Experienced Customs Brokerage & Import Transportation Representative

WEST Forwarding Services; Bensenville (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WEST Forwarding Services in Bensenville, IL, seeks a detail-oriented Customs Brokerage & Transportation Representative to manage import operations, prepare U.S. customs clearances, and deliver exceptional customer service.

You will coordinate air and ocean shipments, ensure compliant documentation, and maintain accurate shipment records, billing, and relationships with carriers and clients.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in import processes and customs clearance.
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and best practices.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with strong problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process customs entries for air, ocean, and cross‑border shipments.
• Ensure regulatory requirements and documentation are accurate and complete.
• Maintain and update HTS databases for clients.
• Distribute shipment documents to carriers, forwarders and clients promptly.
• Review client billing based on pricing and deadlines.
• Stay informed on tariff actions affecting assigned clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with airlines, forwarders, brokers, and logistcs partners.
• Provide timely tracking and clearance updates to clients.
• Deliver courteous, professional customer service.

Skills

Import processes

Trade regulations

Customer service

Organization

Time‑management

Problem solving

Licensed Customs Broker

Tools

Descartes

Job description

Customs Brokerage & Transportation Representative

Company Overview

WEST (World Express Shipping, Transportation and Forwarding Services, Inc.)is a fully licensed and bonded international freightforwardingcompany with more than 40 years of industryexpertise. As an Ocean Transportation Intermediary, IATA agent, and Licensed Customs Broker, we deliver cost‑effective, reliable global freight solutions backed by concierge‑level customer service. Our long‑standing commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as a trusted leader in international freightforwardingand customs brokerage.

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail‑orientedCustoms Brokerage & Transportation Representativeto join our team in Bensenville, IL. In this role,you’llmanage import transportation operations, prepare and process U.S. customs clearances, and provide exceptional customer service.You’llbe responsible forunderstanding client requirements, ensuring compliant andtimelydocumentation, and coordinating the movement of air and ocean shipments.

Daily tasks include quoting,trackingand tracing, coordinating local deliveries, andmaintainingaccurateshipment records.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and process customs entries for air, ocean, and occasional cross‑border shipments.
• Ensure all regulatory requirements and documentation—such as transit documents and customs clearances—areaccurateand complete.
• Maintain and update client‑specific HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) databases.
• Distribute and release shipment documentation to carriers, forwarders, customers, and delivery agentsin a timely manner.
• Review and complete client billing based on established pricing, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Stay current on Presidential tariff actions and how theyimpactassigned clients.
• Build andmaintainstrong relationships with airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, trucking companies, and otherlogisticspartners.
• Prepare reports and providetimelytracking, tracing, and clearance updates to clients.
• Deliver courteous, professional, and responsive customer service.

Qualifications

• Proficiencyin import processes, including transportation and customs clearance.
• Understanding ofinternational trade regulations and best practices.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Licensed Customs Broker preferred.

MinimumRequirements

• 3–5+ yearsof hands‑on experience in quoting, filing, and auditing customs entries.
• Experience working withParticipating Government Agencies (PGAs)involved in customs processes.
• Proficiencywithcustomsentry software—Descartes preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including spreadsheets and database tools.
• Solid understanding of customs and international trade regulations.