Import Logistics Specialist (#26-500)
Location: Houston, TX
Position Summary
The Import Logistics Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the importation, transportation, storage, and delivery of steel products, pipes, tubular goods, and related materials into the United States. This role ensures compliance with U.S. Customs regulations, trade laws, and customer requirements while optimizing transportation costs, inventory levels, and supply chain performance.
The position works closely with international suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, ports, warehouses, carriers, sales teams, and customers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of imported steel and pipe products.
Reporting to: Operations Manager
Key Objectives
Activities/ Output Indicators
Import & International Logistics Management
Manage end-to-end import logistics for steel coils, plate, structural steel, OCTG, line pipe, stainless steel, and other tubular products.
Coordinate ocean, rail, truck, and intermodal transportation from overseas mills to U.S. warehouses and customer locations.
Monitor shipment schedules and proactively resolve delays, demurrage, detention, and port congestion issues.
Track inbound shipments and maintain visibility from production through final delivery
Customs & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements.
Coordinate with customs brokers regarding entry filings, classifications, duties, and tariffs.
Manage compliance related to:
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications
Section 232 steel tariffs
Anti-dumping (AD) and Countervailing Duties (CVD)
Country-of-origin requirements
Import licenses and documentation
Maintain accurate import records and support customs audits.
Freight & Transportation Management
Negotiate rates and service agreements with: Ocean carriers, Freight forwarders, Trucking companies, Rail providers, Warehousing partners
Analyze freight spend and implement cost-saving initiatives.
Manage transportation KPIs including transit times, delivery performance, and freight costs.
Inventory & Warehouse Coordination
Coordinate receiving and storage activities at ports, terminals, and warehouses.
Monitor inventory levels and availability of steel products.
Ensure proper handling and storage of imported steel products
Support inventory accuracy and cycle count processes.
Process Improvement & Reporting
Develop logistics performance metrics and dashboards.
Analyze supply chain data to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Implement best practices in transportation planning and inventory management.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade, or related field preferred.
Experience
~ 5 years of logistics, transportation, or supply chain experience.
3+ years managing import operations into the United States.
Experience with steel, pipe, metals, industrial products, construction materials, or heavy commodities preferred.
Technical Knowledge - Strong understanding of:
Ocean freight and container shipping
Breakbulk and project cargo operations
U.S. import regulations
Customs clearance processes
HTS classifications
Section 232 tariffs
AD/CVD regulations
Incoterms (FOB, CFR, CIF, DDP, etc.)
Experience with ERP systems, SAP will be a +Plus.
Skills
Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities simultaneously.
Advanced Excel and reporting capabilities.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-time delivery performance
Freight cost per ton
Customs clearance cycle time
Inventory accuracy
Demurrage and detention costs
Transportation budget adherence
Customer delivery performance
Supply chain cost reduction initiatives
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