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All About Customs Brokers

Occupation Description Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

List of Custom Broker Job Duties

  • Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
  • Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
  • Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
  • Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
  • Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.
  • Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Custom Broker?

These are the skills Customs Brokers say are the most useful in their careers:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Custom Broker Jobs

  • Ocean Export Account Manager
  • Import Export Manager
  • Customs Compliance Analyst
  • Import/Export Agent
  • Exporter

Is There Job Demand for Customs Brokers?

In the United States, there were 1,023,900 jobs for Custom Broker in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 90,400 new jobs for Custom Broker by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 104,200 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Custom Broker are Utah, Nevada, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Customs Brokers Salary

Customs Brokers make between $38,420 and $123,000 a year.

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Customs Brokers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Customs Brokers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $85,140
Alaska $82,160
Arizona $67,670
Arkansas $59,530
California $83,470
Colorado $82,130
Connecticut $78,120
Delaware $81,880
District of Columbia $102,730
Florida $66,440
Georgia $75,070
Hawaii $73,310
Idaho $67,630
Illinois $71,780
Indiana $61,290
Iowa $65,020
Kansas $74,520
Kentucky $66,450
Louisiana $60,430
Maine $66,760
Maryland $91,400
Massachusetts $85,980
Michigan $70,410
Minnesota $71,220
Mississippi $65,650
Missouri $73,500
Montana $66,290
Nebraska $74,370
Nevada $71,580
New Hampshire $70,890
New Jersey $78,920
New Mexico $70,340
New York $83,330
North Carolina $74,040
North Dakota $73,010
Ohio $71,190
Oklahoma $72,940
Oregon $68,890
Pennsylvania $80,910
Rhode Island $80,380
South Carolina $69,340
South Dakota $70,830
Tennessee $62,330
Texas $80,140
Utah $72,100
Vermont $67,910
Virginia $88,180
Washington $77,850
West Virginia $70,180
Wisconsin $57,620
Wyoming $69,740

What Tools do Customs Brokers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Customs Brokers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • SAP
  • Materials requirement planning MRP software
  • Electronic data interchange EDI software

How to Become a Custom Broker

Education needed to be a Custom Broker:

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What work experience do I need to become a Custom Broker?

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Who Employs Customs Brokers?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Custom Broker might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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