Customs Specialist

C.H. Robinson · Rolling Meadows, IL · 2 days ago

Management$25.38–$40.21/hrFull-time

About the role

C.H. Robinson is looking for a Customs Specialist who will play a critical role in protecting compliance, minimizing risk, and ensuring the seamless movement of customer shipments through the customs clearance process. In this role, you will serve as a trusted customs expert, managing complex exceptions, government agency examinations, and high-impact shipment issues while delivering exceptional service and operational excellence. You will leverage your regulatory expertise and problem-solving skills to support accurate customs clearance, drive continuous improvement, and help optimize automated customs operations.

At C.H. Robinson, we’re firm believers in the power of in-person collaboration to fuel innovation and propel success. In this role, you will engage with peers on-site three days a week, igniting creativity and driving impactful results. With the flexibility for remote work two days a week, this role strikes the perfect balance between teamwork and autonomy.

Responsibilities

Review and validate customs entry data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely cargo clearance
Resolve complex customs exceptions, including documentation gaps, classification issues, valuation discrepancies, and regulatory concerns
Manage government agency holds and customs examinations, including CBP, FDA, CPSC, VACIS, CET, and Tailgate inspections
Serve as a trusted customs compliance expert, interpreting regulations and applying them across daily operations and automated processes
Prioritize critical shipment issues to prevent delays and maintain exceptional service for customers
Partner with customs brokers, transportation providers, and internal teams to ensure seamless import clearance and delivery
Own and maintain customer-specific SOPs, HTS databases, and compliance requirements to support operational excellence
Investigate and resolve cargo damage claims, insurance matters, demurrage, detention disputes, and other high-impact shipment issues
Conduct quality reviews of customs entries and automated decisions to ensure compliance, accuracy, and process effectiveness
Drive continuous improvement by identifying workflow enhancements, supporting automation initiatives, and helping optimize customs operations and exception management

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED
Minimum 2–3 years of entry-writing experience or international transportation experience

Preferred Qualifications

Associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field
Experience supporting automation-enabled workflows or BPO-integrated operations
Familiarity with customs exams, government agency holds, or dangerous goods processes
Knowledge of ABI, AMS queries, or entry summary components
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of programs
Prior experience in customer-facing operational support or escalation management
Knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the supply chain
Excellent communication, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills
Excellent customer service skills and follow-up with customers and the network
Proven track record of dealing with customers and being client-focused
Critical-thinking, flexibility, and problem-solving skills to adapt to ever-changing tasks and customer needs
Reputation for logical, methodical, and expedient approach to problem resolution
High level of attention to detail
Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven office environment
Values a diverse and inclusive work environment

Must comply with 19 CFR 111.53(e) requirements, including eligibility to work in a Customs Brokerage role. Candidates must be able to pass an initial and annual background check.

Pay

Compensation Range: $25.38 – $40.21 per hour (base pay only; does not include additional variable compensation).

Benefits

Three medical plans with prescription drug coverage
Enhanced Fertility benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account (including employer contribution)
Dental and Vision coverage
Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Paid observed holidays
Two paid floating holidays for U.S. hourly employees
Flexible Time Off (FTO) for U.S. salaried employees — no accruals and no caps
Paid Time Off (PTO) for all other U.S. and Canadian employees
Paid parental leave
Paid time off to volunteer in your community
Charitable Giving Match Program
401(k) with 6% company matching
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Career development, networking, and team-building opportunities