What are the responsibilities and job description for the ENTRY WRITER position at HOWARD HARTRY, INC?
Company Description
Howard Hartry, Inc. is a Customhouse Brokerage with over 70 years of experience in clearing goods through U.S. Customs and ensuring regulatory compliance. Based in the Los Angeles Harbor area, the company specializes in warehousing, distribution, importation, and bonded transportation. With a deep understanding of U.S. Customs regulations, we offer expertise in air, ocean, informal, quota, warehouse, and foreign trade zone entries. Howard Hartry, Inc. is built on a foundation of efficiency, integrity, and competitive pricing, making it a trusted partner for businesses navigating international trade.
Job Title: Entry Writer – Customs Brokerage - Role Description
Location: San Pedro, CA
Department: Customs Brokerage / Import Operations
Reports to: Customs Brokerage Manager or Supervisor Employment Type: Full-Time
This is a full-time, on-site role located in San Pedro, CA, for an Entry Writer. The day-to-day responsibilities include preparing and processing customs entry documentation, ensuring compliance with U.S. Customs regulations, coordinating with clients, and maintaining accurate records. Additional tasks may include monitoring shipment progress, interacting with government agencies, and providing timely updates to clients.
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Entry Writer to join our customs brokerage team. The primary responsibility is to prepare, process, and file accurate and timely customs entries for imported goods, ensuring full compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other government agency requirements. This role will focus on standard consumption entries, as well as specialized filings related to Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) using CBP Form 214 and bonded warehouse operations. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in these areas and thrives in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and attention to detail are critical.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and submit import entries (e.g., CBP Form 7501) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system.
- Classify imported goods using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), determine applicable duty rates, and calculate duties, taxes, fees, and any applicable ADD/CVD.
- Handle Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) admissions by preparing and filing CBP Form 214 (Application for Foreign-Trade Zone Admission and/or Status Designation), including status designations (e.g., privileged foreign, non-privileged foreign, domestic), zone-to-zone transfers, and manipulations/manufacturing entries.
- Manage bonded warehouse entries and operations, including bonded movements, withdrawals, manipulations, and compliance with bonded storage requirements (e.g., Type 2 or general order warehouses).
- Review and validate import documentation (commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc.) for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate with clients, carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and government agencies to resolve discrepancies, obtain missing information, and facilitate smooth clearance.
- Monitor entry status, respond to CBP holds/exams/queries, and handle protests, amendments, or post-summary corrections as needed.
- Maintain accurate records, update client HTS databases/SOPs, and ensure all filings meet deadlines to avoid penalties or delays.
- Provide excellent customer service by communicating proactively with importers regarding entry status, duty estimates, compliance issues, and resolution of problems.
- Stay current on changes to customs regulations, FTZ rules (19 CFR Part 146), bonded warehouse requirements, and trade agreements.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required:
- High school diploma or GED (associate's or bachelor's degree in international trade, logistics, or related field preferred).
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience as an Entry Writer or in customs brokerage/import operations.
- Proven experience preparing and filing CBP Form 214 for Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) admissions and related processes.
- Hands-on experience with bonded warehouse entries, bonded movements, and compliance procedures.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. customs regulations, HTS classification, valuation, rules of origin, and PGA requirements.
- Proficiency with customs brokerage software (e.g., ABI/ACE portal experience).
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for client and agency interactions.
Preferred/Pluses:
- Experience with IT systems, data entry automation, or brokerage software customization.
- Familiarity with drawback filings, temporary imports (e.g., TIB), or other specialized entry types.
- Customs Broker's License (or progress toward licensing) is a plus but not required for entry-level positions.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Benefits package (health, 401(k), etc.)
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement in customs brokerage
- Collaborative team environment in the international trade/logistics industry