Customs Specialist

Kuehne+Nagel; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel in San Diego is seeking a Customs Specialist to optimize import/export processes, ensuring compliant and timely entries for our global clients. You will audit entries, review documentation, classify goods, and support customs brokerage activities to maintain smooth supply chains.

Join a team dedicated to accuracy, regulatory compliance, and exceptional client service. The role involves collaboration across internal departments, staying current with evolving regulations, and

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in Customs Clearance and Customer service.
• Working knowledge of CargoWise and related customs software.
• Knowledge of domestic and international geography, U.S. regulatory laws, and INCO terms.

Responsibilities

• Classify merchandise using HTS to determine duty rates.
• Input shipment data into customs systems to generate compliant entries.
• Prepare documentation for customs clearance including invoices, packing slips, certificates of origin.
• Monitor entry status with CBP and communicate with clients on shipment status and requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless import logistics and compliance.

Skills

Customs clearance

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

It\'s more than a job As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. But the impact of your work goes beyond that. In fact, your expertise makes both special and ordinary moments possible for people around the world. For example, your work could ensure that a global product launch happens on time—such as ethically sourced beauty and bath products stocked at local stores for your loved one's valued self-care routine. It\'s import and export work, but it\'s also so much more than we imagine.

It\'s more than a job As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. But the impact of your work goes beyond that. In fact, your expertise makes both special and ordinary moments possible for people around the world. For example, your work could ensure that a global product launch happens on time—such as ethically sourced beauty and bath products stocked at local stores for your loved one's valued self-care routine. It\'s import and export work, but it\'s also so much more than we imagine.

In this role, you will be responsible for auditing and processing customs entries, including the pre-keying and filing of entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will be reviewing and analyzing import documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with customs regulations, and processing entries in a timely manner. You will also support various customs brokerage activities and perform other duties related to customs entry management as required.

How you create impact

• Accurately classify merchandise using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to determine appropriate duty rates.
• Thoroughly review and input shipment data into customs brokerage systems (e.g., Cargowise) to generate complete and compliant customs entries.
• Prepare necessary documentation including invoices, packing slips, and certificates of origin for customs clearance.
• Monitor entry status and follow up with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on any discrepancies or delays.
• Proactively communicate with clients regarding shipment status, potential issues, and required documentation.
• Address client inquiries promptly and professionally, providing clear explanations of customs regulations and procedures.
• Build strong relationships with clients by delivering consistent, high-quality service and exceeding expectations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless coordination of import logistics.
• Stay updated on evolving customs regulations and industry best practices to maintain compliance.
• Identify and elevate potential compliance risks to management.
• Conduct thorough document audits to ensure accuracy and adherence to customs laws.
• Participate in internal compliance training programs and analyze customs data to identify trends and potential areas for improvement.
• Generate reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to customs clearance efficiency and compliance.
• Monitor and manage entry processing times to meet client deadlines.

What we would like you to bring

• A high school diploma or GED certificate is prefered
• 2+ years\' experience in Customs Clearance and Customer service
• Working knowledge of Cargo Wise
• Knowledge of domestic and international geography including countries, major cities and ocean ports along with basic knowledge of U.S. Regulatory Laws
• Basic knowledge of INCO terms, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Customs regulations and other government agency requirements

What\'s in it for you

At Kuehne+Nagel we strive daily to inspire, empower, and deliver not only to our customers, but also to our colleagues. We offer a dynamic global work environment with opportunities for excellent training programs and career mobility. The target base salary wage for this position is between $28.85 and $31.25. Base wage is part of a competitive total rewards package that includes health and welfare benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, and incentive compensation for eligible roles. Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, skills, job location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. Kuehne+Nagel reviews pay ranges regularly to ensure competitive and fair pay based on industry market data.

Kuehne+Nagel participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in specific process [e.g., screening applications, interview scheduling]. These tools analyze information to support decision-making, but final decisions are made by human reviewers.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world. As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.

Kuehne+Nagel is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws that prohibit workplace discrimination and unlawful retaliation. Kuehne+Nagel strictly prohibits all discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religious creed or belief, physical or mental disability, marital or familial status, legally protected medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sexual orientation, citizenship status, protected activity (such as opposition to or reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment. Kuehne+Nagel will also make reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and employees, including accommodations for pregnancy and childbirth, and for the sincerely held religious beliefs of applicants and employees depending upon individual circumstances unless such accommodation would create an undue hardship on Kuehne+Nagel.