Customs Specialist

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment in Chicago is seeking an experienced Customs Entry Writer to handle both import and export entries, ensuring accurate documentation and timely filing in compliance with U.S. customs regulations.

You will review shipping documents, classify duties, coordinate with customers and authorities, and manage multiple entries with deadlines. The role offers hands-on operation in a fast-paced logistics environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Customs Entry Writer or in customs brokerage.
• Experience handling both import and export customs entries.
• Knowledge of U.S. customs procedures, HTS classification and import/export compliance.
• Familiarity with ACE, AES and relevant customs filing systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisation and communication skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated and ownership-driven approach to work.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• CargoWise experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit import and export customs entries and declarations
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and other shipping documentation
• Ensure accurate tariff classification, customs valuation and duty calculations
• Manage export filings, including AES/EEI submissions where applicable
• Ensure compliance with CBP requirements and relevant customs regulations
• Identify and resolve documentation discrepancies, customs holds and filing issues
• Liaise with customers, freight forwarders, carriers and customs authorities
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely filing and file closure
• Manage multiple entries while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines

Skills

Customs Entry Writer

Import & Export entries

U.S. customs procedures

ACE AES systems

Attention to detail

Proactive ownership

Problem solving

CargoWise

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Customs Entry Writer to join an established freight forwarder in Chicago. This is a hands‑on operational role for someone confident handling both import and export customs entries, ensuring accurate documentation, timely filing and compliance with relevant customs regulations.

The ideal candidate will be organised, detail-focused and comfortable managing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit import and export customs entries and declarations
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and other shipping documentation
• Ensure accurate tariff classification, customs valuation and duty calculations
• Manage export filings, including AES/EEI submissions where applicable
• Ensure compliance with CBP requirements and relevant customs regulations
• Identify and resolve documentation discrepancies, customs holds and filing issues
• Liaise with customers, freight forwarders, carriers and customs authorities
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely filing and file closure
• Manage multiple entries while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines

What We're Looking For

• Experience as a Customs Entry Writer or in customs brokerage
• Experience handling both import and export customs entries
• Knowledge of U.S. customs procedures, HTS classification and import/export compliance
• Familiarity with ACE, AES and relevant customs filing systems
• Excellent attention to detail, organisation and communication skills
• Proactive, self-motivated and ownership-driven approach to work
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• CargoWise experience is highly desirable

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity to join an established and growing logistics operation
• Collaborative working environment
• Exposure to a wide range of international freight and customs operations