Customs brokers work for various businesses that import and export goods
across international borders. They assist the businesses by clearing goods
through customs. They ensure the goods are delivered on time.
It may only take a few seconds for you to flash your ID, answer a couple
questions and zoom across the Canada-U.S. border. But there is much more paperwork
involved if products and merchandise are making their way across the divide.
Customs brokers prepare and process import and export documents and forms
that comply with customs regulations, laws and procedures.
This means customs brokers have to know a lot about import restrictions,
tariffs, letters of credit and insurance requirements. They figure out the
amount of duty and taxes on goods. They have to know the conditions that may
apply to different merchandise. Brokers prepare declarations, entry papers
and other forms for their clients.
Customs brokers troubleshoot problems when they arise. They figure out
what forms are needed or what must be done to get a client's goods across
the border. When problems occur, customs brokers represent their clients at
tribunals and deal with government officials.
Many brokers quote duty rates for clients. They also help choose storage
and modes of transport for their goods, and help arrange redelivery of cargo.
In our global economy, more goods flow freely across borders. That means
there will continue to be work for customs brokers. "The more freight is moving,
the more work there is for us," says Gary French, a customs broker in California.
"Conditions apply to all goods, and they have to be checked."
Customs brokers can be self-employed or work in custom brokerage houses.
They are employed by businesses that need their services to expedite (smoothly
move) goods across the border. The businesses are often located in border-crossing
towns, in airports or at ports. However, remote filing is making it possible
for companies to clear goods from centralized locations.
Customs brokers need to be available when customs offices are open. "We
are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week," says Tamra Johnson, a customs
broker. "Customs is open all the time, and so we have to be too. That means
you can't always work 9 to 5."
Customs brokers work in an office setting. "We work at computer modules,
so I think that a physically challenged person could do the work," says Johnson.
It can be stressful work. Brokers are constantly trying to answer questions:
will the shipment be on time? Will it get through the border? What happens
if it doesn't?