
Customs Entry Writer Job at Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment in Tr
Altius Talent | Freight Forwarding Recruitment, Trenton, NJ, United States
We are representing a Dutch-founded, independently owned customs house broker and international freight forwarder with a U.S. operation anchored in northern New Jersey and active since 1995.
Their brokerage division processes a high volume of ocean and air import entries moving through Port Newark, Port Elizabeth, and Newark Liberty International Airport, serving a client base built primarily across retail, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. The New Jersey team is their largest in North America and sits at the centre of one of the busiest port environments on the East Coast.
This is a well-structured brokerage operation. SOPs are in place, the licensed broker is experienced and accessible, and the team knows what it is doing. The expectation for someone coming in at this salary level is that they can manage a full entry load from day one, handle PGA complexity without being walked through it, and communicate with clients and CBP directly and professionally.
They have one vacancy and are not looking to fill it twice.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Prepare, review, and transmit formal and informal customs entries through ACE/ABI, including CBP Form 7501 and 3461, ensuring full accuracy and compliance with CBP regulations and client SOPs before every submission.
Classify imported goods against the Harmonised Tariff Schedule, applying correct HTS codes, duty rates, and valuation methods across a diverse and complex product base.
Review all supporting import documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, arrival notices, and certificates of origin, verifying completeness and accuracy before entry build.
File Importer Security Filings accurately and on time, and manage PGA data requirements for shipments involving FDA, USDA, EPA, FWS, and other participating government agencies.
Handle customs exam coordination, FDA holds, ISF discrepancies, and AMS mismatches, acting as the primary point of contact to resolve delays and keep freight moving.
Communicate directly with clients, ocean carriers, airlines, truckers, and CBP officers to obtain missing documentation, resolve entry queries, and drive timely cargo release.
Enter all billing charges into the freight management system accurately and close files within established timelines.
Maintain and update client Standard Operating Procedures and HTS databases, escalating classification or valuation issues to the licensed broker without delay.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
A minimum of three years of hands‑on experience as a customs entry writer within a licensed customs house broker or freight forwarding operation, with demonstrable experience managing a full ocean and air import entry load independently.
Strong working knowledge of ACE/ABI filing, HTS classification, CBP valuation rules, and PGA compliance requirements across multiple government agencies.
Direct experience handling FDA, USDA, and other PGA holds and exam coordination in a port environment.
Solid ISF filing experience and familiarity with the AMS and entry reconciliation processes specific to Port Newark and Port Elizabeth operations.
Proficiency in CargoWise or a comparable customs brokerage platform. Experience with the ACE portal is essential.
A CHB licence or active pursuit of one is strongly preferred at this salary level and will be supported by the company.
Accurate and composed under volume pressure, with a methodical approach to documentation and a low tolerance for errors on their own files.
WHAT'S ON OFFER
Base salary of $60,000 to $75,000 dependent on experience.
Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
CHB licence study support and exam fee reimbursement.
Monday to Friday schedule, based in the New Jersey office.
A stable, high-volume brokerage environment with a clear progression path for someone who performs consistently.
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