Import Logistics Expert

Import Logistics Expert — Job Description

Role: Import Logistics Expert
Function: Supply Chain / Imports
Experience: 5–10 years in import logistics, freight forwarding, customs clearance and international supply chain

Role Objective
Own the end-to-end execution of import shipments, ensuring timely clearance, efficient consolidation, accurate documentation and seamless coordination across suppliers, freight forwarders, CHA/customs agents, warehouses and internal teams.

Key Responsibility Areas / KRAs

1. Import Clearance

• End-to-end ownership of customs clearance for sea and air imports.
• Coordinate with CHA/customs brokers for timely filing of BOE, documentation and clearance.
• Ensure HS codes, valuation, duties, licenses and import documentation are accurate.
• Resolve customs queries, assessments, examinations and clearance-related exceptions.
• Track shipments from arrival to final clearance and identify potential delays proactively.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable customs and regulatory requirements.

2. Shipment Consolidation

• Plan and execute LCL/FCL consolidation based on shipment volumes, timelines and landed-cost efficiency.
• Coordinate consolidation of shipments from multiple suppliers.
• Optimize container utilization and minimize freight cost per CBM/kg.
• Decide shipment mode and consolidation strategy in coordination with Procurement and Planning.
• Monitor container cut-offs, stuffing schedules, ETD/ETA and transshipment timelines.
• Identify opportunities to move from LCL to FCL and improve overall import economics.

3. Import Logistics Coordination

• Act as the central coordination point between suppliers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, CHA, customs, transporters, warehouses, Procurement and Planning.
• Maintain shipment-level visibility from supplier readiness to warehouse receipt.
• Ensure timely sharing and verification of commercial invoices, packing lists, BL/AWB and other import documents.
• Escalate shipment delays, documentation gaps and clearance issues proactively.
• Coordinate last-mile movement from port to warehouse.

4. Cost & Vendor Management

• Track freight, customs clearance, transportation and other import-related costs.
• Work with freight forwarders and logistics partners to negotiate competitive rates.
• Benchmark freight and clearance costs periodically.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through consolidation, container optimization and better routing.
• Monitor vendor performance against agreed SLAs.

5. MIS & Controls

• Maintain an accurate Import Shipment Tracker covering shipment status, ETA, clearance status, costs and exceptions.
• Prepare weekly import logistics MIS and highlight delays/risks.
• Track key metrics such as:
  • Clearance TAT
  • LCL → FCL conversion
  • Container utilization
  • Freight cost/CBM
  • Shipment delay %
  • Demurrage/detention
  • Documentation error rate
• Ensure proper documentation and closure of all shipments.

Key KRAs / Success Metrics

KRA

Key Measure

Customs Clearance

Clearance TAT, % shipments cleared within SLA

Consolidation

FCL utilization, LCL reduction, CBM optimization

Coordination

Shipment delays, exception resolution TAT

Cost Optimization

Freight/CBM, clearance cost, demurrage & detention

Documentation

Documentation accuracy / zero avoidable errors

Shipment Visibility

100% shipments tracked with accurate ETA/status

Vendor Management

Forwarder/CHA SLA adherence

Compliance

Zero regulatory/compliance lapses