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Customs Broker Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Customs Broker information

See Rhode Island salary details

$27.9K

$69.5K

$116K

How much do customs broker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for customs broker in Rhode Island is $69,538.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,900.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a customs broker?

Customs brokers are individuals or organizations entrusted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to facilitate the entry of goods and monitor documentation required to enter or leave the country. Brokerage of products between countries is highly regulated, and your job is to manage the logistics and tracking to meet each countries’ regulations. Other duties may include: arranging shipments of merchandise once it arrives in the U.S. Some customs brokers specialize in a particular type of product or the verification of shipping crews and passengers.

What is a customs broker?

Customs brokers are licensed professionals who assist individuals and businesses in clearing goods through customs when importing or exporting across international borders. They ensure that shipments meet all legal requirements by preparing and submitting necessary documents, calculating duties and taxes, and facilitating communication with government agencies. Customs brokers help prevent delays, reduce compliance risks, and ensure that goods move efficiently through customs processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a customs broker?

To thrive as a Customs Broker, you need a comprehensive understanding of customs regulations, import/export laws, and typically a customs broker license. Familiarity with automated brokerage systems, tariff databases, and compliance software is important for managing documentation and filings. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help brokers navigate complex regulations and client needs. These skills ensure accurate, timely clearance of goods and minimize costly compliance errors in international trade.

What are some common challenges customs brokers face when coordinating international shipments, and how can they be addressed?

Customs Brokers often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing regulations, coordinating documentation across multiple stakeholders, and managing tight shipment deadlines. Staying updated on regulatory changes and fostering strong communication with importers, exporters, and government agencies are key to overcoming these obstacles. Utilizing specialized software and maintaining organized records can also help Brokers streamline processes and minimize delays, ensuring shipments clear customs efficiently.

What is the difference between Customs Broker vs Freight Forwarder?

AspectCustoms BrokerFreight Forwarder
CredentialsLicensed by customs authorities, often requires licensing examsNo specific licensing, may have certifications like FMC
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with customs agencies, government regulationsCoordinates shipping logistics, interacts with carriers and clients
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by import/export companies, customs authoritiesUsed by shipping companies, importers, exporters

While both roles facilitate international shipping, a Customs Broker primarily handles customs clearance and compliance, whereas a Freight Forwarder manages the overall logistics and transportation of goods. Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the right partner for their shipping needs.

How hard is it to be a customs broker?

Becoming a customs broker requires passing a licensing exam, which tests knowledge of import regulations, tariffs, and customs procedures. The job demands attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and understanding of trade laws, making it a challenging but achievable profession with proper preparation.

Is a customs broker a good career?

A customs broker is a professional who helps importers and exporters comply with customs regulations, process shipments, and handle documentation. The role often requires knowledge of trade laws, attention to detail, and relevant certifications, with job prospects influenced by international trade activity. It can be a stable career for those interested in logistics and compliance fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Customs Broker jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Customs Broker jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Customs Broker jobs in Rhode Island?

For Customs Broker jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Customs Broker jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Customs Broker jobs in Rhode Island are:

Infographic showing various Customs Broker job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $69,538 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Manager Import and Export Compliance

Cranston, RI • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Shift: 1st Shift 

Work Status:  Hybrid

Position Summary

The Manager, Import & Export Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing global trade compliance programs for a multinational HVAC manufacturing organization. This role ensures full compliance with all applicable import and export laws, regulations, and trade programs across global markets, while supporting efficient supply chain operations and business growth. 

The Manager will act as a subject matter expert on U.S. and international trade regulations, provide strategic guidance to crossfunctional teams, manage compliance risks, and serve as the primary liaison with government authorities and external partners related to global trade.  

Measures of success: 

  • Zero material regulatory violations or enforcement actions related to import/export activities. 
  • Timely and accurate completion of internal audits, compliance assessments, and corrective action plans. 
  • Reduction in compliance risks identified through audits, broker reviews, and government interactions. 
  • Accuracy rate of tariff classifications, country of origin determinations, and customs valuation (target: 99%). 
  • Customs clearance performance, including reduced shipment delays, holds, or penalties. 
  • Duty savings achieved through Free Trade Agreements, duty drawback, and other trade programs. 
  • Ontime export license determinations and filings, with no unauthorized exports. 
  • 100% restricted party screening compliance across customers, suppliers, and transactions. 

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

Global Trade Compliance 

  • Develop, maintain, and enforce import and export compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls across all regions. 
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including but not limited to:  
    • U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 
    • Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions 
    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations 
    • EU DualUse Regulations 
    • Other countryspecific import/export laws and trade requirements 
  • Monitor regulatory changes and assess impact on HVAC products, components, and technologies. 

 Import Compliance 

  • Oversee accurate product classification (HTS), customs valuation, and country of origin determinations. 
  • Ensure proper use of Incoterms and compliance with customs documentation requirements. 
  • Manage duty mitigation programs, including Free Trade Agreements (USMCA, EU FTAs, etc.), duty drawback, and special customs regimes. 
  • Conduct internal audits and risk assessments related to import activity.  

Export Controls & Sanctions 

  • Manage export classification (ECCN), license determination, and licensing activities. 
  • Ensure compliance with restricted party screening and embargoed country requirements. 
  • Support export compliance related to HVAC systems, controls, refrigerants, and energyefficiency technologies with potential dualuse applications. 

 Training & Advisory 

  • Develop and deliver trade compliance training for supply chain, engineering, sales, logistics, and customer service teams.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and operational teams on trade compliance risks and best practices. 
  • Support new product introductions and market expansions from a compliance perspective. 

Governance & Continuous Improvement 

  • Lead internal audits, compliance assessments, and corrective action plans. 
  • Coordinate responses to government inquiries, audits, and disclosures as needed. 
  • Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external trade consultants. 
  • Drive process improvements and digital compliance solutions to enhance visibility and efficiency. 

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field. 
  • 7+ years of progressive experience in import/export compliance, global trade, or customs for a manufacturing organization. 
  • Prior experience managing or leading trade compliance programs at a global level. 
  • Strong working knowledge of U.S. and international trade regulations (EAR, OFAC, CBP, EU, and AsiaPacific regulations). 
  • Expertise in tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, and FTA qualification. 
  • Strong analytical, problemsolving, and riskmanagement skills. 
  • Excellent communication and stakeholdermanagement abilities. 
  • Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into practical business guidance. 
  • Proven ability to work crossfunctionally in a matrixed, multinational environment. 
  • High level of integrity, attention to detail, and sound judgment. 

 Preferred: 

  • Master's Degree in Business, Logistics, or related field  
  • Experience within HVAC, industrial manufacturing, or regulated technical products strongly preferred. 
  • Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB) 
  • Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) 
  • Export Compliance Certification (e.g., ECoP, CES) 
  • Familiarity with product regulatory requirements impacting HVAC equipment and components. 

Work Environment

This position works primarily in an office environment using computers and technology.  Verbal and auditory capability are required.  Occasional exposure in production plant where large equipment and noise are prevalent.  Safety gear is required in these areas. 

This position may work from home up to 2X/week if performance is in good standing. 

Management

This position has approximately 1-2 direct reports including but not limited to.

  • Export Compliance Specialist