Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics

Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics

Looking for a career that's in demand and at the heart of global trade?

Then, investigate employment in the Customs Brokerage and Freight Forwarding/Logistics fields.
Think about it! Everything you need, want, and buy comes from somewhere other than where you live.
Delivering food by DoorDash or Uber is the simplest kind of shipping.
However, when you ship goods from another country into the United States, it instantly gets complicated.

You've heard a lot of talk about tariffs. But did you know that there are many in-demand, well-paid jobs that handle shipments of goods and process their importation into the United States??

Customs Brokerage in the United States is booming, even though tariffs have made the job field somewhat unpredictable.
Notwithstanding that uncertainty, Bloomberg Radio mentioned it as a hot job for 2025.

An example of what's involved

Below is a detailed checklist of the documentation typically required to ship 10 pallets of auto parts from Mexico to the United States.

Keep in mind that requirements can vary slightly depending on the specific nature of the goods and the mode of transport.

Forms and Documents Prepared by the Shipper (Exporter)

Commercial Invoice:
- A commercial invoice provides a detailed description of the shipment, including quantities, prices, and country of origin.
- The shipper/exporter generates the invoice.
- It is one of the paper documents that are given physically to the driver of the truck bringing the goods to the US border.
- Commercial invoices are also sent digitally to the customer and their customs brokers.
Packing List:
- Lists items on every pallet, including weights, dimensions, and packaging details.
- The shipper prepares this list and is often shared both physically with the shipment and digitally with the freight forwarder.
Bill of Lading (BOL):
- Serves as proof of the contract between the shipper and the carrier, outlining transport details.
- Often originates from the shipper or the carrier; while originally paper-based, many carriers now issue electronic BOLs (eBOLs).
Mexican Export Documentation:
- Export Pedimento: A document required by Mexican customs, prepared by the shipper, which details the shipment's specifics.
- Export Permits: If applicable for certain auto part categories, these are also prepared by the shipper.
- Many of these documents are now processed through Mexico's electronic customs systems, though paper copies might still be used for record-keeping.

This video explains some of the documentation required to ship goods.

Forms and Documents Prepared by the Customs Broker on Behalf of the Importer

CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary):
- This is the primary US document summarizing the details of the imported shipment.
- Customs brokers prepare and submit this form electronically via US Customs and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
Importer Security Filing (ISF):
- For ocean shipments, this filing is critical to provide advance details to US Customs, ensuring supply chain security.
- Typically handled by the customs broker (or by the importer with broker assistance), and it's submitted online through ACE.
Customs Bond Documentation:
- A customs bond may be required to guarantee compliance with regulations and the ideal payment of duties.
- Normally arranged and processed by the customs broker or importer.
- Much of this process is managed electronically.
Additional Regulatory Forms:
- EPA Form 3520-1, NHTSA-DOT HS-7 Declaration, or Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certification):
  - Depending on the specifics of the auto parts being shipped, these forms might be prepared with input from both the shipper (who provides key details such as the country of origin) and the customs broker (who ensures the forms meet US regulatory requirements).
  - These documents are increasingly submitted online, even if a physical copy is sometimes required at the border.

What the job entails

What do customs brokers do? They are the experts who facilitate goods legally crossing borders between countries, ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations, as well as ensuring smooth delivery for importers and exporters.

Below is a detailed checklist of the documentation typically required when shipping 10 pallets of auto parts from Mexico to the United States. Keep in mind that requirements can vary slightly depending on the specific nature of the goods and the mode of transport, so it's always wise to verify current regulations with customs brokers or relevant authorities.

1. General Commercial Documentation

Commercial Invoice
- Provides a full description of the auto parts, including quantities, unit prices, total value, terms of sale, and the country of origin.
Packing List
- Itemizes each pallet's contents, including weights, dimensions, and packaging details, to facilitate inspection and inventory verification.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
- This carrier-issued document serves as proof of shipment, outlines the transport terms, and confirms that the goods are loaded onto the vessel or truck for delivery.

2. Mexican Export Documentation

Mexican Customs Export Declaration (Pedimento de Exportación)
- A mandatory document required by Mexican customs that details the shipment's contents and values, enabling legal export clearance.
Export Permit (if required)
- Depending on the auto parts or specific regulatory controls, additional permits might be needed from Mexican authorities.

3. US Import Customs Documentation

CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
- This is the primary form used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to record details about the imported merchandise.
Importer Security Filing (ISF)
- Required primarily for ocean freight shipments, it provides advance data to US customs to help secure the supply chain.
Customs Bond
- A surety bond that guarantees the payment of duties and compliance with all import regulations.

4. Certificates and Agreements

Certificate of Origin / USMCA Certification Statement
- If the auto parts qualify under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), this document proves the origin of the goods and may qualify the shipment for preferential tariff treatment.

5. Regulatory-Specific Documentation

EPA Form 3520-1
- Required if the shipment includes engine components or parts affected by environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
NHTSA-DOT HS-7 Declaration Form
- Needed for auto parts, this declaration confirms that the parts meet the safety requirements set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

6. Additional Considerations

Insurance Certificate
- Provides evidence that the shipment is covered against loss or damage during transit.
Any Special Permits or Licenses
- Depending on the specific type of auto parts or state-specific regulations, additional permits may be required.

Background and Training

Here's the background, skillsets, and experience required in the Customs Brokerage field. As you review the following lists, remember that you can take courses at your local community college to prepare you for work in this in-demand field.

General Background

Understanding International Trade & Regulations: Familiarity with import/export procedures, customs documentation, and compliance with local/international trade policies.

Supply Chain Fundamentals: Basic knowledge of transportation modes (maritime, air, land) and the logistics involved in moving goods across borders.

Industry-specific Knowledge: An overview of industry practices, including freight forwarding principles, risk management, and customer service dynamics.

Core Skillsets

Communication Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Ability to liaise with clients, government agencies, and various transport partners.
Organizational & Analytical Skills:
- Strong attention to detail for managing shipping documents and tracking shipments.
- Problem-solving capabilities to address delays or compliance issues.
Interpersonal & Teamwork Abilities:
- Collaborative mindset when working with cross-functional teams.
- Adaptability in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Technical Skills

Basic Office Software Proficiency:
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with email clients, digital calendars, and document sharing platforms.
Communication Platforms:
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Teams for meetings and collaborative projects.
- Use of online communication tools to foster remote collaboration.
Data Management:
- Ability to work with spreadsheets, databases, and electronic document management systems for tracking shipments and customer data.

Training available at community colleges

Many American community colleges, including Southwest Tennessee Community College, Laredo College, offer customs brokerage certificate programs. These programs teach you the ins and outs of customs regulations, tariff schedules, and documentation, and are designed to prepare you for the US Customs Broker License Exam. Courses are often available online and can be completed in as little as six months, making this a practical and accessible career path.

In addition to specific training for jobs in the customs brokerage field, your community college also offers the business skills you need to work in a fast-paced digital environment.

Fundamental Office Skills Courses:

- Courses specifically designed to build proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Teams, and other routine software tools.
- Focus on providing hands-on labs and simulations that mirror real office scenarios in logistics environments.
- Keyboard proficiency of 40-60 words per minute.

Business Administration & Logistics Programs: Curriculum that blends general business skills with industry-specific courses in customs brokerage and freight forwarding. Development of essential soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and customer service.

Practical Application & Internships: Real-world projects and internship opportunities that provide applied learning in logistics and freight operations.

Preparatory Training: Modules on document management, digital communication, and office productivity that lay a solid foundation, acknowledging that basic office skills are universally required.

Additional Training Provided by Employers

Naturally, each employer has its own way of doing things. They will train you during their orientation and onboarding phase of your employment. Examples of the sort of things you'll encounter include:

Proprietary Software Training:
- While community colleges cover essential office skills, companies typically offer on-the-job training on their own proprietary systems.
Specialized Industry Tools:
- In-depth instruction on logistics management systems or customs brokerage software that is specific to the employer's operations.
Ongoing Professional Development:
- Continuous learning opportunities, including workshops and seminars, are provided to ensure employees stay current with industry standards and technological advances.

How to become a licensed customs broker

You must be a US citizen, at least 21 years old, and of good moral character (no federal government employees allowed).
After your coursework, you'll take the Customs Broker License Examination (CBLE), which is held twice a year (April and October). The exam is 80 multiple-choice questions, lasts 4.5 hours, and requires a 75% score to pass.
You can take the exam at major testing centers in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta, or via remote proctoring if available.
Registration is online through the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) portal, with a $390 exam fee.
After passing, you'll submit a license application to CBP, undergo a background check, and, once approved, you're ready to launch your career.

Related Jobs in Customs Brokerage and Freight Forwarding Fields

The customs broker and freight forwarding sector offers a wide range of career paths, both in office environments and at major ports, docks, and logistics hubs. Here's a comprehensive list of related roles, which I have linked to job descriptions.

Customs Brokerage & Compliance

Freight Forwarding & Logistics

Port, Dock, and Terminal Operations

Ship Brokerage & Cargo Management

Additional Related Roles

Conclusion

In conclusion, a career as a customs broker or freight forwarder offers a unique blend of challenge and opportunity in the fast-paced world of global logistics. As international trade continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth flow of goods will only grow. Whether you're just starting out or looking to transition into a new field, the customs brokerage and freight forwarding industry provides a rewarding career path with opportunities for advancement and professional growth.

Ready to move goods and move your career forward? Community colleges offer the training, and the CBLE is your gateway. With global trade only growing, now's the time to become a customs broker—the experts keeping America's supply chains running.

Questions? Contact us on Facebook or Instagram. @communitycollegereview

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Editor's note: This article was assisted by AI tools, including MetaAI, which provided suggestions and ideas during the research phase.