Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Import Coordinator

💰 $55,000 - $75,000

LogisticsSupply ChainOperationsImport/ExportInternational Trade

🎯 Role Definition

As an Import Coordinator, you are the central command for our inbound logistics operations. You will orchestrate the end-to-end journey of international shipments, from supplier pickup to final warehouse delivery. This involves meticulous coordination with freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean carriers, and trucking companies. Your primary objective is to ensure a seamless flow of goods, mitigate potential delays, and guarantee full compliance with all import laws and regulations. You are a key player in maintaining inventory levels, controlling transportation costs, and supporting the overall efficiency of our global supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Assistant / Associate
  • Customs Entry Writer Trainee
  • Supply Chain Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Import Coordinator / Import Specialist
  • Logistics Manager / Supply Chain Manager
  • Import/Export Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Export Coordinator
  • Logistics Planner
  • Customs Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the complete lifecycle of import shipments, from purchase order placement with overseas vendors to final delivery, ensuring on-time performance and cost-effectiveness.
  • Track and trace all air and ocean freight shipments in transit, providing regular, proactive updates to internal stakeholders on shipment status, potential delays, and estimated arrival times.
  • Prepare, review, and meticulously verify all necessary import documentation, including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading (Ocean and Air), and Certificates of Origin for accuracy and compliance.
  • Act as the primary liaison between the company, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and drayage/trucking companies to coordinate seamless cargo movement and resolve any logistical issues.
  • Ensure timely and accurate filing of Importer Security Filings (ISF 10+2) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to avoid penalties and delays.
  • Collaborate with customs brokers to ensure proper Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, valuation, and country of origin declaration for all imported goods.
  • Coordinate customs clearance processes, promptly providing any additional information or documentation required by CBP or other partner government agencies (PGA) like FDA or USDA.
  • Monitor and manage inbound container arrivals at ports, coordinating drayage appointments and scheduling efficient deliveries to our distribution centers or warehouses.
  • Audit and approve all freight, duty, customs, and logistics-related invoices, cross-referencing against contracted rates and resolving any billing discrepancies.
  • Maintain and update shipment data with meticulous accuracy within the company's Transportation Management System (TMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
  • File and manage freight claims with carriers for any lost, short-shipped, or damaged goods, seeing the process through to resolution and reimbursement.
  • Analyze and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as transit times, on-time delivery rates, and landed costs to identify trends and areas for process improvement.
  • Proactively identify and address potential risks or disruptions in the supply chain, developing contingency plans to mitigate impact on operations.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with international suppliers to ensure shipping schedules and documentation requirements are met.
  • Assist in negotiating freight rates and service level agreements with carriers, forwarders, and brokers to optimize transportation costs.
  • Coordinate the resolution of shipping issues, such as customs holds, port congestion, vessel delays, or documentation errors, by working with all relevant parties.
  • Manage and maintain a comprehensive record-keeping system for all import transactions, ensuring compliance with customs record-retention requirements.
  • Provide internal teams, such as purchasing and inventory planning, with accurate landed cost calculations and reliable ETA data.
  • Ensure that all import activities adhere to company policies, industry best practices, and international trade laws.
  • Onboard new international vendors, educating them on our shipping and documentation protocols to ensure smooth initial transactions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the Sourcing and Merchandising teams by providing freight cost estimates and transit time information for new product development.
  • Maintain and update the HTS code database and ensure its accuracy for the company's product portfolio.
  • Assist in internal and external audits related to customs compliance and trade regulations.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at improving supply chain efficiency and reducing lead times.
  • Stay current with changes in international trade regulations, tariffs, and customs procedures that could impact the business.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep understanding of import/export regulations, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) compliance.
  • Proficiency in Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and understanding of customs valuation principles.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of international logistics and transportation terms (Incoterms 2020).
  • Hands-on experience with filing or managing Importer Security Filings (ISF 10+2).
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, formulas) for data analysis and reporting.
  • Experience working within an ERP (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, Oracle) or Transportation Management System (TMS).
  • Familiarity with customs brokerage software (e.g., CargoWise One) is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in handling complex documentation and data.
  • Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple urgent tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective correspondence with global partners and internal teams.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to proactively identify and resolve logistical challenges and discrepancies.
  • A collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective professional relationships.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • International Business
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct experience in an import, freight forwarding, or customs brokerage role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume import environment (e.g., retail, consumer packaged goods, manufacturing) with direct exposure to both ocean (FCL/LCL) and air freight.
Explore More Careers