Home › Business & Finance › Customs Brokers

How a customs broker can use AI, task by task

O*NET 13-1041.08: Customs BrokersMedian pay $80,730/year (BLS, May 2025)23 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Broker, CCS (Certified Customs Specialist), Corporate Licensed Broker, LCB (Licensed Custom Broker), LCB (Licensed Customs Broker).

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 26%AI-assist 62%Stays human 12%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 5 AI-ready, 15 AI-assist and 3 human-led tasks out of 23. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Classify goods according to tariff coding system.Review & check · Several times a day
Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.Write it up · Several times a day
Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.Crunch the numbers · Several times a day

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.Lead people · Hourly or more
Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.Lead people · Daily
Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.Be there for people · Monthly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 5

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.

Several times a day

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to prepare and process import and export documentation according to customs regulations, laws, or procedures.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Here's what I have for the import and export documentation: [rough notes, the facts, figures and decisions behind it]

Write a clear first draft that I can check and finish. Keep it [one page / short / formal], laid out so I can paste it into Microsoft Word. Use headings if they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Draft the import and export documentation

Step 1Pull up the last import and export documentation you did, or jot 5 rough bullets for the next one.

Step 2Paste the prompt and put those bullets in [rough notes]. Pick the length in [one page / short / formal] to match what goes into Microsoft Word.

Step 3Fix every [CHECK] against your source and anything else that's wrong, then compare the time with writing the import and export documentation from scratch. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Oversee business processes..

Calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.

Several times a day

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to calculate duty and tariff payments owed on shipments.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel and Tariff databases; the work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Task: [orders, coverage, quantities]
Data: [paste]

Calculate with formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Operational calculations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you calculate duty and tariff payments owed.

Step 2Fill in [Task] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate data to inform organizational operations..

Stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.

Daily

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations by reading current literature, attending meetings or conferences, or conferring with colleagues.

Context: The work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Area: [regulations, standards]
Jurisdiction: [where]

Summarize recent and pending changes, with official sources to check. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Regulatory update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you stay abreast of changes in import or export laws or regulations (today).

Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Jurisdiction] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Verify every change at the official source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments..

Sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to sign documents on behalf of clients, using powers of attorney.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Transaction or account: [describe]
Requirements: [forms, regulations]

List documents needed and draft the correspondence. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Compliance paperwork

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you sign documents on behalf of clients (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Transaction or account] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance..

Prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to prepare papers for shippers to appeal duty charges.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Submission: [type, agency]
Materials: [describe]

Draft an outline and checklist of required sections. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Regulatory submission prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare papers (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Submission] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare regulatory or compliance documentation..

AI can help you prep these 15

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Classify goods according to tariff coding system.

Several times a day

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to classify goods according to tariff coding system.

Context: We use Automated system for customs data ASYCUDA and Tariff databases; the work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Product or label: [paste]
Regulations: [requirements]

Check each requirement and flag issues. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Label and product compliance

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you classify goods.

Step 2Fill in [Product or label] and [Regulations] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine product information to ensure compliance with regulations..

Request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.

Several times a day

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to request or compile necessary import documentation, such as customs invoices, certificates of origin, and cargo-control documents.

Context: We use Automated system for customs data ASYCUDA and Customs records databases; the work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Submission: [type, agency, deadline]
Contributors and documents: [who owes what]

Make a tracker: each required section, owner, status, review step and the agency requirement it meets.

10-minute exercise: Regulatory submission coordination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you request or compile necessary import documentation.

Step 2Fill in [Submission] and [Contributors and documents] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check the section list against the agency's current guidance. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate regulatory documentation activities..

Advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.

Daily

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 42% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to advise customers on import and export restrictions, tariff systems, insurance requirements, quotas, or other customs-related matters.

Context: We use Materials requirement planning MRP software and Automated system for customs data ASYCUDA; the work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Topic: [EEO, patents, regulations]
Audience: [management]

Explain requirements and actions. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Compliance advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise customers (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on legal or regulatory compliance matters..

Pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.

Daily

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to pay, or arrange for payment of, taxes and duties on shipments.

Context: We use SAP software and Microsoft Access.
Payments: [duties, freight, claims]
Authority: [limits]

Organize a payment checklist. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Paying charges or fees

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you pay, or arrange for payment of and taxes and duties (today).

Step 2Fill in [Payments] and [Authority] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both. Recompute every total yourself.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Pay charges, fees, or taxes..

Confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.

Daily

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to confer with officials in various agencies to facilitate clearance of goods through customs and quarantine.

Context: We use SAP software and Microsoft Access.
What needs approval: [shipment, filing, permit, submission]
Agency or body: [who approves]

List documents required, forms, deadlines, typical questions from the agency, and a tracker template. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Authorization paperwork tracker

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with officials (today).

Step 2Fill in [What needs approval] and [Agency or body] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check the document list against the agency's current requirements.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Obtain documentation to authorize activities..

Obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.

Several times a day

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to obtain line releases for frequent shippers of low-risk commodities, high-volume entries, or multiple-container loads.

Context: We use SAP software and Microsoft Access.
What needs approval: [shipment, filing, permit, submission]
Agency or body: [who approves]

List documents required, forms, deadlines, typical questions from the agency, and a tracker template. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Authorization paperwork tracker

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you obtain line releases.

Step 2Fill in [What needs approval] and [Agency or body] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check the document list against the agency's current requirements.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Obtain documentation to authorize activities..

Quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.

Daily

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to quote duty and tax rates on goods to be imported, based on federal tariffs and excise taxes.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Damage or service: [describe]
Records: [parts, labour times, bills]

Build an estimate using standard rates with formulas and notes. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Repair or claim estimate

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you quote duty and tax rates (today).

Step 2Fill in [Damage or service] and [Records] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Estimate costs of goods or services..

Monitor or trace the location of goods.

Daily

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to monitor or trace the location of goods.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Inventory: [warehouse, purchases]
Data: [paste levels, costs, deliveries]

Analyze levels, flag low or excess stock, and give reorder formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Inventory monitoring

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor or trace the location of goods (today).

Step 2Fill in [Inventory] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check flagged items with a physical count.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor inventories of products or materials..

Post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to post bonds for the products being imported or assist clients in obtaining bonds.

Context: We use SAP software and Microsoft Access.
Payments: [duties, freight, claims]
Authority: [limits]

Organize a payment checklist. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Paying charges or fees

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you post bonds (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Payments] and [Authority] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Pay charges, fees, or taxes..

Inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to inform importers and exporters of steps to reduce duties and taxes.

Context: The work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Topic: [duties, budgets, cost analysis]
Audience: [importers, departments]

Explain options clearly. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Financial advice explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inform importers and exporters of steps (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on financial matters..

Contract with freight forwarders for destination services.

Daily

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to contract with freight forwarders for destination services.

Context: The work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Supplier: [type]
Terms: [price, discount, transport]

Prepare and role-play. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Supplier contract negotiation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you contract with freight forwarders (today).

Step 2Fill in [Supplier] and [Terms] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Negotiate contracts with clients or service providers..

Provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 40% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to provide advice on transportation options, types of carriers, or shipping routes.

Context: We use Materials requirement planning MRP software; the work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Need: [shipping, routes]
Customer: [describe]

Explain options and recommendation. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Logistics advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide advice (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Need] and [Customer] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on logistics topics..

Apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.

Monthly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to apply for tariff concessions or for duty drawbacks and other refunds.

Context: We use SAP software and Microsoft Access.
Application: [loan, refund, concession]
Details: [describe]

Organize documents and draft supporting text. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Financial application

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you apply for tariff concessions.

Step 2Fill in [Application] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Submit financial applications..

Insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to insure cargo against loss, damage, or pilferage.

Context: We use SAP software and Microsoft Access.
Payments: [duties, freight, claims]
Authority: [limits]

Organize a payment checklist. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Paying charges or fees

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you insure cargo (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Payments] and [Authority] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Pay charges, fees, or taxes..

Suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 33% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.

Context: The work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Issue: [market, operations, policy]
Audience: [groups, dealers]

Write advice with reasons. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Business advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you suggest best methods of packaging or labeling products.

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on business or operational matters..

These stay human 3

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: constant contact with others · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Dealing with the public: very important · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day

Clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.

Hourly or more

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to clear goods through customs and to their destinations for clients.

Context: The work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Operation: [transport, storage, removal]
People: [describe]

Plan coordination. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating logistics

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clear goods (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [People] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate logistics or other business operations..

Arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to arrange for transportation, warehousing, or product distribution of imported or exported products.

Context: The work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Operation: [transport, storage, removal]
People: [describe]

Plan coordination. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating logistics

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you arrange for transportation (today).

Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [People] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Coordinate logistics or other business operations..

Maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to maintain relationships with customs brokers in other ports to expedite clearing of cargo.

Context: The work draws on law and government, transportation and administrative.
Event or contact: [trade show, conference, introduction]
My goal: [suppliers, clients, partners]

Prepare a 20-second intro, 5 good questions, and a follow-up message template. Then play someone I meet.

10-minute exercise: Networking prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain relationships.

Step 2Fill in [Event or contact] and [My goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Follow up within two days with the people you met.

Importance 2.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop business relationships..

Get the full prompt pack for Customs Brokers

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Critical Thinkingimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Writingimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Logisticians42% human-led · Needs more preparation · $82,320/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Operations Analysis, Coordination, Monitoring
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents2% human-led · Needs more preparation · $78,660/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Systems Evaluation, Service Orientation, Persuasion
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products11% human-led · Same preparation
Skills to build: Negotiation, Management of Financial Resources, Persuasion
Financial Managers40% human-led · Needs more preparation · $166,570/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Management of Financial Resources, Management of Personnel Resources, Social Perceptiveness

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 1 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 0 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Submit data for reporting to government agencies.

New in O*NET

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a customs broker. Part of my job is to submit data for reporting to government agencies.

Context: We use SAP software and Microsoft Access.
Here's what I'm working with: [paste the data for reporting to government agencies, with private details removed]

Organize this into [a table / the fields in SAP software or Microsoft Access / a checklist]. Point out anything missing or inconsistent, and suggest a template I can reuse next time.

10-minute exercise: Template: data for reporting to government agencies

Step 1Take a real example you handle next time it comes up (data for reporting to government agencies).

Step 2Paste it into [paste the data for reporting to government agencies] and choose the output in [a table / the fields in SAP software or Microsoft Access / a checklist].

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

New O*NET task (08/2026). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so it was labelled by hand.

Getting into this job

O*NET has not surveyed education and training for this occupation yet.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP software