Documentation Clerk – Import Customs Clearance (U.S. Ocean Freight)

Skypace is the ocean freight service and technology division of Maxton Shipping Inc., a U.S.-based freight forwarder with a global operating network. Skypace provides a shipper-facing platform that enables customers to execute ocean freight shipments using both Maxton’s carrier contracts and their own negotiated agreements, supported by sourcing analytics and structured cost-based decision making across the supply chain.

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The platform supports quoting, booking, documentation management, and real-time shipment tracking through direct integrations with major ocean carriers, including Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd. Supporting services such as inland transportation, customs clearance, cargo insurance, and 4PL coordination are managed within the same execution framework.

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Skypace is used for active freight operations and is designed to automate standardized processes while applying human expertise where regulatory accuracy, coordination, and customer communication are required.

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The Documentation Clerk - Import Customs Clearance is responsible for managing U.S. ocean import compliance documentation and coordinating customs clearance workflows to ensure timely cargo release. This role serves as the control point for pre-arrival filings, document accuracy, and release readiness for inbound ocean freight shipments.

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The position exists to reduce compliance risk, avoid cargo holds, and maintain predictable import execution across U.S. ports.

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Key Responsibilities:

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U.S. Import Compliance and Filings

• Prepare, validate, and submit Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements;
• Coordinate and validate Automated Manifest System (AMS) filings with carriers and NVOCCs;
• Monitor filing deadlines to prevent ISF and AMS penalties.

Documentation Coordination

• Collect and review import documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and arrival notices;
• Transmit complete and accurate document sets to assigned customs brokers;
• Verify consistency of shipment data across booking, documentation, ISF, and broker entry systems.

Customs Clearance and Release Control

• Monitor customs clearance status and entry progress through broker communication;
• Track holds, exams, and documentation requests from CBP or partner agencies;
• Confirm cargo release and coordinate post-release handoff to drayage and operations teams.

Milestone Monitoring and System Updates

• Monitor import shipment milestones within the Skypace platform, including arrival, clearance, release, and availability;
• Update shipment status and documentation checkpoints in real time;
• Flag risks related to late filings, documentation discrepancies, or clearance delays.

Exception Management

• Identify and resolve discrepancies in shipment data prior to arrival;
• Coordinate corrective actions for ISF amendments, document corrections, and post-entry support;
• Escalate compliance or timing risks to operations and management when required.

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Operational Interfaces:

• Ocean import operations and account management teams;
• U.S. customs brokers and regulatory authorities;
• Ocean carriers and NVOCC partners;
• Drayage providers and terminal operations teams;
• Customers requiring status updates and document clarification.

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Required Experience and Qualifications:‍

• Experience in U.S. ocean import documentation and customs clearance;
• Working knowledge of ISF, AMS, and CBP import procedures;
• Familiarity with ocean freight documentation, Incoterms, and bill of lading structures;
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage time-sensitive regulatory filings;
• Comfortable working within freight management and customs documentation systems;
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

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This role operates at the intersection of regulatory compliance and freight execution, where accuracy and timing directly affect cargo release and downstream transportation. Skypace automates standardized documentation workflows while relying on experienced professionals to manage compliance judgment, coordination with brokers, and exception handling.

Professionally, the role provides hands-on exposure to U.S. import regulations, real-time shipment execution, and structured operational processes supported by integrated technology.