Jobs › C.H. Robinson

Customs Specialist

C.H. Robinson · Rolling Meadows, IL · $25.38–$40.21 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a complex customs exception you resolved. What made it hard, and how did you work it out?

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on experience solving messy clearance problems, not just routine filings.

Tell me about a time you spotted a recurring problem in a process and fixed it so it stopped happening.

What they are checking: Whether they drive continuous improvement and look for root causes instead of fixing the same error repeatedly.

What would you do

A shipment has been selected for a CBP exam and the customer is calling every hour. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage a government exam process and the customer's anxiety at the same time, with clear updates.

A customer pushes you to file an entry a certain way that you believe is not compliant, because it saves them duty. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they will protect compliance under customer pressure, which protects both the customer and the company.

You have several high-impact shipment issues landing at once on a hybrid day at home. How do you prioritize and keep the team informed?

What they are checking: Whether they can triage by risk and value and communicate well when not sitting next to their teammates.

About the work

Walk me through how you review a customs entry before it is filed. What are you checking, and in what order?

What they are checking: Whether they have a careful, repeatable review method for entry data, since one wrong field can cause penalties or delays.

How would you handle an entry where the HTS classification on the invoice looks wrong to you?

What they are checking: Whether they know classification drives duty and compliance risk, and will question data instead of passing it through.

A partner government agency like FDA or USDA has put a hold on a shipment. How do you approach getting it released?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that other agencies have their own rules and timelines beyond CBP, and how to work them.

More of the customs process is now automated. How do you decide when to trust the automated output and when to step in?

What they are checking: Whether they can work alongside automation, catching its errors and helping improve it rather than ignoring or fearing it.

Which customs regulations or changes have you had to learn quickly, and how do you stay current?

What they are checking: Whether they keep their regulatory knowledge fresh, since tariff and rule changes can hit many entries at once.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by C.H. Robinson.

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 We will review applications for this role on an ongoing basis and encourage all interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience. Compensation Range $25.38 - $40.21 The base pay range displayed on the job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base pay for this specific location. Your individual base pay within this range is determined by 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

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