Sr. Customs Entry Writer

Odyssey Logistics; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan with FSA/HSA

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan with Company Match

PTO and Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Odyssey Logistics is seeking an experienced Import Entry Writer to manage accurate, compliant U.S. customs entries with emphasis on FTZ admissions and compliance.

The role requires deep knowledge of CBP regulations, tariff classification, valuation, and PGA requirements to mitigate risk and ensure smooth cargo movement. The position supports FTZ operations, weekly/monthly entries, and collaboration with clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years as an Import Entry Writer within a CHB
• Experience in logistics/transportation industry
• International import/export experience required
• FTZ experience preferred but not required
• Strong knowledge of CBP regulations, HTSUS, valuation, tariffs, and trade compliance

Responsibilities

• Prepare and transmit CBP entries (3461, 7501, 7512, AES, etc.) in CBP-compliant manner
• Ensure timely clearance of cargo and meet deadlines
• Review invoices, packing lists, B/Ls, origin certificates and docs
• Determine HTS classification, duties, valuation, country of origin, and trade program applicability
• Coordinate with carriers, terminals, warehouses, and internal teams to resolve issues
• File FTZ admissions/withdrawals and zone changes
• Maintain FTZ records, reconciliation, and audit readiness
• Support CBP information requests and notices of action
• Maintain CBP recordkeeping requirements
• Advise clients on duty savings, compliance strategies, and operational efficiencies

Skills

Import Entry Writing

FTZ Knowledge

CBP Regulations

HTSUS Classification

Regulatory Compliance

Analytical Thinking

Documentation Review

Job description

Reynoldsburg, OH, Charleston, SC, St Paul, MN, Fife, WA, Fullerton, CA, El Paso, TX, or Charlotte, NC

About Odyssey Logistics

Odyssey Logistics is a global logistics and supply chain partner helping businesses optimize performance through fully integrated, end-to-end solutions. We connect transportation, technology, and expertise across a broad network of services including 3PL and 4PL managed services, multimodal and intermodal transport, warehousing, trucking, Jones Act Ocean, and customs brokerage, ensuring goods move reliably, efficiently, and intelligently around the world.

Today, Odyssey supports more than 6,000 customers globally, delivering scalable, data driven solutions across complex supply chains. What started with a single client has grown into a dynamic, evolving organization focused on performance, precision, and long-term partnership.

What Sets Us Apart

Our work is complex, fast moving, and highly collaborative. Success here requires people who think strategically, operate with urgency, and navigate across functions to solve real business challenges. We value individuals who take ownership, challenge the status quo, and turn insight into action.

Our culture is grounded in five core values: Win Together, Innovate Boldly, Drive Results, Customer Centric, and Guide with Care. These are not just principles; they shape how we make decisions, partner with customers, and show up for each other.

At Odyssey, you are not just part of a company; you are part of building what comes next.

The Role

Work Schedule/Model: Hybrid, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with remote work on Fridays.

Pay: Hourly competitive pay

Travel Requirements: None

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Reports to: CHB Manager

• All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. No relocation allowance will be considered unless specifically addressed.

Summary / Primary Role

The Custom House Brokerage (CHB) Import Entry Writer is responsible for the accurate and compliant preparation, submission, and management of U.S. Customs import entries, with an emphasis on Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) admissions, filings, and compliance. This role requires deep knowledge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, tariff classification, valuation, PGA requirements, and FTZ program rules to ensure regulatory compliance, mitigate risk, and support efficient cargo movement.

What You’ll Do

Import Entry Management

• Prepare, validate, and transmit import entries (CBP Forms 3461, 7501, 7512, AES, etc.) in compliance with CBP regulations
• Ensure timely and accurate clearance of cargo while meeting client and operational deadlines
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and other supporting documentation
• Determine correct HTS classification, duty rates, valuation, country of origin, and applicability of trade programs (USMCA, FTAs, ADD/CVD, etc.)
• Coordinate with carriers, terminals, warehouse operators, and internal teams to resolve discrepancies or clearance issues

FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) Operations

• Prepare and file FTZ admissions, withdrawals (Consumption, Transportation, Export), and zone status changes
• Ensure compliance with 19 CFR Part 146 and FTZ Board regulations
• Manage weekly and monthly FTZ entries, including reconciliation and duty optimization strategies
• Support FTZ recordkeeping, inventory control, admission documentation, and audit readiness
• Collaborate with FTZ operators and clients to maintain compliant zone processes
• Validate valuation methodologies (e.g., assists, royalties, first sale where applicable)

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with CBP, Census, FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC, and other Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting import FTZ programs
• Identify and escalation compliance risks, potential penalties, or audit concerns
• Support CBP Requests for Information (CF28) and Notices of Action (CF29)
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with CBP recordkeeping requirements

Client & Internal Support

• Serve as a subject matter expert for FTZ and customs brokerage entry questions
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding documentation requirements, clearance status, and compliance impacts
• Assist in onboarding new clients, especially those utilizing FTZ programs
• Provide guidance on duty savings, compliance strategies, and operational efficiencies

What You Bring

• Minimum 5+ years of experience as an Import Entry Writer within a licensed Custom House Brokerage (CHB)
• Required experience within the logistics or transportation industry
• International import/export experience required
• FTZ experience is strongly preferred but not required, including admissions, withdrawals, weekly entries, and compliance processes
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTSUS classification, valuation, tariffs, and trade compliance requirements
• Familiarity with PGA requirements and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) procedures
• Ability to manage multiple entries, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

• A choice of medical plans with FSA and HSA options
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Health & Wellness Program
• Discounts with Preferred Vendors

At Odyssey, we believe the best ideas come from people with different skills, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and evaluate every candidate based on the qualifications needed for the role, while also valuing the unique strengths, curiosity, and fresh thinking each person brings. Our commitment to inclusion helps fuel innovation and enables us to deliver smarter, more creative solutions for our customers. We are proud to be a workplace where everyone is treated with respect, given equal opportunity to succeed, and encouraged to contribute in meaningful ways. All employment decisions are based on merit, without regard to race or ethnicity, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Odyssey does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

Visit us at: www.OdysseyLogistics.com/careers

Odyssey does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.