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What does an importer exporter do?

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Importer exporter responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real importer exporter resumes:

  • Manage all EPA label development or revisions.
  • File AES, tracking and tracing.
  • Upload EDI for shipping instruction.
  • Deal with customers/brokers/truckers and forwarders on a daily basis.
  • Verify incoming NAFTA comply with NAFTA regulations and requirements.
  • Work on the implementations of FTZ, C-TPAT and drawback programs.
  • Complete all NAFTA and other documentation requests for internal and external customers.
  • Coordinate vessel sailings, process import/export shipping documentation, handle VIP client booking request.
  • Interact daily with various vendors, shippers, forwarders, brokers, and rail personnel.
  • Request type, size and weight of cargo if information is not provide in general booking request.
  • Collaborate with parent company to receive C-TPAT certification.
  • Export license application, insurance certificate and other documents.
  • Translate multiple business needs and priorities into actionable logistics strategies.
  • Negotiate contracts and costs with third-party logistics and other transportation vendors.
  • Maintain daily follow-up with export customers regarding shipments and delivery status to confirm receipt of products.

Importer exporter skills and personality traits

We calculated that 21% of Importer Exporters are proficient in Export, Import Export, and Customer Service.

We break down the percentage of Importer Exporters that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Export, 21%

    Maintained daily follow-up with export customers regarding shipments and delivery status to confirm receipt of products.

  • Import Export, 21%

    Train site personnel on trade compliance and import exportregulations.

  • Customer Service, 12%

    Maintained and provided proficient customer service.

  • Logistics, 10%

    Negotiated contracts and costs with third-party logistics and other transportation vendors.

  • ITAR, 5%

    Develop and conduct training programs on export control, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulation.

  • Data Entry, 4%

    Improved operational performance through effective data entry.

Common skills that an importer exporter uses to do their job include "export," "import export," and "customer service." You can find details on the most important importer exporter responsibilities below.

Most common importer exporter skills

The three companies that hire the most importer exporters are:

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Compare different importer exporters

Importer exporter 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.

If we compare the average importer exporter annual salary with that of a cargo agent, we find that cargo agents typically earn a $6,489 lower salary than importer exporters make annually.Even though importer exporters and cargo agents are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require customer service, data entry, and forwarders in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between importer exporters and cargo agent. For instance, importer exporter responsibilities require skills such as "export," "import export," "logistics," and "itar." Whereas a cargo agent is skilled in "security procedures," "freight shipments," "computer system," and "air freight." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Cargo agents earn the highest salaries when working in the transportation industry, with an average yearly salary of $35,472. On the other hand, importer exporters are paid more in the insurance industry with an average salary of $43,135.cargo agents tend to reach lower levels of education than importer exporters. In fact, cargo agents are 8.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Importer exporter vs. Freight broker

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.

On average, freight brokers earn a $10,490 higher salary than importer exporters a year.A few skills overlap for importer exporters and freight brokers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "customer service," "logistics," and "as400. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real importer exporter resumes. While importer exporter responsibilities can utilize skills like "export," "import export," "itar," and "data entry," freight brokers use skills like "tms," "ftl," "shippers," and "ltl."

Average education levels between the two professions vary. Freight brokers tend to reach lower levels of education than importer exporters. In fact, they're 7.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Importer exporter vs. Drop shipment clerk

An average drop shipment clerk eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of importer exporters. The difference in salaries amounts to drop shipment clerks earning a $5,887 lower average salary than importer exporters.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from importer exporter resumes include skills like "export," "import export," "customer service," and "logistics," whereas a drop shipment clerk is more likely to list skills in "mros," "back room," "dod," and "service orders. "

When it comes to education, drop shipment clerks tend to earn lower degree levels compared to importer exporters. In fact, they're 6.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Importer exporter vs. Freight forwarder

Freight forwarders tend to earn a lower pay than importer exporters by an average of $3,685 per year.According to resumes from importer exporters and freight forwarders, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "import export," "customer service," and "export compliance. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. An importer exporter uses "export," "logistics," "itar," and "data entry." Freight forwarders are more likely to have duties that require skills in "supply chain," "freight carriers," "freight rates," and "pod. "The average resume of freight forwarders showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to importer exporters. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 4.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.9%.

Types of importer exporter

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.

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