Customs Broker Resume Guide

A strong resume is essential for Customs Brokers to demonstrate regulatory expertise, compliance track record, and logistics problem-solving under scrutiny. Hiring managers look for precise knowledge of HS codes, tariff classification, duty mitigation, and proven interactions with CBP and other agencies. Resumize.ai helps Customs Brokers create professional, ATS-optimized resumes by translating technical accomplishments into concise, metrics-driven statements and keyword-rich profiles tailored to brokerage and trade compliance roles.

What skills should a Customs Broker include on their resume?

HTSUS classificationCBP/ACE/ABIImport/Export documentationTariff and duty calculationTrade complianceCustoms valuationEntry filingRegulatory liaisonLanded cost analysisBond managementAudit and protest handlingTrade agreements (FTA/NAFTA/USMCA)Cargo release coordinationTrade data analysis

What are the key responsibilities of a Customs Broker?

•Prepare and file import/export documentation, including ISF, ACE/ABI entries, manifests, and commercial invoices
•Classify goods using HTSUS/HS codes and determine appropriate tariff, duty, and tax treatment
•Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other government agencies (FDA, USDA, EPA)
•Calculate duties, fees, and estimated landed cost; advise clients on duty mitigation strategies
•Coordinate with carriers, freight forwarders, and clients to resolve cargo holds, examinations, and detentions
•Manage audit-ready recordkeeping and respond to customs inquiries, audits, and protests
•Monitor regulatory changes and implement process updates and training for brokerage teams
•Negotiate entry release, bonded warehouse, and drawback processes to optimize supply chain flows

How do I write a Customs Broker resume summary?

Choose a summary that matches your experience level:

Entry Level

Entry-level Customs Broker with hands-on experience preparing import documentation and classifying goods under HTSUS. Proficient in ACE/ABI entry filing and committed to maintaining compliance and accurate recordkeeping.

Mid-Level

Customs Broker with 4+ years managing ACE/ABI entries, tariff classification, and duty calculations for B2B clients. Proven record reducing entry delays by 30% through process improvements and proactive CBP coordination.

Senior Level

Senior Customs Broker and trade compliance specialist with 10+ years leading brokerage operations, audit responses, and complex classification disputes. Expertise in duty mitigation, drawback claims, and implementing scalable compliance programs.

What are the best Customs Broker resume bullet points?

Use these metrics-driven examples to strengthen your work history:

"Reduced average entry release time by 30% (from 48 to 34 hours) by implementing ACE/ABI workflow optimizations across 2 brokerage teams."
"Managed 12,000+ import entries annually, achieving 99.6% accuracy in HTSUS classification and lowering post-entry adjustments by 45%."
"Recovered $420,000 in duties through successful drawback claims and classification protests over a 3-year period."
"Led compliance program updates that passed a CBP audit with zero critical findings and less than 3 minor observations."
"Negotiated bonded warehouse terms and optimized storage strategies, decreasing storage costs by 18% and improving release times by 22%."
"Trained and mentored 8 junior brokers and clerks on tariff classification, ACE entry filing, and recordkeeping best practices, improving team productivity by 25%."
"Implemented tariff engineering reviews that identified $150K annual duty savings for a major importer by reclassifying multisource components."
"Coordinated resolution of 95% of cargo holds within 48 hours through direct agency liaisons and expedited documentation processes."

What ATS keywords should a Customs Broker use?

Naturally incorporate these keywords to pass applicant tracking systems:

Customs BrokerHTSUSHS classificationACEABIImport/Export DocumentationTariff ClassificationDuty CalculationLanded CostTrade ComplianceCBPBond ManagementDrawbackCustoms AuditEntry FilingProtest ManagementFree Trade AgreementsUSMCANAFTACargo ReleaseCustoms ValuationRegulatory ComplianceRecordkeepingTrade RemediesFreight Forwarder CoordinationCustoms ClearanceImporter Security FilingClass Action

Frequently Asked Questions About Customs Broker Resumes

What skills should a Customs Broker include on their resume?

Essential skills for a Customs Broker resume include: HTSUS classification, CBP/ACE/ABI, Import/Export documentation, Tariff and duty calculation, Trade compliance, Customs valuation. Focus on both technical competencies and soft skills relevant to your target role.

How do I write a Customs Broker resume summary?

A strong Customs Broker resume summary should be 2-3 sentences highlighting your years of experience, key achievements, and most relevant skills. For example: "Customs Broker with 4+ years managing ACE/ABI entries, tariff classification, and duty calculations for B2B clients. Proven record reducing entry delays by 30% through process improvements and proactive CBP coordination."

What are the key responsibilities of a Customs Broker?

Key Customs Broker responsibilities typically include: Prepare and file import/export documentation, including ISF, ACE/ABI entries, manifests, and commercial invoices; Classify goods using HTSUS/HS codes and determine appropriate tariff, duty, and tax treatment; Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other government agencies (FDA, USDA, EPA); Calculate duties, fees, and estimated landed cost; advise clients on duty mitigation strategies. Tailor these to match the specific job description you're applying for.

How long should a Customs Broker resume be?

For most Customs Broker positions, keep your resume to 1 page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Senior professionals with extensive experience may use 2 pages, but keep content relevant and impactful.

What makes a Customs Broker resume stand out?

A standout Customs Broker resume uses metrics to quantify achievements, includes relevant keywords for ATS optimization, and clearly demonstrates impact. For example: "Reduced average entry release time by 30% (from 48 to 34 hours) by implementing ACE/ABI workflow optimizations across 2 brokerage teams."

What ATS keywords should a Customs Broker use?

Important ATS keywords for Customs Broker resumes include: Customs Broker, HTSUS, HS classification, ACE, ABI, Import/Export Documentation, Tariff Classification, Duty Calculation. Naturally incorporate these throughout your resume.

Ready to build your Customs Broker resume?

Ready to land your next role as a Customs Broker? Use Resumize.ai (http://resumize.ai/) to build an ATS-optimized, metrics-driven resume that highlights your regulatory expertise, classification accuracy, and compliance achievements in minutes.

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