Ashley Gray, Lcb, Ccs Email & Phone Number

Warrenville, Il, Us

Integrating past experiences in international logistics operations, sales, and Customs brokerage, acts as the key regulatory compliance contact for clients. Researches and analyzes new legislation, trade agreements, and changes to the United States harmonized tariff schedule and proactively proposes and implements solutions to save costs for our clients while helping them remain compliant with all government regulations. Conducts both internal and external audits of Customs entries and develops procedures and training programs to address any deficiencies. Demonstrates the company’s proprietary Customs software and trains end-users on its functionality. Performs entry writing and drives continuous improvement, including developing ways to automate processes and procedures. Gained proficiency with QuestaWeb Customs brokerage software and the US Customs ACE portal through this role.

Independently built the Customs brokerage department from the ground up and operated it as the company’s sole licensed Customs broker. This included organizing and carefully reviewing Customs paperwork on behalf of clients, entry writing and expeditiously clearing imported goods through US Customs to maximize efficiency in the shipping process, and advising customers on proper harmonized tariff schedule classification and government regulations. In addition to handling Customs brokerage, performed all import operations functions, from monitoring the movement of freight/tracking and tracing to arranging final-mile delivery appointments with drayage partners. Developed proficiency with CargoWise Customs brokerage software and familiarity with the US Customs ACE portal through this role.

Handled all aspects of export documentation from filing AES for export shipments and ensuring compliance with export regulations; preparing export documentation on behalf of clients, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin; to preparing documentation for a significant volume of shipments covered by letters of credit. At the same time, expertly managed all areas of export operations for Hancock International’s largest key account. In addition, provided training of new employees in export documentation roles and was responsible for hiring, training, and managing part-time employees.

Strengthened relationships with current accounts through constant contact and advocacy, while working at the same time to generate new business through multiple communication channels and representing the company with professionalism. Consulted with clients to assess and understand their needs, prepared proposals that targeted those needs, and negotiated contractual rates and terms. Provided support, such as custom reports and regular industry updates, to proactively address clients’ unique circumstances.

Acted as internal reinforcement to the outside salesforce in the Midwest by providing exceptional customer service for up to 60 accounts at a time, covering both import and export trade lanes, which amounted to contractual volume commitments of over 50,000 twenty-foot equivalent containers per year. Personally provided inside sales support to top-tier accounts, such as Target Corporation and Kohl’s. Interfaced with internal pricing contacts to provide rate quotations, independently quoted export tariff rates for the Midwest region, and created custom reports according to clients' specifications. Coordinated seamlessly with other departments, both locally and overseas, to provide prompt and effective solutions in challenging situations.On the administrative side, prepared service contracts and contract amendments according to the terms and conditions accepted by customers and approved by pricing departments. Filed contracts to internal systems and also to the Federal Maritime Commission, ensuring compliance with government regulations and thereby protecting the company.Received basic hazmat cerification and C-TPAT security awareness training as part of this position.

In a position that demanded exceptional organization due to the variety of tasks involved, processed large volumes of ocean freight payments in internal systems, made daily deposits of payments, and pursued collection of outstanding items. Carefully reviewed export bills of lading to eliminate errors and made changes as requested by customers. After ensuring quality standards and specifications were met, released export bills to freight forwarders and shippers, both electronically and by courier. Compiled and audited documents for export declarations to customs brokers in the Pacific Northwest market.

Strengthened customer service and communication skills through the handling of daily customer transactions and inquiries and simultaneously developed a meticulous attention to detail by ensuring transaction details were correct and by analyzing documents and situations for instances of fraud. Exercised discretion by ensuring the safety and confidentiality of customers’ financial information.

As an assistant English teacher to full-time junior and senior high school teachers (both Japanese and American), honed the ability to work under pressure by handling multiple projects and lessons at a time, maintained flexibility even given last-minute assignments, and worked to maintain strong lines of communication in a multicultural environment.This was an internship experience (internship occurred during study abroad at Kyoto Gakuen Daigaku).

Enhanced multi-tasking skills by working directly with a physician to quickly and accurately record diagnoses, update patient charts, and fill out and file insurance claim forms.

Supervised the operation of various areas of the restaurant, trained new employees, handled disciplinary issues, and further improved the ability to multi-task in a deadline-driven environment.

Bachelor Of Arts, Japanese, International Business

Activities and Societies: International Club, Japan Club (president), Circle K (vice president), Alpha Lambda Delta (freshman honor.

Japanese Language, Japanese Culture

Study abroad: six months of intensive study of Japanese language and culture in a complete immersion setting.

Chinese Language, Chinese Culture

During my sophomore year at North Central College, I participated in the China/Japan program, a study abroad program that allows students.

Japanese Language, Japanese Culture

During my sophomore year at North Central College, I participated in the China/Japan program, a study abroad program that allows students.