What Do Custom Broker Do?
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.
Custom Broker Responsibilities
- Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
- Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
- Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
- Monitor or trace the location of goods.
- Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
- Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
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Qualities of a Custom Broker
Below is a list of the skills most Customs Brokers say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Ocean Export Agent
- Corporate Licensed Broker
- Trade Facilitator
- Exporter
- Licensed Customs Broker
Are There Job Opportunities for Customs Brokers?
There were about 1,023,900 jobs for Custom Broker in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 90,400 new jobs for Custom Broker by 2026. The BLS estimates 104,200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Custom Broker are Utah, Nevada, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Customs Brokers Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Custom Broker ranges between $38,420 and $123,000.

Customs Brokers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Customs Brokers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $85,140 |
Alaska | $82,160 |
Arizona | $67,670 |
Arkansas | $59,530 |
California | $83,470 |
Colorado | $82,130 |
Connecticut | $78,120 |
Delaware | $81,880 |
District of Columbia | $102,730 |
Florida | $66,440 |
Georgia | $75,070 |
Hawaii | $73,310 |
Idaho | $67,630 |
Illinois | $71,780 |
Indiana | $61,290 |
Iowa | $65,020 |
Kansas | $74,520 |
Kentucky | $66,450 |
Louisiana | $60,430 |
Maine | $66,760 |
Maryland | $91,400 |
Massachusetts | $85,980 |
Michigan | $70,410 |
Minnesota | $71,220 |
Mississippi | $65,650 |
Missouri | $73,500 |
Montana | $66,290 |
Nebraska | $74,370 |
Nevada | $71,580 |
New Hampshire | $70,890 |
New Jersey | $78,920 |
New Mexico | $70,340 |
New York | $83,330 |
North Carolina | $74,040 |
North Dakota | $73,010 |
Ohio | $71,190 |
Oklahoma | $72,940 |
Oregon | $68,890 |
Pennsylvania | $80,910 |
Rhode Island | $80,380 |
South Carolina | $69,340 |
South Dakota | $70,830 |
Tennessee | $62,330 |
Texas | $80,140 |
Utah | $72,100 |
Vermont | $67,910 |
Virginia | $88,180 |
Washington | $77,850 |
West Virginia | $70,180 |
Wisconsin | $57,620 |
Wyoming | $69,740 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Customs Brokers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Customs Brokers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- SAP
- Materials requirement planning MRP software
- Electronic data interchange EDI software
How to Become a Custom Broker
Education needed to be a Custom Broker:

What work experience do I need to become a Custom Broker?

Customs Brokers Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Custom Broker may also be interested in:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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