Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalary

Skills

What They DoEducationCertificationsDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesJob OutlookComparePart Time jobsEntry Level jobsFull Time jobs
zippia ai icon

Automatically apply for jobs with Zippia

Upload your resume to get started.

Import specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Elisha Blankson
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical import specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for import specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.6% of import specialist resumes contained data entry as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an import specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 import specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how import specialists use data entry:
  • Performed rapid and accurate data entry to ensure productiveness of company.
  • Monitored shipments for delivery * Data entry

2. Logistics

Logistics is a complete organization and implementation of a problem. Logistics are often considered in a complex business operation, as some works need detailed plannings. Logistics are also used in military action.

Here's how import specialists use logistics:
  • Analyze and produce tactical and strategic plans that drive improved execution and further support Logistics initiatives.
  • Managed time-critical international shipments for importers while providing logistics and brokerage services including Customs clearance.

3. US Customs

The US Customs and Border Protection is the United State's most prominent law enforcement agency in charge of border control, security, travel, and trade. It is responsible for enforcing government regulations on border-related activities. Their jobs include enforcing laws on traveling overseas, luggage inspection, import/export monitoring, and border patrol. The agency is based in Washington DC and comprises over 4000 federals officers maintaining peace throughout the states.

Here's how import specialists use us customs:
  • Worked regularly and closely with US Customs authorities to ensure correct product classification.
  • Prepare all necessary vessel files to properly execute daily activities; identify discrepancies against EDI data, US customs and TLS.

4. Invoice

Here's how import specialists use invoice:
  • Communicated with external customers utilizing exceptional customer service to obtain missing or incomplete invoice statements required for U.S. Customs clearance.
  • Arranged/coordinated final delivery of freight and process client invoice.

5. Delivery Orders

A delivery order is a document that is issued to confirm the transportation of a product or cargo to another party. Delivery orders are generally issued by the product owner, sender, or shipment carrier. It is a non-negotiable document and only acts as a product release confirmation from the sender.

Here's how import specialists use delivery orders:
  • Arranged/coordinated delivery orders, pick up numbers, freight availability and distribution of notifications for final delivery.
  • Prepared delivery orders and department billing.

6. Forwarders

Here's how import specialists use forwarders:
  • Shared knowledge with forwarders on manufacturing deliveries regarding specific retail ship windows.
  • Negotiated with coffee importers, freight forwarders, truckers, and railroads to secure the best possible rates and quality services.

Choose from 10+ customizable import specialist resume templates

Build a professional import specialist resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your import specialist resume.

7. FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services that regulates the production and sale of food, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and other consumer goods, as well as veterinary medicine. The FDA is now in charge of overseeing the manufacture of products like vaccines, allergy treatments, and beauty products.

Here's how import specialists use fda:
  • Prepared documentation to obtain release of cargo from Customs, FDA, USDA and other federal agencies as required.
  • Manage all imported food goods from order generation to delivery including Customs clearance and FDA approvals.

8. Customs Brokers

Here's how import specialists use customs brokers:
  • Communicated with overseas agents, Customs Brokers, CFS, and customers to ensure timely delivery of products.
  • Worked together with Customs brokers to resolve customs clearance issues for shipments being imported into the United States.

9. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how import specialists use customer service:
  • Provide top-notch customer service in support of both routine and emergency activity, frequently requiring after-hour and weekends activity and supervision.
  • Provided excellent customer service by tracking shipments closely and prioritized on-time pickup and delivery.

10. Import Shipments

Here's how import specialists use import shipments:
  • Tracked import shipments and coordinated with agents to expedite container arrival at Terminals.
  • Process critical-need import shipments from airport arrival up to final customer delivery.

11. Government Agencies

Here's how import specialists use government agencies:
  • Notified other government agencies responsible for particular import inspection when apparent import violations concerned other agencies regulations.
  • Assisted with the clearance of international goods through all required government agencies by providing all necessary documentation.

12. International Trade

Here's how import specialists use international trade:
  • Analyzed industries and trends of commercial import activity; applied international trade agreements (NAFTA, GATT etc.).
  • Enforce laws protecting national security, public health and safety, intellectual property rights and fair trade practices in international trade.

13. Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders are the companies that ship products from source to final destination.

Here's how import specialists use freight forwarders:
  • Manage freight forwarders/UPS (audio/LiDar) rate/lane country specific based.

14. HTS

Here's how import specialists use hts:
  • Provided HTS classification of imported materials used in production.
  • Research involving SAP and CNI (Import Database) for part information; Country of Origin and correct HTS codes.

15. Customs Entries

Here's how import specialists use customs entries:
  • Entered all received air shipments, and material codes into SAP and recorded all customs entries via AS400 and SAP.
  • Developed an internal audit and monitoring program of customs entries measuring the completeness and accuracy of U.S. Customs entries.
top-skills

What skills help Import Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What type of skills will young import specialists need?

Elisha BlanksonElisha Blankson LinkedIn profile

Program Director NCCU, Assistant Professor, North Carolina Central University

Graduates will need a skill set about the field in which they received training and additional skills useful to the job market. For example, with the changing demographics in the United States, extra skills in information technology and foreign languages will be a plus when entering the job market.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about import specialist

List of import specialist skills to add to your resume

Import specialist skills

The most important skills for an import specialist resume and required skills for an import specialist to have include:

  • Data Entry
  • Logistics
  • US Customs
  • Invoice
  • Delivery Orders
  • Forwarders
  • FDA
  • Customs Brokers
  • Customer Service
  • Import Shipments
  • Government Agencies
  • International Trade
  • Freight Forwarders
  • HTS
  • Customs Entries
  • Customs Regulations
  • CBP
  • Bonds
  • NAFTA
  • ISF
  • Entry Processing
  • USDA
  • ABI
  • OGA
  • Steamship Lines
  • Tariff Schedule
  • Customs Compliance
  • FCL
  • International Shipments
  • LCL
  • International Freight
  • Customs Documentation
  • ACH
  • Arrival Notices
  • EDI
  • FTZ
  • AS400
  • Freight Payment
  • Customer Orders
  • Customs Release
  • Air Shipments
  • Import Transactions
  • Export Compliance
  • Htsus
  • FedEx
  • LTL
  • RLF

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs