Customs Brokers
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.
What is this job like?
- Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
- Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.
- Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
- Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
- Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.
- Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.
- Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
- Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
- Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
- Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.
- Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
- Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
- Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
- Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
- Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
- Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
- Monitor or trace the location of goods.
- Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
- Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
- Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
- 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.
Local Wage Data
Showing wage data for: New Orleans
Entry
Median
High
Salary
Hourly Wage
$37,300
$62,980
$102,640
$17.93
$30.28
$49.35