Role Description The Customs Brokerage Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely preparation, review, and submission of customs entries while ensuring compliance with all applicable U.S. Customs and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements. This role serves as a key liaison between customers, foreign origins, carriers, and internal departments to proactively identify, communicate, and resolve documentation discrepancies that may impact cargo clearance, compliance, or customer service. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail, accountability, critical thinking, and a sense of urgency. Success in this role requires the ability to independently manage assigned shipments, follow established procedures, escalate unresolved issues promptly, and maintain consistent communication with all stakeholders. Key Responsibilities - Customs Entry Processing & Compliance - Prepare, review, and transmit customs entries accurately and within established service-level expectations. - Audit commercial invoices, packing lists, and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance. - Apply Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications and ensure accurate duty and tax assessments. - Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and all applicable government agency requirements. - Perform quality reviews of entry data prior to transmission to minimize corrections, rejections, and compliance risks. - Documentation Management - Identify documentation discrepancies and immediately communicate issues to customers, foreign origins, carriers, and internal stakeholders. - Proactively monitor open discrepancy issues through resolution and document all actions taken. - Escalate unresolved, high-risk, or time-sensitive issues to management in accordance with department procedures. - Maintain accurate records, shipment notes, and audit trails within company systems. - Customer Service & Communication - Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers and business partners. - Provide timely updates regarding shipment status, documentation requirements, clearance delays, and resolution efforts. - Respond professionally and promptly to customer inquiries while ensuring expectations are managed appropriately. - Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication when interacting with customers, foreign offices, carriers, and government agencies. - Shipment Coordination - Interface with domestic and international carriers, overseas offices, importers, and internal operational teams to facilitate shipment movement. - Monitor shipment milestones and take proactive action to prevent service failures. - Operational Excellence - Meet established productivity, quality, compliance, and timeliness standards. - Manage assigned workload independently while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines. - Complete entry imaging, scanning, and recordkeeping requirements within required timeframes. - Prepare operational reports, perform data analysis, and support continuous improvement initiatives. - Identify recurring customer or process issues and recommend corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. - Additional Responsibilities - Resolve finance, billing, and accounting reconciliation issues related to customs transactions. - Participate in team training, process improvement efforts, and compliance initiatives. - Work weekends and holidays as required based on operational needs and department rotation schedules. Qualifications - High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. - Working knowledge of customs brokerage operations, CBP regulations, and import documentation requirements. - Understanding of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification system. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams. - Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously. - Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. - Strong verbal and written communication skills. - Proven ability to identify problems, take ownership, and follow issues through to resolution. Requirements - Prior customs brokerage or import operations experience. - Experience with Cargo Wise or comparable customs filing systems. - Knowledge of PGA requirements and import compliance processes. - Customs Broker License or coursework in customs compliance (preferred but not required). - Bilingual (English/Spanish) with the ability to effectively communicate with customers, carriers, foreign origins, and internal stakeholders. Benefits - Permanent employment. - Commitment to providing a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.