Customs Specialist
Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment, Chicago, IL, United States
Job Title:
Customs Specialist / Team Lead
Location:
Chicago, IL (ORD Area)
Overview Altius Talent is partnering with a growing international freight forwarder based in the Chicago O’Hare (ORD) area who are looking to add an experienced Customs Specialist to their team. This is a hands‑on role where the successful candidate will manage day‑to‑day customs entry processing while also helping to support, grow, and develop a newly expanding customs team within the branch.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being operationally involved while also taking on leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior staff, and helping build strong internal customs processes.
Key Responsibilities
Handle A–Z customs entry processing for air and ocean import shipments
Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other government agencies (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.)
Review commercial documentation including invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading to ensure accurate classification and entry filing
Work closely with operations teams to ensure timely cargo clearance and delivery coordination
Assist in developing and mentoring junior customs staff as the team continues to grow
Support process improvements and help establish best practices within the customs department
Resolve entry rejections, discrepancies, and customs‑related issues with brokers, clients, and government agencies
Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with internal and regulatory requirements
Requirements
Minimum 5+ years’ experience within Customs Brokerage or Freight Forwarding
Strong experience handling A–Z customs entries
Experience with PGA filings (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.) preferred
Knowledge of HTS classification and customs compliance procedures
Experience working with systems such as CargoWise or other brokerage platforms
Strong communication and organizational skills
Ability to work in a hands‑on operational role while supporting team development
What’s on Offer
Opportunity to join a growing freight forwarder expanding their customs function in Chicago
A role combining hands‑on operations with leadership responsibility
Clear potential to develop into a Customs Manager position as the team grows
Competitive salary and benefits package
If you're an experienced Customs professional in the Chicago area looking to step into a role where you can make a real impact building a team while staying operationally involved, this could be a great opportunity to explore.
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Customs Specialist / Team Lead
Location:
Chicago, IL (ORD Area)
Overview Altius Talent is partnering with a growing international freight forwarder based in the Chicago O’Hare (ORD) area who are looking to add an experienced Customs Specialist to their team. This is a hands‑on role where the successful candidate will manage day‑to‑day customs entry processing while also helping to support, grow, and develop a newly expanding customs team within the branch.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being operationally involved while also taking on leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior staff, and helping build strong internal customs processes.
Key Responsibilities
Handle A–Z customs entry processing for air and ocean import shipments
Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and other government agencies (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.)
Review commercial documentation including invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading to ensure accurate classification and entry filing
Work closely with operations teams to ensure timely cargo clearance and delivery coordination
Assist in developing and mentoring junior customs staff as the team continues to grow
Support process improvements and help establish best practices within the customs department
Resolve entry rejections, discrepancies, and customs‑related issues with brokers, clients, and government agencies
Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with internal and regulatory requirements
Requirements
Minimum 5+ years’ experience within Customs Brokerage or Freight Forwarding
Strong experience handling A–Z customs entries
Experience with PGA filings (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.) preferred
Knowledge of HTS classification and customs compliance procedures
Experience working with systems such as CargoWise or other brokerage platforms
Strong communication and organizational skills
Ability to work in a hands‑on operational role while supporting team development
What’s on Offer
Opportunity to join a growing freight forwarder expanding their customs function in Chicago
A role combining hands‑on operations with leadership responsibility
Clear potential to develop into a Customs Manager position as the team grows
Competitive salary and benefits package
If you're an experienced Customs professional in the Chicago area looking to step into a role where you can make a real impact building a team while staying operationally involved, this could be a great opportunity to explore.
#J-18808-Ljbffr