CPaCE News
Global Logistics Instructor Recognized for Unique Combination of Skills
Norman W. Harris III began teaching in the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program at CSULB in 2019, bringing his extensive experience directly into classrooms. There, the next generation of industry leaders are being guided by lessons learned from Norman’s expertise in the always-changing world of international trade.
Earlier this year, Norman’s multifaceted career earned him special recognition from the Foreign Trade Association (FTA), a non-profit Southern California group that promotes international commerce and economic growth. As the recipient of the prestigious 2022 Marjorie M. Shostak Distinguished Service Award—named for the first woman to serve as Director of the FTA—Norman is being honored for his outstanding service and contributions to Southern California’s international trade community.
“I believe I received the award largely due to my many years of service to the logistics community through teaching, advocacy, and photography,” he said.
Born in Washington, D.C., Norman’s first job at 16 was working as a photographer with the D.C. Bicentennial Commission, documenting little-known historical sites in the area. He later won first place in a local photography competition, and got to spend a week studying journalism at Columbia University. After high school, Norman worked as a motorcycle messenger, delivering international shipping documents to Washington National Airport. He then studied Comparative Politics abroad at Syracuse University in London; worked as an intern for Senator Edward Brooke back in D.C.; and held down a job at UPS while earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University.
Moving to Los Angeles, he quickly advanced through the ranks of various port-related jobs, and received his Customhouse Broker License in 1989. Since then, he has worked for employers including Harper, Robinson & Co., Air-Sea Forwarders, and Nippon Express USA. Since February of 2021, Norman has been the District Customs House Broker at NNR Global Logistics USA, Inc., a Tokyo-based company with offices in the Los Angeles area. In operation for over 100 years, the company currently has 18,000 employees worldwide and is valued at $4 billion. They specialize in the major components of global trade such as multi-modal transportation, contract logistics, and supply chain management.
“I manage a team of eight Customs Brokerage Agents,” explains Norman, whose clients have included major companies like Toyota, Canon, Nordstrom, and Louis Vuitton. “A typical day entails problem-solving, assisting clients with regulatory inquiries, and compliance auditing.”
Photography has continued to be a major part of Norman’s professional life too. His photos have been utilized by top organizations including the Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, the Pacific Coast Council, the International Seafarer’s Center, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In 2015, Norman won first place in the 2015 Port of Long Beach Photo Program Contest.
When he’s not snapping photos, he often goes straight from work to teaching in his GLP classes, which are held in the early evenings (6-8pm) to accommodate students with full-time jobs. Norman currently teaches three GLP courses: Specialty Warehouse; Customs Broker, Import Regulations & Payment Methods; and Customs Border Protection & Enforcement. Since 2009, he has also been teaching a course for the Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, which prepares students for the Customs Brokers Licensing Exam given by U.S. Customs.
“I enjoy teaching at CSULB because of the students,” he said. “They are focused and engaged in learning the material.”
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a nearly 30% employment growth for logistics professionals through 2030, Norman’s mentorship is more important than ever. His students are keeping the world going around through shipping, distribution, warehousing, and deliveries—making sure that people and products arrive where they’re needed.
“My favorite is when a student has that ‘a-ha!’ moment,” he continued enthusiastically, “and I know they understand the message I am trying to convey.”
Click here to learn more about the GLP program at CSULB.