So what does an import agent do? Make sure he's there with the correct paperwork when the trophies arrive so that he can pick them up ASAP with minimal airline storage fees?
Pretty much, plus depending on the agent he'll take care of everything to get the trophies to you.
My agent takes care of everything from the time that the animal hits the skinning shed until they are either sitting at my taxidermist of choice or in the case of my last safari sitting on my front door step.
As for paperwork, you would be surprised at how many operators in South Africa and Africa in general make a simple mistake on the paperwork that will throw a monkey wrench into your shipment. A qualified agent will catch this and get it taken care of to eliminate any delay.
Right now I am waiting on a crate with three shoulder mounts, one that includes a warthog. My agent has a USDA certified warehouse where it will be inspected and then shipped to me without having to go to another point here in the US to be inspected. They also wait until they have a number of crates and then work with the shipping agents to lower cost for us on the receiving end.
They cost a little bit more than others do but in my mind they do so much more.