Published: Aug 18, 2025 - The Import Specialist ensures accurate tariff classification, appraisement, and compliance with federal laws governing prohibited or restricted items. This role involves verifying import documentation, conducting merchandise examinations, and assessing duties, taxes, and fees according to trade regulations. The specialist also analyzes industry trends, reviews trade agreements, and applies customs procedures to support lawful and efficient entry of goods into commerce.

Tips for Import Specialist Skills and Responsibilities on a Resume
1. Import Specialist, Global Trade Solutions LLC, Charlotte, NC
Job Summary:
- Handling ocean import accounts for the branch from A to Z
- Preparing and reviewing import documentation
- Completing entries for import files
- Arranging collection and deliveries of freight for international import moves
- Completing all necessary import documentation to remain compliant with regulations
- Taking operational, routing, and customer service responsibility for all files handled
- Using a preferred list of truckers and vendors to identify customer solutions based on rates and service
- Determining and recommending shipment costs and routing options to the customer
- Processing billing and invoicing for the shipment
- Establishing a positive relationship with both internal and external customers and vendors
- Informing customers and vendors of updates and changes with freight movements
- Assisting with the export department
Skills on Resume:
- Ocean Handling (Hard Skills)
- Import Documentation (Hard Skills)
- File Entries (Hard Skills)
- Freight Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Regulation Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Customer Service (Soft Skills)
- Vendor Relations (Soft Skills)
- Billing Invoicing (Hard Skills)
2. Import Specialist, Horizon Logistics Group, Tulsa, OK
Job Summary:
- Respond to CF 29/ 28’s Notice of Action that may be received from Customs
- Track containers to minimize demurrage/detention fees
- Develop and execute effective relationships with all customer brokers and work with them to resolve invoice issues and discrepancies
- Communicate daily with brokers, providing appropriate documentation for import shipments
- Ensure timely and accurate responses to Broker Requests and provide custom clearance instructions for imports
- Ensure shipments have minimal delays clearing customs and meet all regulatory requirements
- Maintain accurate records and complete record-keeping of all import transactions
- Maintain and update Import Reconciliation and ACE Reports
- Responsible for retrieving and analyzing necessary import and export data for Duty Drawback claims
- Work with the Compliance Manager to update policies under the TVH Import Compliance Program
Skills on Resume:
- Customs Response (Hard Skills)
- Container Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Broker Relations (Soft Skills)
- Documentation Support (Hard Skills)
- Customs Clearance (Hard Skills)
- Regulatory Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Record Keeping (Hard Skills)
- Data Analysis (Hard Skills)
3. Import Specialist, Pacific Freight Forwarding Inc., Fresno, CA
Job Summary:
- Manage transportation and logistics between the supplier(origin) and warehouse(local destination) through data of shipping documents and etc.
- Understand and enforce compliance integrity on customs procedures of the company as well as governance from Korea Customs Service, KMFDS, KPMA, KMDIA and etc.
- Examine the effectiveness of the transportation strategy by weighing the trade-off between lead time and cost
- Effectively control in-transit damages by pre-claim, insurance claim and co-work with forwarding, carrier and suppliers
- Validate FTA and Duty exemption conditions as per the product to comply with the correct customs regulations
- Coordinate HSK verification for new products with the customs broker
- Manage continuous improvement through developing strategies for logistics and document control procedures
- Vendor management to enhance the effectiveness
- Lead and maintain trade-compliance processes
- Develop internal control procedures and conduct regular audits for import and export
- Share knowledge and best practices to contribute to team development
- Operation synergy enhancement through strong cooperation with the business counterpart
- Import related payment processing
Skills on Resume:
- Logistics Management (Hard Skills)
- Customs Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Strategy Analysis (Hard Skills)
- Damage Control (Hard Skills)
- Duty Validation (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Management (Soft Skills)
- Process Improvement (Hard Skills)
- Team Collaboration (Soft Skills)
4. Import Specialist, Summit Supply Chain Services, Grand Rapids, MI
Job Summary:
- Completing import customs entries
- Supporting the operations team
- Customs import entry checking
- Deal with any customs-related questions
- Deal with all enquiries quickly and efficiently
- Support and advise all customers whilst ensuring the company is fully compliant with the requirements of HMRC
- Effectively handle import shipments, both simple and complex
- Handle shipments independently from A-Z, including quoting and billing
- Ensure the complete and timely delivery of freight by attaining knowledge from clients to satisfy their needs and completing paperwork that meets stringent requirements
- Process data through the Company’s system and obtain Customs releases as well as other government agency releases
- Identify transactions and tasks that require special handling, recommend improved processes to management and implement resolutions within the assigned scope of responsibility
- Request and negotiate freight quotations to include ocean freight rates, pickup and delivery rates, etc.
Skills on Resume:
- Customs Entries (Hard Skills)
- Operations Support (Soft Skills)
- Compliance Knowledge (Hard Skills)
- Customer Service (Soft Skills)
- Shipment Handling (Hard Skills)
- Freight Quoting (Hard Skills)
- Process Improvement (Hard Skills)
- Data Processing (Hard Skills)
5. Import Specialist, CrossBorder Trade Partners, Louisville, KY
Job Summary:
- Ensure quality Customer service is provided at all times
- Support new business implementation on the operational level to meet customer expectations
- Ensure movement of customer cargo in adherence to customer SOPs, government agency regulations, GEFCO procedures and working instructions
- Coordinate prompt and accurate booking, monitoring of shipment and invoicing
- Generate file and ensure accurate documentation (customs, compliance, operation and billing)
- Manage the Financial details of the shipment for proper invoicing according to the rate structure agreed
- Provide support (spot quotes, documentation, etc.) to external and internal customers (including Sales team and GEFCO offices)
- Maintains regular and timely communication with clients, third parties and international operations contacts
- Monitor third parties’ compliance with service standards and requirements
- Ensure proper information flow with sales on changes and/or problems with external customers, with a focus on Import concerns
- Maintain a continuous improvement process to increase efficiency and improve the quality of service to customers
- Experience in Air and Ocean imports, LCL and FCL
- Train and coordinate workload with the allocated Import back-up within the ORD office
Skills on Resume:
- Customer Service (Soft Skills)
- Business Support (Soft Skills)
- Regulatory Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Shipment Booking (Hard Skills)
- Documentation Management (Hard Skills)
- Financial Management (Hard Skills)
- Process Improvement (Hard Skills)
- Team Training (Soft Skills)
6. Import Specialist, Blue Ridge Logistics LLC, Asheville, NC
Job Summary:
- Work closely with RD and the Sales team to source new materials from existing and/or new suppliers to support product roll-out
- Proactively identifies potential suppliers utilizing various sourcing strategies such as trade intelligence, near-sourcing, etc.
- Implement a system by which to manage contact records of potential suppliers
- Establish a relationship with suppliers, negotiate the best pricing, payment terms, and lead time
- Follow through on Supplier Qualification with the Quality team for a timely approval process
- Establish a vendor pool to have alternative suppliers in place to mitigate supply risks
- Manage all import shipments via ocean and air, which includes tracking and tracing
- Compile and file all shipping documents including ISF, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, COA, BOL, and Arrival Notice
- Ensure all documents are completed without error before submitting to designated customs brokers
- Liaise between vendor, customs brokers, and government agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA, CBP, etc.) in response to any events required for cargo’s timely release
- Effectively collaborate to resolve import/compliance issues with internal stakeholders in Supply Chain, Quality and Accounting
- Apply knowledge of trade regulations such as anti-dumping, tariff, and FDA/USDA inspection to propose and implement the best course of action
- Summarize daily shipment status report and record any excessive charges (e.g., demurrages, exams, etc.)
- Coordinate with carriers, freight forwarders, and AP on payment and delivery arrangements
- Schedule drayage services from the port to warehouses or 3PL by optimal costing and inventory needs
- Assist with joining CTPAT and become the window of contact to obtain any additional materials required
Skills on Resume:
- Supplier Sourcing (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Negotiation (Soft Skills)
- Supplier Qualification (Hard Skills)
- Risk Mitigation (Hard Skills)
- Shipment Management (Hard Skills)
- Documentation Accuracy (Hard Skills)
- Regulatory Knowledge (Hard Skills)
- Cross Collaboration (Soft Skills)
7. Import Specialist, Delta Import Services, Baton Rouge, LA
Job Summary:
- Prepare and file daily Customs filings
- Review balances and perform discrepancy resolution
- Review data and documentation daily to ensure accuracy
- Timely customer service, both within Green and with clients
- Assist in troubleshooting discrepancies
- Assist in internal documentation of processes
- Assist with Procedures Manual / SOP creation, creation and maintenance
- Customs Compliance Projects and Management
- Participating in Client Conference Calls
- Collaboration with other teams internally
- Assist in training, internal and external
- Build and maintain relationships with clients
- On-site work with clients
- Manage and execute project tasks that are specifically assigned
- Develop and/or maintain a strong understanding of different operating systems/ERPs to become a subject matter expert
Skills on Resume:
- Customs Filings (Hard Skills)
- Discrepancy Resolution (Hard Skills)
- Data Accuracy (Hard Skills)
- Customer Service (Soft Skills)
- Process Documentation (Hard Skills)
- Compliance Projects (Hard Skills)
- Team Collaboration (Soft Skills)
- Client Relations (Soft Skills)
8. Import Specialist, HarborPoint Shipping Co., Mobile, AL
Job Summary:
- Communicate with vendors overseas
- Communicate with the freight forwarder
- Make bookings for shipments
- Communicate with the customs broker regarding the clearing of shipments
- Communicate with the trucker regarding the transportation of containers to the 3PL warehouse
- Communicate with the 3PL warehouse
- Work with the Production department
- Updating the management, production department, and sales department regarding shipments
- Enter all the invoices in the costing module for each shipment
- Oversee receipt and clearances of imports
- Streamline the logistics of shipment and delivery to ensure timely delivery in excellent condition
- Own tracking of all containers’ statuses
- Coordinate imported containers’ custom/USDA/FDA exams along with other inquiries
- Maintain up-to-date custom/USDA/FDA statuses for imports
Skills on Resume:
- Vendor Communication (Soft Skills)
- Shipment Booking (Hard Skills)
- Broker Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Trucking Logistics (Hard Skills)
- Warehouse Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Invoice Management (Hard Skills)
- Shipment Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Regulatory Coordination (Hard Skills)
9. Import Specialist, Prairie Sky Logistics, Wichita, KS
Job Summary:
- Manage brokers, truckers and carriers
- File ISF information directly with Customs
- Resolve ISF discrepancies and import compliance documents
- Prepare Customs Declarations for Import Clearance
- Perform logistics and basic Purchase order receipt transactions in systems
- Manage maritime and inland shipment tracking
- Import Accessorial Charges (webcycles)
- Interface with Customer Service
- Manage with compliance, product stewardship product classification
Skills on Resume:
- Broker Management (Soft Skills)
- ISF Filing (Hard Skills)
- Compliance Resolution (Hard Skills)
- Customs Declarations (Hard Skills)
- PO Transactions (Hard Skills)
- Shipment Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Customer Service (Soft Skills)
- Product Classification (Hard Skills)
10. Import Specialist, Gateway Customs Solutions, St. Louis, MO
Job Summary:
- Act as the primary point of contact for brokers where there are shipment-specific questions/holds
- Research part details to accurately determine the form, fit and function of products that are being imported and exported
- Utilize USHTS, legal notes, explanatory notes, existing customs rulings and other tools to arrive at a reasonable classification
- Create audit trails to explain classification logic and justify classification
- Research the requirements of other government agencies
- Determine if OGA requirements are applicable
- Obtain necessary compliance statements and details and generate audit trails to support the determination
- Coordinate and monitor the whole process of importing goods
- Track shipment schedule, customs clearance, quarantine, and inland logistics
- Responsible for checking shipping documents for the imported goods
- Responsible for communication with local import/export agencies
- Manage and maintain the shipment tracking sheet
Skills on Resume:
- Broker Communication (Soft Skills)
- Product Research (Hard Skills)
- Tariff Classification (Hard Skills)
- Audit Trails (Hard Skills)
- Regulatory Research (Hard Skills)
- Compliance Support (Hard Skills)
- Import Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Shipment Tracking (Hard Skills)
11. Import Specialist, Evergreen Global Logistics, Spokane, WA
Job Summary:
- Monitor and handle import shipments from start to finish with adherence to quality standards
- Develop beneficial working relationships with freight forwarders and agents
- Ensure all shipments are set up in a timely fashion
- Perform research and assist in any special projects
- Quote on shipment inquiries from domestic and overseas customers
- Work with importers to make sure their goods are qualified to enter the USA
- Assist with customs procedures based on the terms of the shipment
- Coordinate the shipment with overseas offices and partners
- Update and track the progress of the shipments
- Coordinate clearance and delivery to the destination
- Record costs and invoice the customer using operational software
Skills on Resume:
- Shipment Management (Hard Skills)
- Freight Relations (Soft Skills)
- Timely Setup (Hard Skills)
- Shipment Quoting (Hard Skills)
- Customs Procedures (Hard Skills)
- Partner Coordination (Soft Skills)
- Shipment Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Invoice Processing (Hard Skills)
12. Import Specialist, Lone Star Trade Services, San Antonio, TX
Job Summary:
- Gather, research, and interpret information from a variety of sources to prepare compliant and timely Customs and OGA entries
- Ensure payments and required documentation are submitted to carriers and Customs promptly
- Interact with Customs, import carriers, and domestic carriers to arrange for coordinated handling of product from source to delivery
- Prepare invoice according to negotiated client rate schedules and submit to client with all appropriate charges and back-up documentation
- Take responsibility for the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the transaction
- Reduce downtime by foreseeing potential problems and troubleshooting existing ones
- Consult with a supervisor immediately when unable to resolve a Customs or customer service issue
- Maintain complete and accurate files (both hard copy and in the computer) for documentation and compliance purposes
- Comply with established company standards regarding communications/responsiveness
- Complete other tasks or duties assigned by the supervisor to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the department
- Supports and actively complies with the security duties and responsibilities described in the C-TPAT Security Program document
Skills on Resume:
- Customs Entries (Hard Skills)
- Payment Processing (Hard Skills)
- Carrier Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Invoice Preparation (Hard Skills)
- Transaction Accuracy (Hard Skills)
- Problem Solving (Soft Skills)
- File Management (Hard Skills)
- Security Compliance (Hard Skills)
13. Import Specialist, Copper State Import Group, Tucson, AZ
Job Summary:
- Arrange inbound and outbound transportation of prime equipment and accessory parts from multiple locations worldwide
- Ensure compliance with C-TPAT and all Export Administration Regulations and standards
- Evaluate new order quotes from customers, determine freight considerations and cost estimates
- Foster positive working relationships throughout the organization
- Evaluate and recommend carriers for all major transportation channels, inbound and outbound
- Proactively document and communicate transportation costs and other freight considerations before shipment
- Interface with all other departments regarding prime unit shipping issues
- Ensure adherence to customer shipping specifications
- Comply with Safety Rules, Regulations and OSHA Requirements
- Garner and monitor environmental metrics for shipments
- Interface with freight forwarders to keep shipments on time and accurate
- Review the customer packing specification and evaluate it compared to internal processes
- Track and analyze metrics from events to recommend opportunities for improvement
Skills on Resume:
- Transportation Management (Hard Skills)
- Regulatory Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Freight Estimation (Hard Skills)
- Relationship Building (Soft Skills)
- Carrier Evaluation (Hard Skills)
- Cost Communication (Soft Skills)
- Safety Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Performance Analysis (Hard Skills)
14. Import Specialist, Northern Plains Logistics, Fargo, ND
Job Summary:
- Receive, organize, and accurately enter vendor invoices promptly
- Research reconciliation discrepancies by reviewing invoices and communicating with other departments
- Reconcile the Prepaid Import Expense account daily to ensure that the balance matches the General Ledger
- Support the controllers, VP, and CFO by providing reporting on costs, trends, and patterns of spending
- Work collaboratively with operations to seek continuous improvements in operations
- Work with all intersections on ISF documentation
- Review and follow all SOPs and CIB guidelines regarding the building of import files and processing customs clearances, billing and filing of the transaction
- Manage vendor payables and process the invoices timely manner
- Review documents for accuracy on importer's name and address, delivery address, pieces and weight, entry type code, bond code, location of goods, Customs classification, IT number and country of origin
- Obtaining rate quotes from various inland carriers, arranging delivery and/or pick up of goods with carriers, and dispatching with carriers accordingly
- Providing quotes to customers, other branches, in agents overseas
- Handling Break Bulk for Air and Ocean shipments and all related work
Skills on Resume:
- Invoice Management (Hard Skills)
- Discrepancy Resolution (Hard Skills)
- Account Reconciliation (Hard Skills)
- Cost Reporting (Hard Skills)
- Process Improvement (Soft Skills)
- Documentation Review (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Payables (Hard Skills)
- Rate Quoting (Hard Skills)
15. Import Specialist, Bay Area Trade Services, Tampa, FL
Job Summary:
- Working in areas of the Tariff schedules, classification and appraisement
- Understanding of the basic principles, factors, and terms used in the determination of tariff classification and value
- Conducting merchandise examination (e.g., while employed as a customs inspector)
- Ensuring provisions of Federal laws and regulations on prohibited and restricted items and requirements for admittance into the United States and commerce
- Verifying tariff classification on imported merchandise to ensure appropriate duties, taxes and fees are assessed on formal and informal entries
- Gathering and analyzing information on industry trends and business transactions to determine their assigned accounts
- Initiating, planning, and conducting trade agreement verification visits
- Verifying the eligibility of goods recently imported into the United States
- Utilizing the provisions of laws, regulations, procedures, practices, and documentation related to customs processes for entry and examination of imports
Skills on Resume:
- Tariff Classification (Hard Skills)
- Merchandise Examination (Hard Skills)
- Regulatory Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Duty Verification (Hard Skills)
- Industry Analysis (Hard Skills)
- Trade Verification (Hard Skills)
- Goods Eligibility (Hard Skills)
- Customs Procedures (Hard Skills)
16. Import Specialist, Great Lakes Import Solutions, Cleveland, OH
Job Summary:
- Plans, organizes and executes Logistics activities and projects while ensuring assigned target dates are met
- Participate in team activities, establishing task priorities, scheduling and tracking project assignments
- Providing the appropriate guidance to cross-functional team members
- Works with customers to establish delivery dates and times, in coordination with the 3PL logistics team, to ensure on-time delivery of product
- Responsible for any customer system data entry or appointment-making process
- Creates or revises standard operating procedures for logistics processes
- Manages day-to-day execution of SAP transactions
- Manage day-to-day execution of inbound shipments
- Working closely with the sourced product team to support the flow of inbound orders and inventory requests, the RDCs/Hubs for OEM product flow, and with factories on inbound flow of materials
- Research vendor and container invoices against contracted terms to ensure correct billing
Skills on Resume:
- Logistics Planning (Hard Skills)
- Project Coordination (Soft Skills)
- Team Guidance (Soft Skills)
- Delivery Scheduling (Hard Skills)
- Data Entry (Hard Skills)
- SOP Development (Hard Skills)
- SAP Management (Hard Skills)
- Invoice Verification (Hard Skills)
17. Import Specialist, Rocky Mountain Freight Services, Colorado Springs, CO
Job Summary:
- Coordinate International Import and Export shipments with Customs and Trade, Global Logistics, and key stakeholders to ensure smooth flow of inbound and international shipments
- Coordinate with Global Logistics on freight rates and contract terms for new and existing lanes
- Manage and work with GSO to correct shipment information and various document issues
- Resolve service-related issues with appropriate Steamship line contacts to ensure no delays are experienced in container delivery
- Develop and maintain monthly inbound transportation reports and metrics
- Monitor and manage collaborative relationships with Steamship Line and domestic carrier partners
- Analyze market data, trends and alternative transportation solutions, looking for process improvement, error correction and cost savings
- Works with the AP team to ensure invoice payment compliance
- Develop, implement and track cost-saving opportunities via the Project Tracker
Skills on Resume:
- Shipment Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Freight Negotiation (Hard Skills)
- Document Resolution (Hard Skills)
- Issue Management (Soft Skills)
- Report Development (Hard Skills)
- Carrier Relations (Soft Skills)
- Market Analysis (Hard Skills)
- Cost Saving (Hard Skills)
18. Import Specialist, Magnolia Trade Logistics, Jackson, MS
Job Summary:
- Manage end-to-end supply chains for major accounts
- Work to minimize detention and demurrage by utilizing vessel reconciliation
- Update internal reports regarding container location and cost accruals
- Track and trace ocean shipments and update clients on any delays or changes
- Work with other team members to ensure the smooth delivery of shipments
- Complete export booking requests including all relevant paperwork
- Responsible for coordinating Air and Ocean freight / Import shipments
- Daily communication between overseas offices and agents
- Work with various trucking companies and vendors providing services to clients
- Close files as soon as all information is complete
- Ensure billings, payables are issued/settled correctly
Skills on Resume:
- Supply Chain (Hard Skills)
- Vessel Reconciliation (Hard Skills)
- Report Management (Hard Skills)
- Shipment Tracking (Hard Skills)
- Team Collaboration (Soft Skills)
- Export Booking (Hard Skills)
- Freight Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Communication (Soft Skills)
19. Import Specialist, Capital City Imports, Des Moines, IA
Job Summary:
- Monitor and handle coordination for import airfreight shipments
- Coordinate customs clearance with subcontractor broker (if DSV is the appointed broker) and delivery with the transport team
- Open and manage job files until completion, cost acceptance from overseas agents/vendors and timely billing to clients
- Ensure mandatory data and shipment events are updated on the company’s system promptly
- Receive claim notification from customer and prepare a preliminary claims notice against the third party/subcontractor
- Attend to customer complaints, billing disputes and other concerns
- Manually classify products with tariff classification codes based on business requirements
- Audit the results of the team’s output and ensure the output achieves the expected accuracy
- Mentor/train the overall team to improve metrics (efficiency, quality) and progress to the next level functionally by sharing knowledge
- Identifies gaps and drives improvement/ optimization initiatives that work toward a metric improvement within processes/functions at the site level
- Develops processes or tool components with documented SOPs for new processes or activities undertaken by the function
Skills on Resume:
- Airfreight Coordination (Hard Skills)
- Customs Clearance (Hard Skills)
- File Management (Hard Skills)
- Data Accuracy (Hard Skills)
- Claims Handling (Hard Skills)
- Customer Support (Soft Skills)
- Tariff Classification (Hard Skills)
- Team Mentoring (Soft Skills)
20. Import Specialist, Coastal Bend Logistics, Corpus Christi, TX
Job Summary:
- Assist with clearance of import shipments and export orders within SAP/GTS to include SPL reviews/clearances
- Analyze import and export data to provide guidance and recommendations for compliant and efficient operations across Sikorsky
- Conduct transactional reviews of import entries and export transactions
- Support management of authorizations, licenses, permits and applicable exemptions and exceptions for import and export of goods and technology
- Support the development and coordination of Broker Statements of Work
- Support duty savings initiatives and duty refund activities
- Support the development and implementation of import guidance documents, policies, and procedures
- Guide programs to support the execution of the strategy related to international business pursuits
- Support review of jurisdiction and classification and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Codes
- Manage and support projects that enhance compliance and improve process efficiency
- Support internal and corporate assessments and audits of import activities
- Manage ITC-related billing/purchase order requirements
- Support processing of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives( ATF) transactions
- Support Participating Government Agencies (PGA) requirements
- Draft responses to government communications (such as CF28 and 29 requests)
- Additional responsibilities related to audits and assessments, special projects and other operations and compliance activities
Skills on Resume:
- System Management (Hard Skills)
- Trade Analysis (Hard Skills)
- Authorization Control (Hard Skills)
- Duty Management (Hard Skills)
- Procedure Development (Hard Skills)
- HTS Classification (Hard Skills)
- Compliance Auditing (Hard Skills)
- Regulatory Communication (Soft Skills)