Customs Specialist at C.H. Robinson in Phoenix, AZ

Customs Specialist
Location: Long Beach, CA United States of America
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. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your expertise directly impacts customers and business performance, we encourage you to apply.
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:
The duties and responsibilities of this position consist of, but are not limited to, the following:
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, international transportation or experience with AI Agents
Preferred Qualifications:
Associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in 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 to be utilized 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, as employment in this department requires written approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for individuals with felony convictions, unless prohibited by applicable state or local law.
We will review applications for this role on an ongoing basis and encourage all interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience.
Compensation Range
$21.76 - $45.96
The base pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Your individual base pay within this range is determined by work location, which takes into account geographic cost of labor, and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base pay only and do not include additional variable compensation.
Questioning if you meet the mark? Studies have shown that some individuals may be less likely to apply unless they match the job description exactly. Here at C.H. Robinson, we’re building an inclusive workplace where all employees feel they belong. If this position excites you, we welcome you to apply whether you check all the preferred qualifications or just a few. You may just be our next great fit!
Equal Opportunity
C.H. Robinson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a workplace and performance culture that reflects the strengths of our worldwide marketplace. We value unique experiences and diverse backgrounds of our people within our company, our business relationships, and our communities. We’re committed to providing an inclusive environment, free from harassment and discrimination, where all employees feel welcomed, valued and respected.
EOE\Disabled\Veteran
Benefits
Your Health, Wealth and Self
Your total wellbeing is the foundation of our business, and our benefits support your financial, family and personal goals. We provide the top-tier benefits that matter to you most, including:
Three medical plans which include
Prescription drug coverage
Enhanced Fertility benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Account (including employer contribution)
Dental and Vision
Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Paid observed holidays
2 paid floating holidays for U.S. hourly employees
Flexible Time Off (FTO) offered to U.S. salaried employees — no accruals and no caps. Paid Time Off (PTO) offered to all other employees in the U.S. and Canada
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
Plus a broad range of career development, networking, and team-building opportunities
Learn more about our benefit offerings on our BENEFITS & WELLBEING page
Additional Locations: Phoenix, AZ United States of America