What does an import/export specialist do?
An import/export specialist organizes and oversees product shipments domestically and internationally. They are responsible for preparing and processing all documents and permits, maintaining records of all transactions, assessing the products' qualities for import and export, and tracking shipments to ensure that they arrive at their destinations in a precise and timely manner. Moreover, an import/export specialist must maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating to ensure that all products and procedures adhere to the company's standards and regulations.
Import/export specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real import/export specialist resumes:
- Manage NAFTA program, including determining of eligibility and issuance of certificates of origin.
- Initiate and monitor procedures for the adherence of other government agency guidelines such as FDA and USDA.
- Work with customers and transport companies on a daily basis answering questions relate to CBP entry processing and crossing procedures.
- Process EEI documentation for southbound shipments.
- Research foreign tariff rates for various commodities.
- Prepare Hazmat shipping documents for transportation via air.
- Assist client with harmonize tariff and ECCN classification.
- Utilize and train internal customers on ITAR exemptions.
- Maintain a familiarity with C-TPAT regulations and ABI requirements.
- Arrange freight booking with airlines, steamships, trucking companies.
- Implement and lead C-TPAT and ISF programs for the division.
- Pull AWB from stock and arrange the booking with air carrier.
- Perform HTS classification of raw material, finish goods and machinery.
- Provide NAFTA, CAFTA and various trade agreement certificates for clients.
- Coordinate customs duties, payments and file the shipments with ISF.
Import/export specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Import/Export Specialists are proficient in Logistics, Import Export, and Data Entry. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.
We break down the percentage of Import/Export Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Logistics, 12%
Provided strategic logistics advice to internal decision makers to ensure most cost-effective transportation options are utilized to meet delivery targets.
- Import Export, 10%
Prepared required import export container documentation.
- Data Entry, 8%
Managed inventory including data entry into system and corrections of discrepancies between book and physical.
- Export Compliance, 5%
Communicated export compliance policies and procedures by way of company-wide training programs.
- Customer Service, 5%
Served as an assistant manager, senior customer service representative, and cruise industry leader in logistic turnaround and productivity.
- Invoice, 4%
Guarantee and Warranty Certificates, Invoice and Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill to ensure successful/timely path through Customs
"logistics," "import export," and "data entry" are among the most common skills that import/export specialists use at work. You can find even more import/export specialist responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for an import/export specialist to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what import/export specialists do because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Additionally, an import/export specialist resume shows how import/export specialists use communication skills: "maintain open and regular communication to government agencies regarding changes and translation of requirements and regulations. "
Leadership skills. Many import/export specialist duties rely on leadership skills. "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources.," so an import/export specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways import/export specialist responsibilities rely on leadership skills: "played leadership role in directing team of four customer service representatives along with performing international import and export shipment responsibilities. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what import/export specialists do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to import/export specialist responsibilities because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical import/export specialist tasks: "resolved invoice, description, license, classification issues with the foreign company. "
Time-management skills. Another crucial skill for an import/export specialist to carry out their responsibilities is "time-management skills." A big part of what import/export specialists relies on this skill, since "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." How this skill relates to import/export specialist duties can be seen in an example from an import/export specialist resume snippet: "bond shipments, so they can be on time. "
The three companies that hire the most import/export specialists are:
- Arrow Electronics95 import/export specialists jobs
- CEVA Logistics30 import/export specialists jobs
- Expeditors3 import/export specialists jobs
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Compare different import/export specialists
Import/export specialist vs. Air cargo agent
An air cargo agent is responsible for the safety of all air cargo in a flight. They are responsible for inspecting each shipment, logging shipment information, monitoring shipments in transit, and ensuring that shipments reach their destinations. They also determine delivery routes, pick-up locations, and delivery costs. This position is essential for companies that provide constant deliveries, such as online stores. An air cargo agent must have strong research skills, good communication skills, and have a sincere devotion to bringing cargoes safely to their destinations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between import/export specialists and air cargo agent. For instance, import/export specialist responsibilities require skills such as "logistics," "import export," "export compliance," and "customer service." Whereas a air cargo agent is skilled in "reservations," "faa," "patrol," and "customer issues." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Air cargo agents tend to reach similar levels of education than import/export specialists. In fact, air cargo agents are 4.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Import/export specialist vs. Cargo agent
A cargo agent is primarily in charge of facilitating cargo shipments, ensuring the cargo gets to their destination timely and accurately. They are responsible for preparing and processing the necessary documents and fees, routing shipments and arranging the shipping methods, weighing the parcels, and coordinating the logistics and transportation details. They also negotiate postal and shipping rates, prepare invoices, and maintain records of all transactions and necessary information. Moreover, a cargo agent communicates with clients to answer inquiries, notify them of any delays, and provide updates regularly.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that import/export specialist responsibilities requires skills like "logistics," "import export," "export compliance," and "invoice." But a cargo agent might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "security procedures," "freight shipments," "computer system," and "air freight."
On average, cargo agents earn a lower salary than import/export specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, cargo agents earn the most pay in the transportation industry with an average salary of $35,472. Whereas import/export specialists have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $62,162.cargo agents earn lower levels of education than import/export specialists in general. They're 7.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Import/export specialist vs. Freight forwarder
Freight brokers have licensed property brokers who provide assistance to shippers in hauling materials. Their job involves linking carriers and shippers in hauling materials. They take part in the shipping logistics of organizations or companies. Among the matters they negotiate include tracking of shipments, keeping delivery and pickup tracks, and shipping rates. Among the necessary skills for this job include customer service, negotiation, communication, and marketing.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, import/export specialists are more likely to have skills like "logistics," "data entry," "invoice," and "government agencies." But a freight forwarder is more likely to have skills like "supply chain," "delivery orders," "freight rates," and "international freight."
Freight forwarders typically earn similar educational levels compared to import/export specialists. Specifically, they're 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Import/export specialist vs. Freight broker
Types of import/export specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
