Customs, Ship and Other Brokers
(NOC 1315)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationCustoms brokers clear goods through customs and to their destination for importer and exporter clients. Shipbrokers buy and sell cargo space on ships and buy and sell ships, yachts and other watercraft for clients. This group also includes other brokers who negotiate commercial transactions, logistics or other services between parties for clients. They work for customs, ship or other brokerage firms or may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Customs, Ship, and Other Brokers most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 63% of Customs, Ship, and Other Brokers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$36,707
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$27.85
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Customs brokers clear goods through customs and to their destination for importer and exporter clients. Shipbrokers buy and sell cargo space on ships and buy and sell ships, yachts and other watercraft for clients. This group also includes other brokers who negotiate commercial transactions, logistics or other services between parties for clients. They work for customs, ship or other brokerage firms or may be self-employed.
Job duties
Customs brokers:
- Prepare and process import/export documents for clients according to customs regulations, laws and procedures.
- Sign import/export documents for clients, using power of attorney.
- Pay duties, taxes, storage and transportation of imported goods and bonds to cover duty goods.
- Quote duty and tax rates on commodities for clients.
- Provide advice to clients on export and import restrictions, tariff systems, letters of credit, insurance requirements and other custom related matters.
- May represent clients before administrative tribunals or in other dealings with government officials.
Shipbrokers:
- Buy and sell cargo space on ships for individuals, companies and governments.
- Consult trade publications and other sources to provide information to clients on available cargo space, destinations, rates and departure locations and times, and arrange ship charters for clients.
- Negotiate rates and terms and prepare contracts and other papers.
- Buy and sell ships, yachts and other watercraft on behalf of clients.
- Inspect vessels, explain features and negotiate price when purchasing or selling for clients.
- Arrange for insurance coverage for cargo or for ships.
- Arrange for registration and licensing of ships.
Sample job titles
- cargo broker
- chartered shipbroker
- customs broker
- gas broker
- licensed customs broker
- shipbroker
- ship line agent
Skills
You need excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. You must have good negotiation skills and be attentive to detail. The ability to analyze detailed information accurately and quickly is necessary to make decisions. You must have initiative and be willing to accept new ideas and take risks. You must be efficient and aware of customer needs. Familiarity with computers would be helpful.
Job requirements
- High school is required and some college or university education in commerce or a related field may be necessary to work in these jobs.
- Customs brokers need several years of on-the-job training and a customs brokers training program through the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers.
- A customs broker licence, issued by the Canada Border Services Agency, is required for an individual or company to operate a customs brokerage business.
- Shipbrokers selling cargo space on ships usually need several years of on-the-job training or related experience like shipping company scheduling experience.
- Shipbrokers selling watercraft usually need in-depth experience with, and knowledge of, various watercraft.
- Correspondence courses from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers are available for shipbrokers.
Other considerations
There is no movement between the different types of brokers in this group.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
65+
35-44
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
N/ABachelor
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Business Administration and Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. They include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.
Professional Designation: Professional designation exists and shows that the holder has met the standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.
Professional Designation: Professional designation exists and shows that the holder has met the standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.