13-1041.08Apprenticeship

Customs Brokers

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

Career Cluster:Management & Entrepreneurship
Job Family:Business and Financial Operations
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
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Technology Tools

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Key Tasks

  • Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.
  • Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.
  • Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.
  • Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.
  • Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.
  • Classify goods according to tariff coding system.
  • Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.
  • Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.
  • Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.
  • Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.
  • Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.
  • Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.
  • Monitor or trace the location of goods.
  • Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.
  • Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.
  • Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.
  • Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.
  • Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.
  • Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.
  • Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.
  • Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.
  • Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.
  • Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.

Skills

Active Listening
75%
Reading Comprehension
72%
Speaking
69%
Writing
69%
Complex Problem Solving
69%
Critical Thinking
69%
Time Management
56%
Monitoring
56%
Active Learning
56%
Service Orientation
56%
Judgment and Decision Making
56%
Learning Strategies
53%
Mathematics
50%
Systems Analysis
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
50%
Negotiation
50%
Instructing
50%
Coordination
50%
Persuasion
47%
Systems Evaluation
47%
Management of Material Resources
38%
Management of Financial Resources
31%
Programming
22%
Operations Monitoring
22%
Technology Design
19%
Operations Analysis
16%
Quality Control Analysis
6%
Operation and Control
0%
Repairing
0%
Troubleshooting
0%
Installation
0%
Science
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Transportation
79%
English Language
78%
Administrative
76%
Law and Government
75%
Customer and Personal Service
74%
Computers and Electronics
61%
Administration and Management
60%
Geography
59%
Mathematics
58%
Economics and Accounting
54%
Communications and Media
44%
Public Safety and Security
44%
Education and Training
40%
Sales and Marketing
40%
Telecommunications
40%
Personnel and Human Resources
38%
Foreign Language
35%
Production and Processing
30%
Psychology
21%
Engineering and Technology
15%
Sociology and Anthropology
13%
Design
13%
History and Archeology
10%
Philosophy and Theology
10%
Mechanical
8%
Food Production
8%
Fine Arts
6%
Building and Construction
6%
Therapy and Counseling
6%
Medicine and Dentistry
5%
Chemistry
5%
Biology
4%
Physics
4%

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Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
72%
Written Comprehension
72%
Near Vision
69%
Oral Expression
69%
Oral Comprehension
69%
Written Expression
69%
Speech Clarity
66%
Information Ordering
63%
Category Flexibility
60%
Speech Recognition
60%
Problem Sensitivity
56%
Inductive Reasoning
56%
Selective Attention
53%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Mathematical Reasoning
47%
Originality
47%
Number Facility
47%
Perceptual Speed
44%
Time Sharing
44%
Memorization
44%
Far Vision
41%
Speed of Closure
41%
Visualization
28%
Auditory Attention
25%
Visual Color Discrimination
25%
Hearing Sensitivity
22%
Finger Dexterity
16%
Depth Perception
13%
Trunk Strength
13%
Dynamic Strength
6%
Wrist-Finger Speed
3%
Reaction Time
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
0%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Control Precision
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Rate Control
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Manual Dexterity
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
90%
Working with Computers
87%
Processing Information
83%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
83%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
81%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
80%
Documenting/Recording Information
75%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
74%
Analyzing Data or Information
71%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
70%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
70%
Performing Administrative Activities
69%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
65%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
65%
Training and Teaching Others
65%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
63%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
63%
Coaching and Developing Others
58%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
57%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
57%
Developing and Building Teams
57%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
55%
Thinking Creatively
54%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
51%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
49%
Staffing Organizational Units
49%
Scheduling Work and Activities
47%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
47%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
47%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
42%
Selling or Influencing Others
42%
Assisting and Caring for Others
30%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
24%
Controlling Machines and Processes
22%
Handling and Moving Objects
21%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
17%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
13%
Performing General Physical Activities
11%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
7%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
5%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

100%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

98%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

96%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

95%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

93%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

93%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

83%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

82%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

80%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

79%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

78%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

74%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

74%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

74%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

71%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

66%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

63%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

63%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

61%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

61%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

59%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

59%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

56%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

54%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

44%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

41%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

34%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

33%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

29%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

28%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

24%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

19%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

19%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

16%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

10%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

10%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

9%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

9%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

9%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

9%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

8%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

8%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

6%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

6%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

4%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

3%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

1%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

1%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

1%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

1%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

1%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

1%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

1%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

1%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

0%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

45%

Post-secondary certificate

20%

Bachelor's degree

20%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

86

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

68

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

24

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

20

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

9

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Integrity
91%
Attention to Detail
89%
Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
80%
Perseverance
59%
Achievement Orientation
55%
Cooperation
54%
Self-Confidence
53%
Stress Tolerance
52%
Initiative
49%
Intellectual Curiosity
47%
Adaptability
46%
Self-Control
41%
Social Orientation
40%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
37%
Sincerity
36%
Leadership Orientation
24%
Humility
16%
Optimism
15%
Empathy
9%

Work Values

Achievement
67%
Independence
67%
Recognition
61%
Relationships
61%
Working Conditions
56%
Support
50%

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