Farrow, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuehne+Nagel Group, is headquartered in Windsor, Canada. Farrow brings to the global trade industry over 110 years of expertise in cross-border customs brokerage, import/export trade compliance consulting, and integrated logistics services (international freight forwarding/global supply chain management, warehousing/distribution, and ground transportation). With operating locations across Canada, the United States, and Europe, Farrow manages over 800 employees with 38 offices and warehouses including those of acquired companies D.J. Powers Co. Inc. and Link+ Corporation. Farrow is proud to be a Canada’s Best Managed Companies winner for fourteen consecutive years, achieving Platinum Club status in the most recent eight years – an accomplishment few companies attain.
Position Summary
This position is primarily responsible for processing customs release documents. The incumbent reviews documents and obtains additional information based on instructions and standard operating procedures. This individual is able to competently assist with other desks or functions as required. He or she is able to deal with routine issues without assistance and requires guidance primarily only with highly complex or sensitive situations.
Key Responsibilities (Supervisory/Materials/Information)
- Receive documents through various means. Review documents for completeness (e.g. date, description, value) ensuring that all necessary information has been received for processing. Determine account number, ETA, create billing charge sheet and determine appropriate charges. Secure any necessary import permits. Enter required information into database system.
- Prepare cheques and enter into log. Obtain necessary authorization for storage charges. Make delivery arrangements and forward any applicable invoices according to procedure. Ensure that any additional charges have been properly billed. Secure and forward proof of delivery where necessary
- Contact clients, branches or other brokers if additional documents or information is required. Respond to calls and questions from internal and external sources. Tracks shipments. Forwards documents to other processing centres per procedures.
- May perform some classification and other duties as required, depending on office location and individual skill set
- Perform other duties such as sorting, matching and stapling documents, printing, faxing, filing, scanning. Assists and mentors more junior staff members as required. Attend after hours and hand-baggage clearances as scheduled.
Education and Experience
- High School or Equivalent
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation preferred; some post-secondary education (including in-house seminars) and formal training in customs brokerage, international trade, etc.
- 3 or more years as a Traffic Release Agent I or comparable industry experience
Competencies, Working Skills & Attributes
- Good command of spoken and written English; must be fluent in French as well if position is in Quebec
- Fast and accurate keyboarding skills (min. 8000 keystrokes per hour with 97% accuracy)
- Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Able to operate standard business machines
- Able to perform basic mathematical calculations
- May require valid driver's license and able to be insured to drive company vehicle depending on office location.
Working Conditions, Mental Effort & Physical Requirements
- Accuracy is required when entering appropriate data, adding figures and reconciling documents
- Concentration is required in balancing several tasks at one time
- Able to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment
- Repetitive keyboarding / mousing; generally more than 6 hours per day
- Sitting at desk for prolonged periods of time (up to 1/2 hour - 1 hour at a time)
- Lifting batches of entries and mail (generally less than 10 lbs)
- Clean non-hazardous office conditions
- May need to drive to customs or other offices
- Must be able to perform after-hours clearances and be on-call as per department schedule
Farrow is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.