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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Import Technician

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

An Import Technician is the operational linchpin in the world of international trade and supply chain management. This role is responsible for the meticulous coordination and execution of all tasks required to bring goods into a country. You are the navigator of complex global logistics, ensuring that shipments clear customs smoothly, comply with all government regulations, and arrive at their destination on time and within budget. This position requires a unique blend of administrative precision, problem-solving prowess, and strong communication skills to liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and internal departments. In essence, the Import Technician ensures the seamless flow of a company's inbound global supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Warehouse Associate (with international shipping exposure)
  • Administrative Assistant (in a logistics or trade company)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Import Technician / Import Specialist
  • Import/Export Supervisor or Manager
  • Licensed Customs Broker

Lateral Moves:

  • Export Technician / Specialist
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Logistics Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare, review, and process comprehensive import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading (ocean and air), and certificates of origin for accuracy and compliance.
  • Coordinate and execute timely and accurate Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to avoid penalties and delays.
  • Classify imported products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to determine applicable duty rates and ensure regulatory conformity.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for customs brokers, providing them with necessary documentation and instructions to facilitate customs clearance for all import shipments.
  • Proactively track and trace the end-to-end movement of international shipments, from vessel/flight departure to final-mile delivery, maintaining constant visibility.
  • Communicate shipment status, potential delays, and delivery updates to internal stakeholders, including purchasing, planning, and warehouse teams.
  • Audit and verify freight and duty invoices from carriers and brokers, resolving discrepancies and processing payments in a timely manner.
  • Analyze and negotiate freight quotes from various carriers and forwarders to ensure cost-effective transportation solutions without compromising service levels.
  • Manage and resolve any issues that arise during transit or customs clearance, such as customs holds, inspections, or damaged goods, by coordinating with all relevant parties.
  • Ensure all import activities strictly adhere to the regulations of government agencies, including CBP, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • Maintain a meticulous and organized digital and physical filing system for all import-related documents, ensuring records are audit-ready.
  • Prepare and submit duty drawback claims to recover customs duties paid on previously imported goods that are subsequently exported.
  • Coordinate with warehouse receiving teams to schedule inbound container deliveries and ensure they have the necessary information for efficient unloading.
  • Monitor carrier and broker performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the import department to improve efficiency and ensure consistency.
  • Evaluate and select transportation providers and customs brokers based on their service offerings, performance history, and cost competitiveness.
  • Calculate landed costs for imported products, factoring in freight, insurance, duties, and taxes to provide accurate product costing to the finance department.
  • Manage relationships with freight forwarders and carriers, holding regular meetings to review performance and address operational challenges.
  • File and manage cargo claims with insurance companies or carriers for goods lost or damaged in transit, seeing the process through to resolution.
  • Stay current with changes in international trade laws, customs regulations, and trade agreements that could impact the company's import operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Generate ad-hoc reports on shipment status, carrier performance, landed costs, and duty expenditures for management review.
  • Provide feedback on and assist in the improvement of import logistics processes and internal workflow technologies.
  • Collaborate with purchasing, warehousing, and sales teams to ensure seamless end-to-end shipment visibility and coordination.
  • Participate in cross-functional team meetings to address broader supply chain challenges and contribute to strategic initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Customs Regulations: Deep understanding of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and procedures.
  • HTS Classification: Proficiency in classifying goods using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
  • Import Documentation: Expertise in handling and verifying key import documents like Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, and Packing Lists.
  • ISF Filing: Direct experience with or comprehensive knowledge of the Importer Security Filing (10+2) process.
  • Incoterms: Solid understanding of Incoterms 2020 and their impact on cost, risk, and responsibility in a shipment.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Experience using TMS and/or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for logistics and tracking.
  • MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and tracking (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).
  • Freight Forwarding Operations: Knowledge of ocean, air, and ground freight operations and best practices.
    -Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): Familiarity with the ACE Secure Data Portal for reporting and compliance.
  • Rate Negotiation: Ability to analyze freight quotes and perform basic cost analysis.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy and thoroughness in managing complex documentation and data.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying and resolving shipment issues and logistical roadblocks.
  • Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, for interacting with global partners.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple shipments and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaboration: A team-player mindset with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional departments.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to unexpected delays, regulatory changes, and shifting priorities.
  • Organization: Strong organizational skills to maintain compliant records and manage a high volume of information.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • International Business

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in an import, logistics, or freight forwarding role.

Preferred: Experience working for a freight forwarder, customs broker, or a mid-to-large-sized importer is highly desirable. A Customs Broker License is a significant plus but not typically required.

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