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Customs Associate Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Customs Associate information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Customs Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Customs Associate, you need a solid understanding of import/export regulations, customs documentation, and trade compliance, usually supported by relevant education or certifications in logistics or international trade. Familiarity with customs clearance software, tariff classification tools, and government trade portals is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing complex documentation and client interactions. These competencies ensure efficient clearance processes, minimize compliance risks, and maintain smooth global supply chain operations.

What are some common challenges a Customs Associate may face when ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations?

Customs Associates often encounter challenges such as staying up to date with frequently changing import/export regulations, managing complex documentation requirements, and addressing discrepancies in shipment information. Navigating these issues requires strong attention to detail and effective communication with both internal teams and external agencies. Additionally, Customs Associates must work efficiently under time constraints to prevent shipment delays and avoid costly penalties for non-compliance.

What does a Customs Associate do?

A Customs Associate is responsible for ensuring that goods imported to or exported from a country comply with all relevant customs laws and regulations. They prepare and review shipping documents, classify goods according to tariff codes, and communicate with customs officials to facilitate the smooth movement of cargo. Their work helps prevent delays at borders and ensures that shipments are processed efficiently and lawfully. Customs Associates also stay updated on changes to customs regulations and may assist with audits or resolve compliance issues.

What is the difference between Customs Associate vs Customs Clerk?

AspectCustoms AssociateCustoms Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer certifications in customs proceduresHigh school diploma; familiarity with customs documentation often preferred
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, shipping docks, import/export officesCustoms offices, shipping facilities, import/export departments
Employer & Industry UsageLogistics companies, freight forwarders, import/export firmsCustoms agencies, freight companies, import/export businesses
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Customs Associates and Customs Clerks both handle customs documentation and compliance, often working in similar environments within logistics and import/export industries. While their roles overlap, Customs Associates may have broader responsibilities, including customer service and coordination, whereas Customs Clerks typically focus on processing customs paperwork. Both roles require familiarity with customs regulations and documentation, making them closely related in the supply chain process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Customs jobs in Nebraska? The most popular types of Customs jobs in Nebraska are:
Infographic showing various Customs Associate job openings in Nebraska as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

International Logistics Administrator

Valmont Industries Inc.

Valley, NE

$54.20K - $61.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Valmont Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 514 rated manufacturers


Job description

28800 Ida St Valley Nebraska 68064-8016

Why Valmont
 

We’re Here to Move the World Forward.

Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better.

Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.

This position is responsible for the Corporate International transportation for Valmont Business units specifically America’s Lighting and Communication Structures, Tubing, Coatings, Irrigation, Solar, and Utility imports and exports.  The markets for these shipments would be worldwide excluding U.S. sanctioned countries.  This position develops, manages, and executes supply chain strategy for transportation to Valmont subsidiaries and suppliers.

The incumbent is responsible for providing the most efficient and economical value of shipments for imports and exports of Valmont products and ancillary product to any site under the umbrella of the covered business units.  The position requires full compliance with U.S. regulations and customs laws pertaining to the Importing of shipments.

The incumbent manages the project of imports and exports from international locations to related Valmont sites as well as to end customers.  The position requires negotiations and implementation of transportation policy, rates, and services with transportation suppliers.

Essential Functions:

  • This position reports into Global Logistics Manager and has no direct or indirect reports
  • Occasional travel to US sites for updates, issues and special projects
  • Selects and monitors carriers, forwarders and third-party suppliers charged with handling of company imports and exports to assure cost and service effectiveness
  • Assist US sites with trucker delivery and issues
  • Executes and implements logistics processes and distills information into various projects and presents accordingly
  • Researches and implements most economical, safe, expedient and dependable mode of transportation for products
  • Trains US sites on forwarders websites for tracking shipments/reporting tool
  • Generates cost savings by negotiating and leveraging service providers
  • Provide training and project-specific expertise to Valmont business units at all Valmont sites within the states
  • Acts as subject matter expert for company-wide international logistics inquiries
  • Works with Global Trade Analyst and business unit personnel to coordinate and classify all products for import HTS #
  • Maintains and updates import program data
  • Generate spreadsheets/reports to business units on special projects
  • Manages and maintains relationships with Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders
  • Provides customs paperwork to Valmont’s broker on a timely manner so there are no fines for late filings
  • Audits customs paperwork for errors
  • Negotiating rates, services, and provides timely and accurate freight quotations to complete International Sales projects and efforts
  • Research logistics markets to create competitive advantage for moving Valmont product to customer
  • Formulates policies and procedures which help ensure consistency in processes and enhances corporate profitability
  • Researches and advises correct use of incoterms during freight negotiations
  • Meets the business needs of the business unit while maintaining the integrity of the sale to the customer, dealer, carrier, vendor, and divisional good will
  • Communicate with overseas business units nightly, when needed
  • Manages freight rates in a rapidly changing environment
  • Keeps abreast of changes in global logistics regulations to ensure company compliance
  • Provide assistance to service providers (brokers & forwarders) with import & export activities as needed
  • Provide ACH payment information, for all divisions, for proper allocations to corporate treasury
  • Approve and audit Intl import invoices in US Bank freight payment system

Required Qualifications of Every Candidate (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

  • Preferred Bachelors with 3+ years relevant experience or Associates Degree with 5+ years relevant experience or 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Knowledge of standard transportation/logistics practices, International transportation/logistics practices and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Import Compliance Programs
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work cross-functionally as member of global team
  • Self-starter, ability to work on multiple tasks with minimum supervision
  • Excellent follow-through
  • Exceptional organizational abilities, including ability to organize and manage large volumes of data
  • Ability to interpret data and regulations

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:

  • Experience in international logistics, customs and/or international trade environment
  • Ideal candidate will possess a career interest in the international field and or global logistics

#LI-RA2

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

  • Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)

  • 401k retirement plan with company match

  • Paid time off

  • Employer paid life insurance

  • Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave

  • Work Life Support

  • Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year

  • Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.


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