Customs Entry Writer

About the Role

The Customs Entry Writer prepares, reviews, and processes import customs entries for inbound shipments, ensuring full compliance with U.S. Customs and applicable government agency requirements. This role coordinates the timely clearance, transportation, and delivery of imported shipments while maintaining accurate documentation and providing responsive communication to customers and logistics partners.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate customs entries for all import shipments and submit them to U.S. Customs in a timely manner.
• Review import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and other supporting documents, to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Identify products subject to other government agencies (OGA) and ensure appropriate data is captured and reported.
• Determine correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule classifications and enter OGA/PGA data into the customs entry systems.
• Interface with customers regarding Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and OGA delivery requirements, addressing questions, irregularities, and issues promptly and professionally.
• Manage and update daily tracking reports for open shipments to ensure visibility and timely follow-up.
• Track and trace shipments and coordinate with steamship lines, freight forwarders, and container freight stations (CFS) to confirm the availability and status of imported cargo.
• Issue delivery orders and arrange pick-up and final delivery with trucking companies and other transportation providers.
• Handle accounting-related processes, including issuing invoices and reviewing and approving freight bills for accuracy.
• Apply knowledge of Incoterms and ocean freight processes to support proper handling, billing, and coordination of inbound shipments.
• Maintain high standards of customs compliance and customs brokerage practices, staying aligned with current regulations and internal procedures.

Skills

• Strong understanding of current U.S. Customs regulations and Harmonized Tariff Codes.
• Hands-on experience with import processes, inbound shipments, customs compliance, and customs brokerage operations.
• Proficiency in CargoWise One for customs entry preparation, tracking, and documentation management.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, for documentation, reporting, and data management.
• Ability to interpret and work with bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and other import documents.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate data entry, classification, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities to handle multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills for interfacing with customers, steamship lines, freight forwarders, and trucking companies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in import customs brokerage, customs entry writing, or a closely related role.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Customs Broker License is a plus, but not required.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and ocean freight processes.
• Familiarity with OGA/PGA requirements and procedures.
• Experience managing tracking reports and shipment visibility tools.
• Experience in handling accounting processes related to invoicing and freight bill approval.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite position based in an office setting, working primarily from a cubicle. The role involves extensive use of computers and software such as CargoWise One and Microsoft Office to manage entries, documentation, and shipment tracking. The environment is structured and detail-oriented, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and timely coordination of import activities during standard business hours.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Memphis, TN.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $26.44 - $33.65/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Memphis, TN.