Import/Export Specialist

Import-export clerks work in settings that manage shipments to and from foreign countries.

Essential Functions

Import-export coordinators manage data for international shipments and provide support for many steps of the transportation process. They work with customs agents, warehouse staff, shipping companies, and clients. Clerks help with shipping, receiving, and record keeping for international transactions. Most of their working day is spent in an office atmosphere as they verify that all documentation adheres to import-export policies and laws.

Job Duties

An import-export coordinator has a wide range of duties that deal with each step of the shipping process. They track shipments and communicate with clients about the package's progress. They coordinate shipping with customs agents for clearance on overseas deliveries.
An import-export coordinator’s main task is to provide efficient delivery logistics through data management. They fill out import-export documentation, compile carrier and route assignments, compute international fees for each shipment, and keep track of shipment payments and quotas. Much of this work is done using automated systems that can identify shipments, collect data, and register packages with government agencies. In addition, this person will:

• Assist in processing of FTZ
• Enter supplier invoices in QAD and ensure information is accurate
• Create inventory receivers from supplier invoices
• Create voucher packet from receiver with invoice backup for accounting
• Payment to carriers, freight forwarders, truckers, and other service providers;
• Address customs issues and serve as a liaison to ensure the proper/responsible parties receive the proper communication, e-mails, and information;
• Assist in coordinating/dispatching between Lasko facilities and applicable truckers; and
• Communicate with steamship lines, truckers, and customs brokers on a daily basis to ensure smooth business operations.

Job Requirements

Aspiring import-export coordinators with a high school diploma may obtain entry-level positions, but many employers prefer applicants who have an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in a business-related field. International trade certificate programs provide additional job preparation with courses that focus on import-export regulations and international trade.
They must be familiar with the legal requirements regarding importing and exporting shipments, as well as their company's internal procedures. Coordinators should also be confident with figures, since they'll have to convert weights, volumes, and currencies for international shipments.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma; associate's or bachelor's degree for higher level positions
• Background in and basic understanding of export/import processes and procedures, however, I recognize that I will have to train the candidate regardless
• Maintain an openness to learn and grow within his/her role.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems

Lasko Benefits

We offer a competitive starting wage plus a comprehensive benefit package including:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental & vision plans
• Company paid life insurance
• Telemedicine program
• Voluntary additional life
• Tuition Reimbursement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)