How to Import into the US

What's your advice on how to begin with a career in customs brokering? I've read the forum's postings from people who are interested, but I haven't come across anything that address how to start from square one. I'm career transitioning (from college teaching) and for various reasons customs brokerage interests me very much, but I don't know the first thing about how to get into it. Here are some specific questions I have:
What kind of position to look for?
What kind of company?
To try or not to try to take the custom's broker exam before looking for a job in the industry?
What are some typical career paths?
I see that someone has suggested that a typical salary for someone starting out is between 35-45k. Is this even for someone with zero experience?

I've been on the ncbfaa website, but that doesn't offer much help for someone trying to get into the field, only those already in it.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts or advice anyone has.
Thanks! :D

Where are all you experts out there? Usually there are excellent replies right away--don't let me down, please! I need info from the source!

Ah, I happened to bump into a recuiter who said he knew something about the field (True? Who knows?...) and his opinion is that it's a very competitive field and difficult to succeed in. Any comments on this as well?

Thanks again.

Have you tried the AAEI? Might be worth a shot. Mind you, I'm no expert :-)

I'm not familiar with it. What is it?

I cekcked it out--very interesting infomation--thanks! I still need someone to answer my initial questions--anyone?

Not much time today, so here's a quick answer:


If you have zero experience, try starting with an entry writer postion with a freight forwarder. Requirements are: attention to detail, computer skills, typing skills, written and verbal skills a plus.


Lookup freight forwarders in the yellow pages and online. Hopefully you live near an airport or seaport where they tend to cluster. Try for the large companies first as they will have the best benefits, infrastructure, and procedures in place. Balance small companies by upping your salary request (good luck), title (for future resumes), working hours, etc. You will learn more about the business working for a small one-stop-shop, but you will have to do a lot more work.


A brokerage license is an excellent credential in this field, although you can do OK without it. Get yourself 6 months of experience for a basic understanding of the industry and sign up for the next test. Study one to two hours a day, five days a week.


Brokerage manager, sales, independent consulting, the list goes on. There are a lot of ways to go in the industry and experience as an entry writer will be a good background for almost anything.


Depends on where you live, your age, other experience. Shoot for 30-35k depending on the cost of living in your area. Add 5k for every year of experience or your license.

Final note: start building a contact list as soon as possible. Develop personal relationships with customers, co-workers, etc. These are the people you will turn to first when it comes time to look for a new job.

Hope this helps,

ITI

_________________
Informed Trade International
http://www.itintl.com

Posts to this forum are not legal advice under any circumstances and should not be treated as such.

Very helpful. I can't say thanks enough. For when you do have time and feel like waxing poetic: would you advise someone to go into this career? Do you think that it's stable and has potential for growth? I'm really interested, but I'm coming from one career that's been a dead end professionally and financially and I don't want to make the same mistake twice.

Thanks are also do to Mr. Salad for his helpful suggestion the other day. Cheers!

Hi Stallila,
Maybe we can collaborate on extracting information out of the tar baby (Remember the story of Breir Rabbit and the tar baby). I am also searching for info on the customs broker occupation. So far I have been able to determine what it takes to become licensed. That includes getting exam prep training, taking the exam (hopefully passing the exam) and applying for a license. From the response you have received it appears a salary of 35K to 45K can be expected. That’s all good info. Can anyone comment on the business aspects of a customs broker agency. What fees are charged, for what services and what are the fees based on?

Hypothetical questions: 1. What kind of revenue can a customs brokerage collect on a container coming from China. 2. What about an automobile from Germany. 3. A truckload of clothing from Mexico.

In making these transactions what does the customs broker have to invest? Bonding is an issue I would like to understand in a little more detail. Does the customs broker assume the responsibility of collecting freight from the shipper and paying the Carrier like a freight broker does?

What liability exposure does the customs broker assume?

_________________
It is better to be 5 or 10 points off course than to have no direction at all.

I everyone I run a small trucking company in chicago I would like to get into
custom brokering I would like to take the broker test in 07" I would like advise
on starting on my own after passing and obtaining a license. After looking around I see they have parterships with other brokers. How diffucult would this be to start. I am in no rush.

We have many clients that sign up on our software who are just starting their own brokerage. Many of them come from other brokerages with the desire to be their own boss and make more money. I'd say its important to see if you can find potential clients first- and maybe try to specialize in a certain type of import. This is definitely a growing field with a lot of money to be made.

_________________
[SIZE="2"]Jennifer Zynda
Licensed Customs Broker
Training & Support Supervisor

[SIZE="3"][color="Red"][font="Arial Black"]SmartBorder[/SIZE][/font][/color] by South Ranch Inc[/SIZE]
http://www.smartborder.com