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Customs Brokerage Associate Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Partner with customs brokers, transportation providers, and internal teams to ensure seamless ... Associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in related field

Customs Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$21.76 - $45.96/hr

Partner with customs brokers, transportation providers, and internal teams to ensure seamless ... Associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in related field

Customs Brokerage Associate information

What is a customs brokerage associate?

Customs Brokerage Associates are professionals who help businesses and individuals navigate the process of importing and exporting goods across international borders. Their responsibilities include preparing and submitting documentation required by customs authorities, ensuring compliance with all regulations, and coordinating the release and delivery of shipments. They often work closely with customs officials, freight forwarders, and clients to resolve issues and facilitate the smooth movement of goods. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of international trade laws are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Customs Brokerage Associate, you need a strong understanding of customs regulations, import/export procedures, and documentation, supported by at least a high school diploma or relevant associate degree. Familiarity with customs management systems, Harmonized Tariff Schedules, and certifications such as Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication enable smooth coordination between clients, carriers, and government agencies. These competencies ensure compliance, prevent costly delays, and facilitate efficient international trade operations.

What are some common challenges faced by customs brokerage associates and how can they be managed?

Customs Brokerage Associates often face challenges such as tight deadlines for customs clearance, complex regulatory requirements, and frequent changes in international trade laws. Managing these challenges typically involves staying updated on customs regulations, maintaining strong attention to detail, and using specialized software to track shipments efficiently. Working closely with clients, carriers, and government agencies helps ensure compliance and timely processing of documentation, making communication and adaptability key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Customs Brokerage Associate vs Customs Compliance Specialist?

AspectCustoms Brokerage AssociateCustoms Compliance Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications like C-TPAT or customs brokerage licensesCertifications such as C-TPAT, customs compliance certifications, or similar
Work EnvironmentFrequent interaction with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics teamsFocus on regulatory compliance, documentation review, and policy adherence
Employer & Industry UsageLogistics companies, freight forwarders, import/export firmsImport/export companies, customs consulting firms, government agencies

The Customs Brokerage Associate primarily handles documentation, communication, and coordination related to customs clearance. In contrast, the Customs Compliance Specialist focuses on ensuring adherence to customs laws and regulations. Both roles require knowledge of customs procedures, but the associate is more operational, while the compliance specialist emphasizes regulatory adherence and policy enforcement.

How much do customs brokerage associates make?

Customs brokerage associates typically earn between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates with specialized knowledge can earn higher salaries, often working with customs regulations and import/export documentation.

Is a customs brokerage associate a good career?

A customs brokerage associate is a role that involves processing and clearing shipments through customs, requiring knowledge of import/export regulations and attention to detail. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement, especially with certifications like the Certified Customs Specialist, and often involves working in logistics or supply chain environments. The job typically offers regular hours and the potential for growth in the trade and logistics industry.

Is it hard to become a customs brokerage associate?

Becoming a customs brokerage associate typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of customs regulations, and sometimes certification such as the Customs Broker License or related training. The role involves understanding import/export procedures, working with customs documentation, and using specialized software, but it generally does not require extensive prior experience, making it accessible with proper training and certification.

What are popular job titles related to Customs Brokerage Associate jobs in Arizona?

For Customs Brokerage Associate jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Customs Brokerage Associate jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Customs Brokerage Associate jobs in Arizona are:

Customs Specialist

Phoenix, AZ


C. H. Robinson
Transportation and Warehousing • 10K+ employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 366 rated logistics

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


$21.76 - $45.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

C.H. Robinson is looking for a Customs Specialist who will play a critical role in protecting compliance, minimizing risk, and ensuring the seamless movement of customer shipments through the customs clearance process. In this role, you will serve as a trusted customs expert, managing complex exceptions, government agency examinations, and high-impact shipment issues while delivering exceptional service and operational excellence. You will leverage your regulatory expertise and problem-solving skills to support accurate customs clearance, drive continuous improvement, and help optimize automated customs operations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your expertise directly impacts customers and business performance, we encourage you to apply.

At C.H. Robinson, we're firm believers in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel innovation and propel success. In this role, you will engage with peers on-site three days a week, igniting creativity and driving impactful results. With the flexibility for remote work two days a week, this role strikes the perfect balance between teamwork and autonomy.

This position follows a Monday thru Friday schedule. Work hours are 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Candidates must be available to work this schedule consistently.

Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities of this position consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Review and validate customs entry data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely cargo clearance

  • Resolve complex customs exceptions, including documentation gaps, classification issues, valuation discrepancies, and regulatory concerns

  • Manage government agency holds and customs examinations, including CBP, FDA, CPSC, VACIS, CET, and Tailgate inspections

  • Serve as a trusted customs compliance expert, interpreting regulations and applying them across daily operations and automated processes

  • Prioritize critical shipment issues to prevent delays and maintain exceptional service for customers

  • Partner with customs brokers, transportation providers, and internal teams to ensure seamless import clearance and delivery

  • Own and maintain customer-specific SOPs, HTS databases, and compliance requirements to support operational excellence

  • Investigate and resolve cargo damage claims, insurance matters, demurrage, detention disputes, and other high-impact shipment issues

  • Conduct quality reviews of customs entries and automated decisions to ensure compliance, accuracy, and process effectiveness

  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying workflow enhancements, supporting automation initiatives, and helping optimize customs operations and exception management

Required Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Minimum 2-3 years of entry-writing experience, international transportation or experience with AI Agents

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in related field

  • Experience supporting automation-enabled workflows or BPO-integrated operations

  • Familiarity with customs exams, government agency holds, or dangerous goods processes

  • Knowledge of ABI, AMS queries, orentrysummary components

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of programs

  • Prior experience incustomer-facingoperational support or escalation management

  • Knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the supply chain

  • Excellent communication, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills

  • Excellent customer service skills and follow up to be utilized with customers and the network

  • Proven track record of dealing with customers and being client focused

  • Critical-thinking, flexibility, and problem-solving skills to adapt to ever-changing tasks and customer needs

  • Reputation for logical, methodical and expedient approach to problem resolution

  • High level of attention to detail

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven office environment

  • Values a diverse and inclusive work environment

Must comply with 19 CFR 111.53(e) requirements, including eligibility to work in a Customs Brokerage role. Candidates must be able to pass an initial and annual background check, as employment in this department requires written approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for individuals with felony convictions, unless prohibited by applicable state or local law.

We will review applications for this role on an ongoing basis and encourage all interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience.

Compensation Range

$21.76 - $45.96

The base pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Your individual base pay within this range is determined by work location, which takes into account geographic cost of labor, and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base pay only and do not include additional variable compensation.

Questioning if you meet the mark? Studies have shown that some individuals may be less likely to apply unless they match the job description exactly. Here at C.H. Robinson, we're building an inclusive workplace where all employees feel they belong. If this position excites you, we welcome you to apply whether you check all the preferred qualifications or just a few. You may just be our next great fit!

Equal Opportunity

C.H. Robinson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a workplace and performance culture that reflects the strengths of our worldwide marketplace. We value unique experiences and diverse backgrounds of our people within our company, our business relationships, and our communities. We're committed to providing an inclusive environment, free from harassment and discrimination, where all employees feel welcomed, valued and respected.

EOE\Disabled\Veteran

Benefits

Your Health, Wealth and Self

Your total wellbeing is the foundation of our business, and our benefits support your financial, family and personal goals. We provide the top-tier benefits that matter to you most, including:

  • Three medical plans which include

    • Prescription drug coverage

    • Enhanced Fertility benefits

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Health Savings Account (including employer contribution)

  • Dental and Vision

  • Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

  • Paid observed holidays

  • 2 paid floating holidays for U.S. hourly employees

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) offered to U.S. salaried employees - no accruals and no caps. Paid Time Off (PTO) offered to all other employees in the U.S. and Canada

  • Paid parental leave

  • Paid time off to volunteer in your community

  • Charitable Giving Match Program

  • 401(k) with 6% company matching

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • Plus a broad range of career development, networking, and team-building opportunities

Learn more about our benefit offerings on ourBENEFITS & WELLBEINGpage



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