Professionals working in freight forwarding customs clearance jobs ensure that all shipments are accompanied by the necessary customs documentation. They may also arrange the payment of duties and taxes.
Entry requirements
No set qualifications are required to work in freight forwarding customs clearance jobs, but larger companies often prefer to take on employees with A levels, a BTEC National Award in Logistics or a degree. It may be possible to enter into freight forwarding customs clearance careers through an apprenticeship scheme, which provides trainees with the chance to earn NVQs in Traffic Office or BTECs in Customs Import and Export Procedures.
Where to find Customs Clearance jobs
The majority of freight forwarding customs clearance jobs are found in transport and distribution companies. While opportunities for freight forwarding staff are increasing, there are a limited number of vacancies for trainees. Employment openings tend to be found mainly in transport centres, such as airports, ports and railway terminals, and are often advertised through freight forwarding publications and recruitment agencies dealing with logistics jobs. Freight forwarding customs clearance staff are usually required to work outside of normal office hours and in large companies, shift work is required. Overseas travel is common.
Starting salaries for staff working in freight forwarding customs clearance jobs may be around £10,000 a year. With training and experience, employees may be promoted to supervisory or managerial positions. Alternatively, they may specialise in dealing with particular countries.