When you work in an import logistics position this is a highly responsible field. You will be responsible for analyzing and executing transportation initiatives regarding the import of all goods to a company. The responsibilities will include ensuring growth and constant flow of imported cargo through the supply chain. You must be capable of optimizing the mode of transportation, time, and cost of importing all of the merchandise for the company you are working for.
A logistics import position will be required to have good communications skills. You will have to interface with people from many different departments. The different departments you will be required to work with on a regular basis include merchandising, marketing, planning, and also vendors. You will also have to work with drivers of vehicles and more.
You will also be required to have good negotiation skills. This position will require you to negotiate contracts and rates with transportation and distributors to get the best rates for the company possible. This can be a stressful job at times also. You will be required to select service providers and distributors for the business and make the right choice for the business. Your goal will be to improve overall profitability and efficiency within the organization in the importing department.
When you are in an import logistics career, you might find yourself researching the best routes for transportation to take from the distributor to your business. You will be required to do a lot of research in this position to ensure the most profitable solution is made in every situation. As a logistics analyst for imported goods, you will have to develop carrier projections and various reports on a monthly and annual basis.
It may be expected of you to provide training support to various departments like transportation, merchandising, and distribution. Vendors may need training also. This will usually be regarding the operations of the import facility procedures and processes.
Computer knowledge will be required in a position like this. You should be familiar with a computer and how to write reports as well as basic knowledge. You will be required to work out of a database for importing information, vendor, finance, merchant systems, and other various things that will have an impact on the cost and level of service.
It is common for an import position to have a supervisor overseas or out of state. This will require a lot of responsibility on your part to manage the operations on your own. You will have relationships with many people overseas, international and national transportation services, merchandisers, vendors, distributors, and service providers.
If you want to find a job as an import logistics position it is recommended that you have a college degree. However, not all companies require a college degree and you may be able to be hired if you have enough experience that will be equivalent to the degree.
The job requirements of an import logistics position are not too intense. You will be required to be able to multitask and work on many projects simultaneously. You should have strong analytical and communication skills. Your ability to work in a team environment is very important as the ability to work independently. You should have knowledge of import transportation also.
An import logistics position is a full time job and usually comes with benefits. This position is not common for a company to outsource out and hire a contract worker. This means you will have the opportunity to receive all of the benefits as a full time employee for the business. The great thing about an import position is that you will be working with people from all over the world. This means that your opportunities could be amazing, especially when you are ready to be promoted to a higher position.
There are tons of companies that have an import logistics position and they are not limited. Every large retail store like Target, K-Mart, Dillard’s, Home Depot, etc. have imported goods. Just think about every business that has to bring their product in from overseas or another location. These businesses will need an import logistics employee to help them with the entire operations of bringing in the goods for the company. The industry you want to work in is entirely up to you because there are so many companies to choose from.
If you are interested in working in a position like an import logistics career, you are in luck. So many companies import their goods from other countries and other places. Almost every store you look at has their product sent in from somewhere else, even the grocery stores. You are not required a high-level education. You must be good with people, very analytical, and have the ability to save the company a lot of money. This is a fun position, which can lead to amazing opportunities with the worldwide connections you will have.
