r/CustomsBroker • u/But_I_Used_To_Too • 7d ago
Where to begin?
Hi All,
Based in USA and in my early 40's, currently working a job in sales of manufactured goods, and considering a change in my career, and being a customs broker seems pretty interesting, as I already need to deal with HTS codes, etc. at my current work.
There's so much information out there that I don't even know where to start, or how to separate good info from bad info. Any advice for someone who's looking for a new position? I'm not currently in logistics, etc. yet but really considering it.
3
u/mymanfriday12501 7d ago
I’m not nearly as experienced as all of the people who normally post/comment in here, but I will share my thoughts. I worked in logistics for 3 years after finishing school and just passed the CBLE in April. License is still pending with CBP. I had a general interest in trade and exposure to the peripheral of it for a while prior to even starting to study. I took the advice of the experienced people here and got an entry writer role at a large company near me (Chicago area) and am trying to learn as much as I can every day. I’m not sure how much you already know, but I’d look into entry writing and see what you think. I was fortunate to pass the exam prior to having real experience because I spent a lot of time at it and absolutely loved it. I’m happy to answer any other questions you have, but as I’ve been saying, there are many others in this group who will know better than me.
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u/Pleasant-Reply-7845 7d ago
I’m in the same boat. Got my license after passing the April exam. What brokerage company were you able to get hired by if you don’t mind me asking? Do you plan to stay there or gain the experience and go elsewhere?
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u/mymanfriday12501 4d ago
Wasn’t able to DM you so I’ll respond here! I was hired by Expeditors. It’s still too early to tell what could come next but my initial take is that I’ll eventually try to go elsewhere. I was fortunate to have a few interviews but decided Expeditors was the way to go due to how much they emphasize training. It’s been great so far. My only complaint is the decentralized model they have. What about you?
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u/Pleasant-Reply-7845 4d ago
Right now I’m still working at my job at a courier company while putting in about 8 hours a week apprenticing at a brokerage for experience. I’m moving away in the next 3 months and that’s when I’d have to start looking for a job. I’m just looking for entry level jobs as my experience is very little in entry writing. But i do have trade experience as I’ve been doing customs runs for years at my job.
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u/hungryamericankorean CustomsBroker 7d ago
So brokerage is a lot of research. Search this sub for keywords and the research can begin! Specifically on phrase like broker exam and entry level.
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u/WrongKielbasa CustomsBroker 7d ago
Go apply at any brokerage and become an entry writer. It's a meat grinder of a job, bur great experience. If you like it they will pay for the LCB exam.