What is a Custom Broker?
Career 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.
A Day in the Life of a Custom Broker
- Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
- Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
- Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.
- Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
- Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
- Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
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What a Custom Broker Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Customs Brokers say are important on the job.
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.
Other Custom Broker Job Titles
- Importer
- Import/Export Specialist
- Import Manager
- Customs Director
- Customs Entry Writer
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. There will be an estimated 104,200 positions for Custom Broker per year.
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.
Custom Broker Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Customs Brokers is somewhere between $38,420 and $123,000.
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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Customs Brokers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
What education is needed to be a Custom Broker?
What work experience do I need to become a Custom Broker?
Where Customs Brokers Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Custom Broker might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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