order workflows
• Knowledge of the Chicago / O’Hare regional freight environment and related operations
• Proficient in email communication, Google Docs/Sheets, and general computer systems
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Eligibility to comply with TSA, customs, and facility security standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ocean container import coordination and customs clearance processes
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) or transportation management systems (TMS)
• Bilingual abilities (Spanish or other languages) are a plus

Work Environment & Schedule

• On-site operations/warehouse office environment supporting import freight operations
• Fast-paced, service-driven environment with frequent driver interaction, communication, and task switching
• Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM with a lunch break
• Potential for extended hours during high-volume periods or vessel arrivals

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate or salary based on experience
• Overtime opportunities based on operational needs
• Health insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Career advancement opportunities within import operations, dispatch, or leadership

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bestway Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.