Ask the Wizard: When & Where Brokers Work

Each Friday, the Wizard joins us to share an answer to one of the questions asked during the week. This week, we had an excellent question about when and where brokers work.

Question:
Where can I find a job working for a broker and what kind of hours can I expect to work?

Customs brokers generally work in offices located in large cities that have CBP offices and at border crossing areas. There are 327 official ports of entry in the United States and 15 Preclearance offices in Canada and the Caribbean. When possible, brokers tend to locate their operations close to CBP offices and/or airport facilities to expedite the clearance process. Click HERE to review a list of CBP ports by state.

Depending on the location and type of job, most brokers work standard daytime hours; however, brokers may be on call 24 hours a day in some areas where CBP operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For example, the express couriers such as FedEx, UPS and DHL operate 24 hours a day and have CBP employees on site at designated hours. Many of those CBP officers work at night to clear packages so they can be delivered the next day; therefore, the broker must work at night. Volunteering for the night shift can be a great opportunity to gain experience. Determine the type of schedule you’d like to have and the location where you’d like to live. Then check out the brokers, forwarders, importers and other companies that may hire licensed brokers. Do research by checking out these sites. Key in various combinations of job titles and locations to provide more options.

Indeed.com
Monster.com
Jobsinlogistics.com

Industry organizations such as the International Compliance Professional Association (ICPA) and the National Customs Broker and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) are good sources for general information, job opportunities and networking.

Do you have a question for the Wizard? Submit your question by clicking on the link in the space for “Ask the Wizard.” See you next Friday!

Each Friday, the Wizard joins us to share an answer to one of the questions asked during the week. This week, we have another questions about brokers.

Question:
Why do people become licensed customs brokers?

Becoming a licensed customs broker can require a lot of hard work; however, obtaining a license can provide several benefits such as

· Increased knowledge of the HTSUS and Regulations.
· Increased value to an employer.
· Improved chances of promotion to certain positions.
· Opening doors to other positions outside of working for a customs broker.
· Allowing people to open their own customs brokerage office.

The education and experience is priceless and no one can take them away from you. The Wizard took the exam many years ago for the challenge, educational benefits, as well as the promotion and earning potential. The investment of time and money was worth it!

Do you have a question for the Wizard? Submit your question by clicking on the link in the space for “Ask the Wizard.” See you next Friday!

A Day in the Life of a Broker

Each Friday, the Wizard joins us to share an answer to one of the questions asked during the week.

Question:
What is a typical day in the life of a broker like?

You are not likely to get bored when working as a customs broker. With the constant changes in international trade regulations, there’s something new to learn every day. While your job title and actual responsibilities may vary depending on the type of job you obtain, we’ve provided a list of some of the tasks typically performed by brokers.

Persons working for or as brokers may:

· Provide information to importers on rates of duty and the methods of clearance.
· Prepare and process documents and other forms according to CBP regulations and procedures.
· Sign import/export documents on behalf of clients.
· Arrange for payment of duties, taxes, and storage and transportation costs related to the imported goods.
· Provide advice to clients on import restrictions, other government agency requirements and new regulations.
· Assign HTS numbers to imported products.
· Communicate with CBP and other government agencies.
· Enter data into the computer for CBP release and entry summary.
· Track cargo with steamship lines, railroads, airlines and trucking companies.
· Contact customers to obtain information or to provide status on shipments.
· Arrange transportation for movement of cargo from the port of unloading and for delivery to the customer.
· Maintain records of transactions.
· Attend and/or provide training seminars and industry conferences.
· Create standard operating procedures.

· Be the advocate for the importer with CBP, other government agencies, truckers and others involved in the import transaction.


Do you have a question for the Wizard? Submit your question by clicking on the link in the space for “Ask the Wizard.” See you next Friday!