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Trainee Customs Entry Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ensure accurate and timely data entry into our operating system. * Transpose customs declaration ... Contribute to maintain strong relationships with customs officers. * Ensure compliance at all times ...

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Trainee Customs Entry Officer information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee customs entry officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee customs entry officer in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are trainee customs entry officers?

Trainee customs entry officers are entry-level professionals who assist in the processing and clearance of imported and exported goods through customs. They work under supervision to ensure that shipments comply with all government regulations, complete necessary documentation, and calculate duties and taxes. These officers often learn about tariff codes, trade agreements, and customs laws as part of their training. Their role is vital in maintaining the smooth and legal flow of goods across borders.

What is the difference between Trainee Customs Entry Officer vs Customs Entry Officer?

AspectTrainee Customs Entry OfficerCustoms Entry Officer
QualificationsBasic high school diploma, on-the-job trainingRelevant certifications, experience in customs procedures
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised tasksFull responsibilities in customs clearance
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with documentation, learning proceduresProcessing customs entries, ensuring compliance

The main difference is that a Trainee Customs Entry Officer is in training and gaining experience, while a Customs Entry Officer is fully responsible for processing customs documentation and compliance. The trainee role focuses on learning and support, whereas the officer role involves independent decision-making and operational duties.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Customs Entry Officer, you need a good understanding of import/export regulations, strong attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with customs clearance software, data entry systems, and sometimes specialized training or certification in customs procedures is beneficial. Excellent communication skills, integrity, and the ability to work under pressure help you manage complex documentation and interact with clients and authorities. These skills are vital to ensure compliance with laws, avoid costly errors, and facilitate smooth and legal movement of goods across borders.

What are some common challenges faced by Trainee Customs Entry Officers during their first year?

During their first year, Trainee Customs Entry Officers often encounter challenges such as learning complex customs regulations, mastering various software systems used for declarations, and keeping up with frequent changes in trade laws. Adapting to tight deadlines and high volumes of paperwork can also be demanding, especially during peak shipping seasons. However, most organizations provide structured training and mentorship to help new officers build confidence and develop their skills efficiently.
More about Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Customs Entry Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Customs Entry Officer jobs? The most popular types of Customs Entry Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Customs Entry Officer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Trainee Customs Entry Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 17% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Customs Brokerage Customer Service

Customs Brokerage Customer Service

Expeditors Intl. of Washington

Elkridge, MD • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Expeditors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 339 rated logistics


Job description

Company Description

Expeditors is a leader in the international transportation industry and has opportunities for motivated team players who are looking for a challenging and rewarding place to work. Expeditors culture of organic growth and promotion from within, combined with a strong management team and unique compensation structure, continuously attracts the highest caliber employees.

By recruiting, motivating and retaining the best personnel in the business, we feel we will keep our leadership position in the marketplace. Our business is quality customer service and our people are what make that happen. We hire individuals based on attitude and train them for the skills it takes to make a successful career here. As part of their career development and overall job evaluation, our employees are required to take a minimum of 52 hours of training per year.

Job Description

Scope of Position:

Ensure the proper and timely movement and clearance of freight, while providing an exceptional customer service within the Customs Brokerage department.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Ensure smooth and timely customs process flow.
  • Ensure accurate and timely client billing.
  • Understand all the elements of the import and export customs DLSOP (Desk Level Standard Operating Procedure) and correctly interpret this information to fulfill our customers' instructions and expectations.
  • Ensure accurate and timely data entry into our operating system.
  • Transpose customs declaration information from documents, or other sources into the customs entry system to allow for the build of a valid customs declaration.
  • Assist with verification of customs declaration information and the submission of such to the customs authority.
  • Track and trace Customs files.
  • Interact with customs authorities to address any issues/questions that may arise during the clearing process.
  • Attend any customs inspections or present documents to customs authorities when such are requested.
  • Act as the liaison between the customs authorities (or other government agencies and customers)
  • Ensure timely customs clearance of cargo to customer for Import and Export shipments.
  • Verify documents received for Import and Export customs purposes are compliant and correct.
  • Interact with our customers in arranging their international shipments, meeting customer service standards.
  • Contribute to maintain strong relationships with customs officers.
  • Ensure compliance at all times to regulations. This includes internal policies and procedures such as Operational Process Standards (OPS) and external government regulations (eg. OEA) or customer policies / requirements.
  • Understand department process flow, constantly looking for areas of improved efficiency.
  • Keep up to date on all regulatory requirements governing the import and export of goods. This includes but is not limited to customs procedures for imports and exports, other government agency requirements i.e. health, agricultural, police and military, export controls and prohibited and restricted goods.
  • Meet KPI standards, as per the company's procedures.
  • Overseas communications, timely responses to emails and requests (internal and external)
Qualifications
  • 6 months to 1 year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Good knowledge of customs brokerage processes and systems
  • Good knowledge of customs legislation, especially with regards to classification, valuation and origin.
  • Understanding of ocean and air documentation process.
  • Knowledge of air, road and ocean transport.
  • Good knowledge of incoterms
  • Effective interpersonal skills, including proven abilities to listen, comprehend, effectively communicate clearly and concisely to obtain positive results.
  • Pro-active, strong organizational skills.
  • Computer skills
  • Fluent in English
Additional Information

Expected base salary $21-$24 per hour

May be eligible for bonus following first year of continuous employment in position.

Expeditors offers excellent benefits:

  • Paid Vacation (first year prorated based off month of hire then eligible for 15 days)
  • Holidays (10)
  • Flexible Days (2)
  • Paid Sick Time (accrual rate of 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours paid)
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (additional eligibility criteria)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DC FSA)
  • Commuter Benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Training and Personnel Development Program
  • Educational Assistance and Reimbursement

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO Guidelines.


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