Customs Specialist - Contract Role - 12 Months - Night Shift

Role overview

As a Customs Specialist with Kuehne+Nagel, you will help keep international freight moving by ensuring customs processes are accurate, compliant, and completed on time. The position focuses on import/export documentation, tariff classification, customs filings, and coordination with clients, customs officials, and internal teams. The work supports global supply chains and helps make everyday moments possible by enabling goods to reach stores and customers as planned.

Key accountabilities

• Assign the correct HTS classification to merchandise so the applicable duty rate is applied properly.
• Check shipment details carefully and enter them into customs brokerage software such as CargoWise to create complete and compliant customs entries.
• Prepare and organize supporting paperwork, including invoices, packing slips, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
• Track entry progress and coordinate with Customs and Border Protection on discrepancies, missing information, or processing delays.
• Keep customers informed about shipment progress, documentation needs, and any issues that may affect clearance.
• Respond to client questions in a clear, professional manner and explain customs rules and procedures as needed.
• Strengthen client relationships by delivering dependable service and meeting expectations consistently.
• Work closely with internal departments to support smooth import operations.
• Stay current with changing customs rules, regulatory requirements, and industry practices to maintain compliance.
• Spot possible compliance concerns early and escalate them to management when needed.
• Take part in internal compliance training and review customs data to identify patterns and opportunities for process improvement.
• Watch processing timelines closely to help ensure entries are completed within client deadlines.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant has a solid foundation in customs clearance and customer service, along with a working understanding of CargoWise. A background in trade documentation, geography related to international shipping, and basic regulatory knowledge will be helpful in succeeding in this role.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in customs clearance and customer service.
• Practical familiarity with CargoWise.
• Knowledge of domestic and international geography, including countries, major cities, and ocean ports.
• Basic understanding of U.S. regulatory laws.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, customs regulations, and other government agency requirements.

Compensation and benefits

The target base salary range for this contract role is $48,000 to $60,000 per year. Pay may differ within that range based on experience, skills, location, internal equity, and other business considerations. The total rewards package includes health and dental coverage, a retirement savings plan, and tuition reimbursement. The company also offers a global work environment, training opportunities, and career mobility.

Additional information

Applicants who need accommodation during the recruitment or interview process, including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms, can request support and reasonable adjustments.

This posting is for a currently available role and is not a future talent pool.

Artificial intelligence tools may assist with parts of recruitment, such as reviewing materials or helping with scheduling, but hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

About the company

Kuehne+Nagel is a global logistics organization with a long-standing heritage and a focus on moving the world forward. Its work supports everyday commerce, healthcare, sustainable transportation, and local communities, offering employees a stable environment where their careers can make a meaningful difference.