Customs Specialist

C.H. Robinson Worldwide; Long Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

C.H. Robinson Worldwide is seeking a Customs Specialist to protect compliance, minimize risk, and ensure smooth clearance of shipments through customs.

You will manage complex exceptions, government holds, and high-impact issues, while collaborating with brokers, carriers, and internal teams on-site three days a week and remotely two days. Role requires 2–3 years entry-writing experience in international transport and strong knowledge of HTS and compliance procedures.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2–3 years of entry-writing experience in international transportation.
• Preferred: Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Familiarity with HTS, ABI/AMS queries, or entry summary components.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Review and validate customs entry data for accuracy, compliance, and timely cargo clearance.
• Resolve complex customs exceptions and regulatory concerns.
• Manage government agency holds and examinations (CBP, FDA, CPSC, VACIS, CET, Tailgate).
• Interpret regulations and apply them across daily operations and automated processes.
• Maintain customer-specific SOPs, HTS databases, and compliance requirements.

Skills

Excellent communication

Prioritization

Multi-tasking

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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.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 clearanceResolve complex customs exceptions, including documentation gaps, classification issues, valuation discrepancies, and regulatory concernsManage government agency holds and customs examinations, including CBP, FDA, CPSC, VACIS, CET, and Tailgate inspectionsServe as a trusted customs compliance expert, interpreting regulations and applying them across daily operations and automated processesPrioritize critical shipment issues to prevent delays and maintain exceptional service for customersPartner with customs brokers, transportation providers, and internal teams to ensure seamless import clearance and deliveryOwn and maintain customer-specific SOPs, HTS databases, and compliance requirements to support operational excellenceInvestigate and resolve cargo damage claims, insurance matters, demurrage, detention disputes, and other high-impact shipment issuesConduct quality reviews of customs entries and automated decisions to ensure compliance, accuracy, and process effectivenessDrive continuous improvement by identifying workflow enhancements, supporting automation initiatives, and helping optimize customs operations and exception managementRequired Qualifications:High School Diploma or GEDMinimum 2-3 years of entry-writing experience, international transportation or experience with AI AgentsPreferred Qualifications:Associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in related fieldExperience supporting automation-enabled workflows or BPO-integrated operationsFamiliarity with customs exams, government agency holds, or dangerous goods processesKnowledge of ABI, AMS queries, or entry summary componentsProficient in Microsoft Office Suite of programsPrior experience in customer-facing operational support or escalation managementKnowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the supply chainExcellent communication, prioritization, and multi-tasking skillsExcellent customer service skills and follow up to be utilized with customers and the networkProven track record of dealing with customers and being client focusedCritical-thinking, flexibility, and problem-solving skills to adapt to ever-changing tasks and customer needsReputation for logical, methodical and expedient approach to problem resolutionHigh level of attention to detailAbility to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven office environmentValues a diverse and inclusive work environmentMust 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 - $45.96The 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 OpportunityC.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\\VeteranBenefitsYour Health, Wealth and SelfYour 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 includePrescription drug coverageEnhanced Fertility benefitsFlexible Spending AccountsHealth Savings Account (including employer contribution)Dental and VisionBasic and Supplemental Life InsuranceShort-Term and Long-Term DisabilityPaid observed holidays2 paid floating holidays for U.S. hourly employeesFlexible 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 CanadaPaid parental leavePaid time off to volunteer in your communityCharitable Giving Match Program401(k) with 6% company matchingEmployee Stock Purchase PlanPlus a broad range of career development, networking, and team-building opportunitiesLearn more about our benefit offerings on our BENEFITS & WELLBEING page