Salary of a Customs Broker in New York

New York is one of the busiest shipping ports in the world.

In New York, certified customs brokers are in high demand. Certified custom brokers are licensed by the United States Treasury Department or operate under a corporate license held by their employer, and are under the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security. Salaries for customs brokers are dependent on location, experience, the complexities of shipments handled, and the amount of cargo processed.

Job Description

New York certified customs brokers prepare all required documentation to expedite cargo shipments, and they verify that shipments meet United States customs rules and regulations. A customs broker reviews the shipment destination laws, then processes supportive documentation to facilitate the export and import of goods. They sign documents under a power of attorney, processes payments on behalf of their clients, and track taxes, duties and import fees. Customs brokers also represent clients in negotiations with customs officials, apply for tariff reclassification and duty refunds, and coordinate transport and storage of brokered goods.

Income

Customs brokers are classified by the U.S. Department of Labor among business operations specialists. Career One Stop, sponsored by the Department of Labor, reported that as of 2009, the median annual income for business operations specialists in New York was $66,400. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned an annual wage of $38,500 or less, while those in the highest 10 percent earned $112,300 or more. The U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics reported that as of May 2010, the annual median income for business operations specialists nationwide was $62,450.

Qualifications

Customs brokers should have excellent written and oral communications skills and the ability to work well with others. A proficiency in English is one of the most important requirements. Brokers should have the ability to keep up with fast-evolving computer technology, as well as ever-changing international rules, regulations, tariffs, and import and export duties. Applicants applying for a license must be 21 years of age, a United States citizen, and not an employee or officer of the United States government. Contact the United States Department of Homeland Security for a complete study guide, fee and application requirements, and New York state examination locations.

Education And Experience

Individual wishing to pursue a career as a New York custom broker can gain experience working in a clerical position for an international import and export firm. Candidates should have education or experience related to international trade, business or economics. Post-secondary education is not required. Preparation for the certification examination can be accomplished in a few months. There are more than 11,000 actively licensed customs brokers located in the United States.

References

• United States Department Of Homeland Security: Becoming A Customs Broker
• Career One Stop; Occupation Profile; Business Operations Specialists
• My Majors: Customs Broker Career Information
• US Department Of Labor; Bureau Of Labor Statistices; Employment Opportunity Outlook Handbook-2010-11 Edition; Business Operations Specialists

Resources

• Baruch College: Certificate: Customs Broker License Preparation Certificate