Occupation AtlasCustoms Brokers
O*NET · 13-1041.08
Customs Brokers
Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.
36 more
CBP Agent (Customs and Border Patrol Agent) · CCS · CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) · Corporate Licensed Broker · Customs Agent · Customs Analyst · Customs Brokerage Agent · Customs Brokerage Coordinator · Customs Brokerage Entry Writer · Customs Brokerage Representative · Customs Brokerage Specialist · Customs Compliance Analyst · Customs Compliance Specialist · Customs Consultant · Customs Entry Specialist · Customs Entry Writer · Customs House Broker · Customs Specialist · Export Administrator · Export Agent · Export Coordinator · Export Specialist · Exporter · Import Administrator · Import Agent · Import Coordinator · Import Specialist · Importer · International Trade Specialist · LCB · LCB (Licensed Custom Broker) · LCB (Licensed Customs Broker) · Ocean Export Agent · Ocean Import Agent · Ocean Import Representative · Ocean Import Specialist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CERConventional · Enterprising · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.13
- E Enterprising5.02
- R Realistic2.37
- S Social2.17
- I Investigative1.53
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (25%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (30%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- InstructingImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
22 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.Importance 4.9
- Classify goods according to tariff coding system.Importance 4.8
- Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.Importance 4.8
- Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.Importance 4.8
- Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.Importance 4.6
- Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.Importance 4.6
- Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.Importance 4.6
- Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.Importance 4.5
- Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.Importance 4.5
- Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.Importance 4.5
- Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.Importance 4.2
- Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.Importance 4.1
Show the other 11
- Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.Importance 4.0
- Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.Importance 3.9
- Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.Importance 3.9
- Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.Importance 3.7
- Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.Importance 3.6
- Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.Importance 3.5
- Monitor or trace the location of goods.Importance 3.4
- Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.Importance 3.3
- Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.Importance 3.2
- Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.Importance 3.1
- Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.Importance 2.7
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Law and GovernmentImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- AdministrativeImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- TransportationImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
Show all 33
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- MathematicsImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- GeographyImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- ChemistryImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PsychologyImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- BiologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Food ProductionImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- PhysicsImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- DesignImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.8
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
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- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Number FacilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- VisualizationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.7Level 5.7
- Processing InformationImportance 4.7Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.4Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.2Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.2Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.6Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
17 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (2; 5 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Access
- SAP software
Other tools (10)
- Automated commercial environment software ACE
- Automated system for customs data ASYCUDA
- Customs records databases
- Electronic data interchange EDI software
- Materials requirement planning MRP software
- Optical character reader OCR software
- Parts classification databases
- SAP Customs Management
- Tariff databases
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Show the other 24
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Average difference 0.1 points · Operations Analysis +1.2, Science +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Insurance Underwriters
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.6, Complex Problem Solving −0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Human Resources Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.9, Quality Control Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination +0.8, Judgment and Decision Making +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Credit Counselors
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources −0.6, Service Orientation +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Intelligence Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources −0.9, Science +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Loan Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Evaluation −0.7, Judgment and Decision Making +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Procurement Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness +0.7, Systems Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.