Will “Cargo Broker” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

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.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 13-1199.03

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Customs Brokers”.

Also Known As…

• Customs Brokers
• Import Manager
• Customs Compliance Director
• Customs Broker
• Trade Facilitator
• Ocean Import Representative
• Ocean Export Agent
• Ocean Export Account Manager
• Licensed Customs Broker
• International Trade Specialist
• Importer Exporter
• Importer
• Import/Export Specialist
• Import/Export Agent
• Import/Export Administrator
• Import-Export Agent
• Import Export Manager
• Import Customer Service Manager
• Import Coordinator
• Exporter
• Export Manager
• Export Agent
• Export Administrator
• Customs House Broker
• Customs Entry Writer
• Customs Consultant
• Customs Compliance Manager
• Customs Compliance Analyst
• Customs Brokerage Agent
• Customs Agent
• Air Export Operations Agent
• Air Export Agent

Tasks for “Cargo Broker”

• Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
• Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
• Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.
• Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
• Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
• Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
• Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
• Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
• Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
• Monitor or trace the location of goods.
• Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
• Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
• Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.
• Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
• Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
• Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.
• 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.
• Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
• Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.
• Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.
• Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
• Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.

Related Technology & Tools

• Multiline telephone systems
• Computer data input scanners
• Tablet computers
• Desktop computers
• Laser facsimile machines
• Personal computers

• Parts classification databases
• Customs records databases
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Optical character reader OCR software
• SAP Customs Management
• Microsoft Outlook
• Materials requirement planning MRP software
• Microsoft Access
• Electronic data interchange EDI software
• Web browser software
• Microsoft Office
• Automated system for customs data ASYCUDA
• SAP
• Tariff databases
• Microsoft Excel
• Automated commercial environment software ACE