Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Import Logistician

🎯 Role Definition

The Import Logistician is a cornerstone of the supply chain team, responsible for orchestrating the seamless and compliant flow of goods from international suppliers to our domestic operations. This role serves as the central hub of communication and execution, interfacing with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal departments to ensure products arrive on time, on budget, and in full compliance with all trade regulations. Success in this position is critical for maintaining optimal inventory levels, controlling costs, and mitigating risks associated with global trade. This individual acts as the subject matter expert on all matters related to import transportation and customs clearance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Logistics Coordinator
Import/Export Clerk
Supply Chain Assistant
Purchasing Coordinator

Advancement To:

Senior Import Logistician / Import Team Lead
Logistics Manager
Import/Export Manager
Global Trade Compliance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Supply Chain Analyst
Procurement Specialist / Buyer
Freight Broker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Manage the end-to-end import process for all international shipments, from purchase order placement with overseas suppliers to final delivery at the designated warehouse or facility.
Coordinate and negotiate with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to ensure the timely and cost-effective transportation of goods via air, ocean, and land.
Prepare, review, and meticulously maintain all necessary import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading (B/L), air waybills (AWB), and certificates of origin.
Ensure full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other government agency (OGA) requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, FCC).
Accurately classify products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to determine correct duty rates and ensure proper customs declarations, minimizing risk and cost.
Proactively track and trace all inbound shipments, providing real-time status updates and estimated times of arrival (ETAs) to internal stakeholders, including procurement, planning, and sales teams.
Act as the first point of contact to resolve any in-transit issues, such as customs holds, inspections, port congestion, or carrier delays, by liaising with all relevant parties to find swift resolutions.
Audit and approve freight, duty, and customs brokerage invoices, identifying and disputing discrepancies to control logistics costs and ensure billing accuracy.
Manage relationships with logistics partners, participating in regular performance reviews (QBRs) and sourcing new vendors to optimize service levels and costs.
File and manage Import Security Filings (ISF 10+2) in a timely and accurate manner to avoid costly penalties and shipment delays.
Maintain a comprehensive and current understanding of international trade agreements, tariffs, and Incoterms to advise the business and optimize supply chain strategies.
Collaborate closely with the purchasing department to ensure supplier shipping terms and documentation meet company and regulatory standards from the outset.
Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all import-related activities to ensure consistency, compliance, and facilitate training for new team members.
Analyze and report on key logistics metrics, such as transit times, on-time delivery, freight spend per unit, and customs duty costs, to identify trends and areas for continuous improvement.
Manage and process freight claims for lost or damaged goods, working diligently with carriers and insurance providers to secure reimbursement and recover losses.
Coordinate the drayage and final-mile delivery from the port or airport to the final destination, ensuring efficient warehouse receiving schedules and avoiding demurrage/detention fees.
Ensure all import records are meticulously maintained and archived in a centralized system in accordance with customs and internal record-keeping policies (typically 5+ years).
Liaise with the finance and accounting teams to ensure proper and timely accrual of duties, taxes, and freight costs for accurate financial reporting.

Secondary Functions

Support internal and external audits related to trade compliance by providing necessary documentation, process explanations, and data analysis.
Assist in training junior logistics personnel or other departments on basic import processes and compliance requirements.
Contribute to cross-functional projects aimed at supply chain optimization, cost reduction, or system implementation.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if the logistics function operates within an agile framework.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Customs Regulations: Deep knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR), including valuation, classification, and country of origin determination.
HTS Classification: Proficiency in classifying goods using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
Incoterms Mastery: Thorough understanding of Incoterms 2020 and their application to manage risk and cost in international shipping.
ERP/TMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
Import Documentation: Expertise in handling a full range of import documents, including Bills of Lading, Air Waybills, Commercial Invoices, and ISF filings.
Freight Forwarder & Broker Management: Proven ability to select, manage, and evaluate the performance of third-party logistics partners.
Freight Cost Auditing: Skill in analyzing and auditing complex freight and duty invoices to identify and resolve billing errors.
Advanced Microsoft Excel: Ability to use pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and other advanced functions for data analysis and reporting.

Soft Skills

Meticulous Attention to Detail: The ability to catch minor errors in documentation or data that could lead to major compliance issues or costs.
Proactive Problem-Solving: An aptitude for anticipating potential delays or issues and implementing solutions before they escalate.
Strong Negotiation Skills: Confidence in negotiating rates and terms with carriers and forwarders to achieve favorable outcomes.
Clear & Concise Communication: The ability to clearly communicate complex logistics information to both internal and external stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
Time Management & Prioritization: The capacity to manage multiple shipments and competing deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Relationship Building: The interpersonal skill to build and maintain strong, productive relationships with suppliers, logistics partners, and internal colleagues.
Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to unexpected changes in shipping schedules, regulations, or market conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is strongly preferred. Equivalent work experience may be considered.

Preferred Education:

Master's degree in Supply Chain Management or International Business.
Professional certifications such as a Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
International Business
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct experience in an import logistics, international freight forwarding, or customs brokerage role.

Preferred:

Experience managing imports for specific commodity types (e.g., consumer goods, electronics, perishable items, or hazardous materials).
Demonstrated experience in a role that required direct interaction with U.S. Customs and other government agencies.
A proven track record of identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives within the import supply chain.