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Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder

Kaiwhakawhiti Taupare/Utanga

Customs brokers and freight forwarders arrange the clearance (through customs) and collection of imported cargo, and the shipment of cargo for export.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a customs broker or freight forwarder. However, NCEA Level 3, business studies, English and maths are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for customs brokers and freight forwarders includes:

  • working for a shipping line or importer/exporter
  • work in customs
  • courier work
  • office or accounts work
  • warehouse and stores work.

What you will do

Customs brokers and freight forwarders may do some or all of the following:

  • find the most appropriate and cost-effective way of moving goods
  • check import/export documents and clear goods through customs
  • arrange insurance for goods, and the payment of duties and taxes
  • classify goods into different tariff groups by using an international tariff-coding system
  • document cargo and complete relevant paperwork for submission to customs
  • communicate with transport companies and record the movement of goods while they are in transit.

Skills and knowledge

Customs brokers and freight forwarders need to have knowledge of:

  • transport systems
  • methods of packing and stowing goods
  • customs regulations and procedures
  • carriage of goods laws, including dangerous goods and biosecurity regulations
  • international laws and standards for transporting goods
  • shipping terms and United Nations port codes.
Pay

Customs brokers usually earn

$48K-$90K

per year

Freight forwarders usually earn

$48K-$70K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a customs broker or freight forwarder are average for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience.
Length of training
<1
year of training required.

Industry

Administration

Customs brokers and freight forwarders arrange the clearance (through customs) and collection of imported cargo, and the shipment of cargo for export.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

Becoming a customs broker

To become a customs broker you need to have a Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation unique user identifier (CBAFF UUI) course certificate. This allows you to apply for a New Zealand Customs unique user identifier (UUI), commonly known as a personal identification number (PIN). You need a PIN to lodge documentation with New Zealand Customs.

Becoming a freight forwarder

There are no specific requirements to become a freight forwarder. However, a New Zealand Certificate in International Freight Forwarding may be useful.

Chances of getting a job

Demand highest for experienced customs brokers and freight forwarders

Demand for customs brokers and freight forwarders is high. This is expected to continue due to ongoing growth in the volume of New Zealand’s imports and exports. 

However, few entry-level vacancies arise in this area, and demand is highest for those with experience.

Most people enter the industry through other entry-level roles, such as import/export clerk or customs compiler, and gain experience before becoming customs brokers or freight forwarders.

According to the Census, 1,524 customs brokers/freight forwarders worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Local and international freight companies employ customs brokers and freight forwarders

Approximately 350 companies employ customs brokers and freight forwarders in New Zealand. About a third are large international companies, and the rest are smaller, New Zealand-owned companies.

Progression and specialisations

Customs brokers and freight forwarders may progress into management positions.

Customs brokers and freight forwarders often specialise in either importing or exporting. They may also specialise in a type of freight such as air or sea freight.

Working conditions

Custom brokers and freight forwarders:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may need to work evenings or early mornings to communicate with clients in different time zones
  • work in offices, warehouses and sometimes at airports or ports.

Useful personal qualities

Customs brokers/freight forwarders need to be:

  • accurate and well organised
  • inquiring and willing to learn while they are working
  • able to work well under pressure and make decisions quickly
  • good communicators
  • able to gain people's trust and keep information private.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Administration

Customs brokers and freight forwarders arrange the clearance (through customs) and collection of imported cargo, and the shipment of cargo for export.

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