Working as a Customs Broker or Freight Forwarder
Industry Overview
Importers dealing with the Canada Border Services Agency rely on a licensed customs broker to manage the documents necessary to get their shipments processed. Approximately 600 people work in this occupation in British Columbia.
Employment as a customs broker in BC is almost entirely (90%) concentrated in the Lower Mainland. The employment outlook is expected to be good in BC for the 2021-2023 period.
Sources:
Freight forwarding is one of the common activities falling within the Canadian logistics industry. This industry is experiencing growth due to globalization. In BC, the majority of freight forwarding jobs are in the Lower Mainland.
Job Outlook in BC
Customs, Ship and other Brokers
Chart from WorkBC (NOC 1315)
Freight Forwarder, Sales Representatives –Wholesale Trade
Chart from WorkBC (NOC 6411)
Employment Outlook by BC Region:
Source: WorkBC
You can learn more about working in this industry from:
Types of Employers
Customs Brokers
Most customs brokers work for brokerage or importing firms that offer services on a contract basis. Others work for private companies or organizations.
You may also be self-employed and work on contracts made directly with clients. These services are in highest demand in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Source: Career Cruising (Profile for Customs Broker).
Freight Forwarders
Sales representatives, wholesale trade (non-technical), including freight forwarding services sales representatives, work for wholesalers, producers of commodities, manufacturers, business service firms, hotels, and transportation companies.
Source: NOC
Salary
Customs Brokers
In BC, the median annual salary for customs, ship and other brokers is $50,722. Salaries vary depending on experience, education, and employer. Brokers employed by private companies may earn more than those who work for brokerage firms.
Many salaried brokers receive benefits, such as dental plans and sick days. Self-employed brokers must provide your own benefits.
Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising
In BC regions, Customs Brokers can expect to earn:
Source: Job Bank Wage Report
Freight Forwarders/Sales Representatives
The median annual salary for sales representatives in BC is $57,354. Your salary depends on the industry and employer, as well as the location. Many sales representatives are paid through a combination of salary and commission, or salary plus bonus.
Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising
In BC regions, Sales representatives, wholesale trade (non-technical), which include freight forwarders, can expect to earn:
Source: Job Bank Wage Report
Working Hours
Most customs brokers work a standard 40-hour work week, although you may need to be available on weekends and evenings to meet scheduled shipments. At border crossings, you often work in shifts in order to provide 24-hour service to clients.
Most freight forwarders work a standard 40-hour work week.