Customs Brokerage Administrator

Job Description

Position Summary: The Customs Brokerage Representative will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and compliant clearance of imported and exported goods. This includes handling all aspects of customs brokerage processes such as entry filing, inbond movements, and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) entries/withdrawals. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of U.S. Customs regulations and international trade laws, providing exceptional service to clients while minimizing risks and delays.

Key Responsibilities

• Customs Clearances: Handle the preparation, submission, and tracking of customs entries for imports and exports, ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations.
• Entry Filings: File customs entries (including consumption entries, duty drawback claims, and others) on behalf of clients to facilitate the importation or exportation of goods.
• Inbond Movements: Manage and process inbond transactions to allow goods to move through the U.S. without immediate duty payment until they reach the final destination.
• Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Operations: Oversee FTZ entries, withdrawals, and related filings to facilitate the movement of goods into and out of Foreign Trade Zones.
• Classification & Valuation: Accurately classify goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and determine their correct value for customs purposes.
• Compliance: Ensure all documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin, meet regulatory requirements.
• Client Communication: Provide timely and transparent updates to clients regarding the status of their shipments and assist in resolving any customs issues.
• Problem Solving: Identify potential risks in the import/export process and provide solutions to mitigate delays or additional costs.
• Documentation: Maintain organized and thorough records of all customs filings and activities for compliance and audit purposes.
• Government Agency Coordination: Coordinate with various government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when additional approvals are required.
• Continuous Improvement: Suggest and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and compliance accuracy.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience in customs brokerage, international trade, or a related field.
• Knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, including import/export procedures, tariff classifications, and valuation.
• Familiarity with inbond movements, FTZ regulations, and other specialized entry processes.
• Proficiency in customs brokerage software and systems (e.g., ACE, ABI).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
  

Additional Skills

• Familiarity with trade agreements and duty reduction programs (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA).
• Experience working with specialized imports (e.g., automotive, pharmaceuticals, or electronics).
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
  
  

Working Conditions: This is an office-based role that may require periodic travel to ports of entry, client locations, or government offices. Standard business hours apply, though occasional extended hours may be necessary to meet shipment deadlines.

About Us

Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 " Americas Most Trustworthy Companies " publication