Licensed Customs Broker / Senior Entry Writer - Houston, Texas

MissionHires; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MissionHires seeks a seasoned Licensed Customs Broker / Senior Entry Writer to independently manage customs entries from start to finish, with regulatory oversight and guidance for the import team. This full-time, on-site position is located in Houston, TX or Secaucus, NJ.

The candidate will prepare and troubleshoot complex import/export transactions, review documentation, and ensure CBP compliance, PTA requirements, and proper HTS classification. Strong mentoring skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Active US Customs Broker license required.
• Minimum five years of hands-on customs brokerage or import-compliance experience.
• Experience preparing customs entries from start to finish.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, transmit, and monitor customs entries from start to finish.
• Process air, ocean, and border-crossing import shipments.
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading and other entry docs.
• Enter and validate shipment information in Descartes or similar systems.
• Ensure compliance with CBP regs, 19 CFR, and PGA requirements.

Skills

Customs brokerage

Entry preparation

HTS classification

ISF & PGA

Descartes OneView

Regulatory research

Client communication

Documentation review

Education

Active U.S. Customs Broker License

Tools

Descartes

OneView

ACE

Job description

Seeking an experienced, hands-on Licensed Customs Broker / Senior Entry Writer to independently manage customs entries from start to finish, provide regulatory oversight, support customer accounts, and guide import-team members. This is a full-time, fully on-site role with one opening in Houston, TX and one opening in Secaucus, NJ. The successful candidate will actively prepare and troubleshoot complex import and export transactions involving CBP; this is not a compliance-only or management-only position.

Responsibilities:

• Work fully on-site at the assigned office; openings are available in Houston, TX (ZIP 77090) and Secaucus, NJ, with each candidate applying to one location.
• Personally prepare, review, transmit, and monitor customs entries from start to finish.
• Process air, ocean, and border-crossing import shipments.
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, arrival notices, and other entry documentation.
• Enter and validate shipment and entry information in Descartes or other customs brokerage systems.
• Prepare and transmit entry summaries, In-Bond transactions, Importer Security Filing submissions, and related customs documentation.
• Monitor entry status and respond promptly to rejects, holds, exams, requests for information, and other CBP activity.
• Prepare post-entry corrections and other entry adjustments as needed while maintaining accurate electronic entry files.
• Help ensure import transactions comply with CBP regulations, 19 CFR, Partner Government Agency requirements, and company procedures.
• Research and provide guidance on HTS classification, customs valuation, country of origin, admissibility, and special trade requirements.
• Identify incomplete, inconsistent, or potentially noncompliant information before entries are filed and review high-risk or unusual transactions requiring licensed oversight.
• Maintain complete, audit-ready documentation and communicate relevant regulatory changes to management and the import team.
• Support compliance with CBP expectations for Responsible Supervision and Control.
• Communicate directly with customers regarding missing documentation, classification questions, PGA requirements, and other customs matters.
• Manage assigned customer accounts and coordinate with carriers, airlines, steamship lines, terminals, warehouses, and other parties as needed.
• Provide technical guidance, entry review, training, and mentorship to Import Specialists, Customs Entry Clerks, and other team members.
• Identify recurring entry, documentation, and compliance issues; recommend practical workflow, recordkeeping, and procedure improvements.

Requirements:

• Active U.S. Customs Broker License.
• At least five years of hands-on customs brokerage or import-compliance experience.
• Current experience personally preparing customs entries from start to finish.
• Strong working knowledge of CBP regulations, 19 CFR, ACE, HTS classification, ISF, and Partner Government Agency requirements.
• Experience processing air and ocean imports.
• Experience reviewing commercial documents and validating customs-entry information.
• Strong knowledge of customs valuation, country of origin, admissibility, and entry documentation.
• Ability to independently research and resolve complex regulatory questions.
• Ability to identify incomplete, inconsistent, or potentially noncompliant information.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple time-sensitive entries and customer accounts.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers, management, and operational employees.
• Dependable attendance and reliable transportation.
• Must live within a practical daily commuting distance of the assigned Houston or Secaucus office and be available to work full-time, entirely in person.
• Preferred: 10 or more years of customs brokerage experience.
• Preferred: Extensive experience using Descartes customs brokerage software, particularly OneView.
• Preferred: Experience with ACE, DIS, key customer account management, and complex or PGA-regulated commodities.
• Preferred: Experience training or mentoring entry writers, Import Specialists, or Customs Entry Clerks, or supporting a small customs brokerage team.
• Preferred: Experience with machinery, electronics, automotive parts, chemicals, perishables, dangerous goods, or general merchandise.
• Preferred: Experience supporting customs-compliance programs, internal reviews, and import-data cleanup initiatives.
• Preferred: Strong Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet skills.
• Preferred: Bilingual English and Spanish.