Customs Brokers
Human Advantage 70%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.1 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
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.
Also Known As: Air Export Agent, Air Export Operations Agent, Air Import Agent, Boarding Agent, Cargo Agent, Cargo Broker, Cargo Office Agent, Corporate Licensed Broker +35 more
Core Tasks
- Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
- Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
- Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
- Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
- Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.
- Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
- Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
- Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.
- Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
- Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.
- 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.
- Monitor or trace the location of goods.
- Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
- Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
- Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
- Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
- Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.
- Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
- Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
- Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.
Supplemental Tasks (2)
- Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
- Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
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Where This Career Leads
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