14 Export Coordinator Skills for Your Career and Resume

Export coordinators are responsible for organizing the exporting process of goods from one country to another. They work with clients, suppliers, freight forwarders, and other parties to ensure that all documentation is in order and that shipments are delivered on time. If you want to become an export coordinator, it is important to have the skills that are necessary to succeed in this career.

Negotiation

Negotiation is the ability to reach an agreement with another party. As an export coordinator, you may negotiate contracts with suppliers and clients. You also need negotiation skills when working with other members of your team or company. For example, if two departments have different ideas about how to complete a project, you might help them come to an agreement on which approach to take.

Incoterms

Incoterms are a set of rules that govern how parties in an international transaction agree to the responsibilities for shipping and paying. Export coordinators who have strong incoterm knowledge can help their companies save money by ensuring they receive payment before delivering goods, which is known as “free on board” or “fob.” They also know when it’s appropriate to ask customers to pay duties and taxes at the time of delivery, which is called “delivered duty unpaid” or “ddu.”

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. Export coordinators often use problem-solving skills when working with suppliers, clients and other members of their team. For example, if a supplier misses an agreed-upon deadline, an export coordinator might need to find another supplier or negotiate with the original supplier to ensure that they meet all contractual obligations.

Documentation

Documentation is the process of creating records and files that contain information about a project. Export coordinators use documentation to track shipments, record details about products and maintain records for their company’s sales. Strong documentation skills allow export coordinators to keep track of important information and ensure they can provide accurate information when needed.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines. Export coordinators often have many responsibilities, so it’s important for them to be organized. They need to know what each team member is working on at any given time and how their work relates to other departments’ efforts. This ensures that everyone has the information they need to do their job well and that no one misses a deadline.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for export coordinators because they help you understand the needs of your clients and how to satisfy them. Customer service skills include empathy, active listening, patience and a positive attitude. You can use these skills when interacting with customers over the phone or in person. They also allow you to identify any issues that may arise during negotiations so you can find solutions quickly.

Freight Forwarding

Freight forwarding is the process of arranging for cargo to be transported from one location to another. Export coordinators often use their freight forwarding skills when working with international clients, as they may need to arrange for products to be shipped overseas. For example, an export coordinator might work with a manufacturer in the United States and a buyer in China to ensure that the product can be shipped to its destination.

Packaging & Crating

Packaging and crating is the process of preparing products for shipping. Export coordinators with strong packaging and crating skills are able to prepare products in a way that ensures they arrive at their destination undamaged. This can include creating custom boxes, filling them with protective materials and labeling them appropriately.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)

Harmonized tariff schedules are the classification system used by countries to classify their imports and exports. Export coordinators who have knowledge of harmonized tariff schedules can more easily determine which duties, taxes or other fees may apply when exporting goods from one country to another. This skill is especially important for export coordinators who work with international clients or suppliers.

Project Management

Project management skills are important for export coordinators because they help you manage the various tasks involved in exporting goods. You might be responsible for ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed, tracking shipments and managing budgets. Project management skills allow you to oversee these processes effectively.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. Export coordinators often communicate with many different departments, so it’s important for them to be able to relay messages effectively. They also need to be able to explain complex processes in a way that all parties can understand. Strong communication skills are essential for ensuring that everyone on your team understands their responsibilities and how they relate to one another.

International Shipping

International shipping is the process of moving goods from one country to another. Export coordinators who have this skill can help companies send their products to customers around the world. They may be able to negotiate with customs officials in other countries and ensure that shipments are sent on time.

Planning and Scheduling

Planning and scheduling is a crucial skill for export coordinators to have, as they often oversee multiple projects at once. Export coordinators use their planning and scheduling skills to create schedules for each project they’re working on, detailing the steps of each task and when it should be completed. They also use these skills to plan out their workdays, creating daily tasks that help them meet deadlines and goals.

Customs Regulations

Customs regulations are the rules and laws that govern how goods can be imported or exported. Customs regulations vary by country, so it’s important for export coordinators to understand them thoroughly. This ensures they can accurately complete customs forms and ensure all necessary duties have been paid. It also allows them to identify potential risks before shipments depart.

How Can I Learn These Export Coordinator Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the export coordinator skills that are listed above. One way would be to find a job shadowing or internship opportunity with a company that deals with exports. This would give you the chance to see the export process in action and learn from someone who is already experienced in the field. Another way to learn these skills would be to take some courses at a local community college or online that deal with international shipping and trade. These courses would give you the chance to learn about the export process in a more formal setting. Finally, you could also read some books or online articles about export coordinators and the export process. This would give you a more general overview of the skills that are needed for this position.