Import Logistics Manager - 20+ Years Global Experience

Satpal Sohal

Import Logistics Manager

Address: ***** ******* ***., ******, ** 90242 Phone: 562-***-**** PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Results-driven logistics executive with over 20 years of progressive experience in international imports, supply chain management, and operational excellence. Adept at streamlining end-to-end import logistics, negotiating cost-effective freight and drayage rates, and ensuring regulatory compliance to deliver seamless global supply chain operations. Skilled in supplier management, purchase order oversight, and customs documentation, with a proven ability to reduce costs, improve shipment visibility, and enhance delivery timelines. A strategic leader with expertise in coordinating with suppliers, ocean carriers, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders to optimize processes and drive efficiency. Demonstrated success in managing direct shipments, resolving customer claims, and improving operational workflows, contributing to business growth and customer satisfaction. Known for strong organizational, negotiation, with a track record of building productive relationships with global partners to achieve business objectives. Ready to leverage extensive experience and a deep understanding of international import logistics to deliver measurable value in a challenging environment. CORE COMPETENCIES

Import Logistics Operations

Direct Shipments

Customs Broker

Freight Management

Inventory Management

Strategic Negotiation

Order Fulfillment

Budgeting & Cost Control

Supplier Relations

Expense Management

Team Leadership

Lean Process Improvement

Compliance & Risk Management

Customer Experience Excellence

KPI Management

Vendor Management

Problem/Analytical Solving

Communication Skills

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

International Import Logistics: Expertise in managing end-to-end import operations, including supplier coordination, freight negotiation, and customs compliance.

Supply Chain Optimization: Skilled in streamlining workflows to improve delivery timelines, minimize costs, and enhance operational efficiency.

Vendor and Supplier Management: Proven ability to foster strong relationships with global suppliers, ensuring compliance with production schedules and shipment requirements.

Freight and Drayage Negotiation: Adept at securing competitive rates for ocean freight and drayage services while avoiding demurrage and detention fees.

Purchase Order Management: Extensive experience in issuing and managing POs, ensuring accuracy in carton markings, price tickets, and compliance requirements.

Direct Shipment Coordination: Expertise in overseeing direct shipments, including booking, compliance, and real-time tracking for seamless delivery.

Deputy to Client Technology

WORK EXPERIENCE

UMA Enterprise, Inc., Compton, CA 90220 1999 – Present Import Logistics Manager 2010 – Present

Spearhead all import logistics operations, collaborating with suppliers, ocean freight carriers, port drayage providers, and customs brokers to ensure seamless international shipments.

Strategically manage purchase orders (POs), ensuring accuracy in carton markings, product compliance, and adherence to customer-specific requirements for timely and efficient deliveries.

Negotiate competitive ocean freight and drayage rates, securing cost-effective solutions while avoiding demurrage and detention fees.

Oversee supplier communication to guarantee compliance with production schedules, advance shipment notices, and timely delivery of goods.

Optimize in-transit shipment visibility by updating estimated time of arrival (ETA) data and sharing real-time updates with the sales team for enhanced operational transparency.

Coordinate issuance and management of letters of credit (LCs) and their amendments to streamline international transactions with suppliers.

Partner with customs brokers to handle import documentation, clearance processes, and compliance with customs regulations.

Lead direct shipment operations, including booking arrangements, carton markings, price ticketing, and compliance enforcement, ensuring consistent adherence to customer requirements.

Successfully reduced logistics costs through strategic rate negotiations and improved coordination with carriers and customs brokers.

Enhanced operational efficiency by implementing robust tracking systems and fostering stronger supplier relationships to ensure consistent on-time deliveries.

Import Coordinator 2008 – 2009

Managed end-to-end import operations, ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations and minimizing delays.

Assisted in preparing and submitting import documentation, including customs declarations and freight forwarding paperwork, to expedite clearance processes.

Supported supplier coordination and maintained accurate shipment tracking records, contributing to seamless supply chain operations.

President’s Assistant 2006 – 2007

Responded to vendors’ inquiries and managed purchase orders to facilitate uninterrupted supply chain operations.

Created and maintained supplier profiles and item numbers in the ERP system, ensuring data accuracy and easy retrieval.

Assisted the company president in overseeing international transactions and vendor relations to support business growth. Claims Specialist 2004 – 2005

Investigated customer claims and discrepancies, issuing credits and facilitating resolutions to maintain customer satisfaction and trust.

Order Specialist 2002 – 2003

Processed customer orders, handled data entry, and managed invoicing to ensure accurate order fulfillment. Showroom Coordinator 1999 – 2001

Coordinated showroom operations and represented the company at trade shows, showcasing new products and generating business opportunities.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient in MS Office, Power BI, D365

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