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Entry Writer

Aston Carter
Full-time
On-site
Torrance, California, United States
✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Entry Writer

πŸ”Ή Company: Aston Carter

πŸ”Ή Location: Torrance, California

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Temporary

πŸ”Ή Category: Logistics & Supply Chain

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 28, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid after 90 days)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Accurate and timely submission of customs entries for inbound cargo clearance
  • Excellent customer service skills and customer advocacy
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet KPIs

ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for individuals seeking an entry-level position in customs clearance and logistics, with a focus on customer service and attention to detail.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Receive and review documentation to input and transmit data for CBP release of shipments

βœ… Follow SOPs for each customer on the correct method and data required for preparing an entry

βœ… Use product files for identification of HTS details on the commercial invoice

βœ… Report to supervisor the completion of entry tasks and release of cargo

βœ… Report to supervisor exceptions to established clearance requirements

βœ… Organize the work area to identify the status of every file through every phase of the CBP entry process

βœ… Confirm to customers the release details through pre-established communication protocols

βœ… Meet KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) for import operations

βœ… Track and trace shipments and coordinate with steamship lines, freight forwarders, and CFS on the availability of imported shipments

βœ… Arrange with trucking companies the pick-up and delivery of freight

βœ… Coordinate with supervisors on delivery exceptions and special delivery instructions

βœ… Handle accounting processes related to CHB, including the issuance of invoices to customers or overseas offices and the processing of payment requisitions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Experience: 6 months to 2 years of experience and/or training in an import operation

Required Skills:

  • Air Import
  • Entry Writing
  • CFS
  • Track and trace
  • Import
  • Customs experience

Preferred Skills:

  • Bilingual or multilingual skills
  • Experience with customs clearance software

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience with customs clearance software or being bilingual/multilingual could provide a competitive advantage for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $25.00 - $30.00/hr

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental & vision
  • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
  • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Health Spending Account (HSA)
  • Transportation benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with a hybrid work arrangement possible after 90 days

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for entry-level customs clearance positions in the Torrance area.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Staffing and Recruiting

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1997

Company Description:

  • Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain, and select administrative professions
  • Provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe
  • Serves many of the Fortune 500 companies

Company Specialties:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business Support
  • Strategy
  • Change & Transformation
  • Operations
  • Banking and Financial Services
  • Administrative
  • Human Resources
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Procurement
  • and Supply Chain

Company Website: http://www.astoncarter.com

ASSUMPTION: Aston Carter is a well-established staffing and recruiting firm with a strong reputation in the industry, providing opportunities for growth and development within various professional fields.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry Level

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the supervisor within the Customs House Brokerage (CHB) team

Work Arrangement: On-site for the first 90 days, with a hybrid work arrangement possible after that period

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential for career progression within the Customs House Brokerage team
  • Opportunities to learn and develop new skills within the logistics and supply chain industry
  • Possibility to transition into other roles within Aston Carter, such as administrative operations positions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the customs clearance and logistics field, as well as potential career progression within Aston Carter.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site office in Torrance, California

Office Location(s): 9th Floor, Broadgate Quarter, 1 Snowden Street, London, EC2A 2DQ, GB; 7301 Parkway Dr S, Hanover, Maryland 21076, US; 259 George Street, Level 36, Sydney, NSW 2000, AU

Geographic Context:

  • Torrance is a city in the South Bay region of the Los Angeles metropolitan area
  • Close proximity to the Port of Los Angeles, one of the busiest ports in the United States
  • Access to public transportation, including the Metro Green Line and various bus routes

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement possible after 90 days

ASSUMPTION: The on-site work environment in Torrance, California, provides opportunities for collaboration and learning within the Customs House Brokerage team, with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement after the initial 90-day period.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
  • In-person or virtual interview with the Customs House Brokerage team
  • Background check and reference verification
  • Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Customer service skills and customer advocacy
  • Organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • Knowledge of customs clearance processes and relevant software

Application Tips:

  • Highlight any relevant experience or skills gained from previous roles or internships
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your customer service skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail
  • Prepare examples of how you have handled exceptions or special delivery instructions in previous roles

ATS Keywords: Air Import, Entry Writing, CFS, Track and trace, Import, Customs experience

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to involve an online application submission, followed by a phone or video screening, and an in-person or virtual interview with the Customs House Brokerage team. Applicants should highlight their customer service skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail in their application materials.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Customs clearance software (e.g., CBP Automated Commercial Environment, CBP Automated Broker Interface)
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with customs clearance software and relevant ERP or CRM systems may be beneficial for this role, although specific training may be provided.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Integrity
  • Expertise
  • Collaboration
  • Innovation
  • Diversity & Inclusion

Work Style:

  • Customer-focused
  • Results-driven
  • Adaptable and resilient
  • Strong team player

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have strong customer service skills and a customer-focused mindset?
  • Are you able to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment?
  • Do you have strong organizational skills and attention to detail?
  • Are you a strong team player and able to collaborate effectively with others?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Aston Carter's company values and work style, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and qualities to thrive in this role and work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
  • Dealing with complex customs clearance processes and regulations
  • Managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
  • Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement after the initial 90-day on-site period

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and be able to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively. They should also be open to adapting to a hybrid work arrangement after the initial on-site period.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to other entry-level customs clearance positions, but may offer more opportunities for career progression within Aston Carter
  • Compared to other logistics and supply chain roles, this position has a stronger focus on customer service and customs clearance processes
  • Career path for this role may include progression to senior entry writer, customs broker, or other administrative operations positions within Aston Carter

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role compared to other entry-level customs clearance positions and the potential career progression opportunities within Aston Carter.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Preparing and submitting customs entries for a variety of customers and products
  • Coordinating with steamship lines, freight forwarders, and CFS on the availability of imported shipments
  • Handling accounting processes related to CHB, including the issuance of invoices to customers or overseas offices and the processing of payment requisitions

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to handle a variety of tasks and projects related to customs clearance, customer service, and accounting processes.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
  • How does this role fit into the overall structure of the Customs House Brokerage team, and what opportunities are there for growth and development?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does Aston Carter support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What is the expected work-life balance for this role, and how does the hybrid work arrangement function after the initial 90-day on-site period?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions during the interview process to better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, as well as to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the position.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your customer service skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail
  • Prepare examples of how you have handled exceptions or special delivery instructions in previous roles
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.