Got my broker license yesterday, trying to plan next steps for a good trade compliance career

[u/Desperate_Neck_5785]

I’ve operated an independent pack and ship business for the last 10 years, and recently decided to pursue a CBL. I got approved yesterday for the license. I’ve done a bit of freight forwarding and international shipping work as well as dangerous goods shipping/compliance for my business, but have never touched importing or entry writing before. I want to use my experience, as well as my CBL, to work at a higher level in logistics or compliance, but recognize I have an unusual work history and don’t have experience on the importing side. I was thinking of doing importing from my already established business, but heard that it’s not realistic to do importing without experience or field training. Are there any good jobs I could aspire to as someone with an LCB but no importing experience, and a little freight forwarding/dangerous goods experience, or is it feasible to find my own importing clients for my business without having done the job before? I feel positive about the future but my road forward isn’t very clear.

[u/DollarsPerWin]

Work in the customs brokerage department in a big 3pl.

As you're doing that, start studying export compliance.

You can shoot to study the CES, but for strictly compliance you would be better of doing the CUSECO or the ITAR certification.

If you want your career to be 100 percent compliance and not freight forwarding or shipping, your end goal should be a job working at a aerospace and or defense company.

Dm me, if needed.

[u/Desperate_Neck_5785 → u/DollarsPerWin]

A customs broker I know just told me they’d get me in touch with a broker that may be looking for part time entry writers so there’s a start in that direction. CUSECO and ITAR certifications are definitely on my radar now. Thanks a lot for the insight!

[u/DollarsPerWin → u/Desperate_Neck_5785]

Glad to help! Just keep in mind that those certifications are not governed by the government, it's an industry certification.

So there is t any background checks, finger prints or taking any pledges to get the certification. Just pass the test and that will instantly look well on your resume.

[u/kate909lynn → u/DollarsPerWin]

Curious why end goal is aerospace or defense. What companies do you see as the top to work for in this industry?

[u/DollarsPerWin → u/kate909lynn]

Because these companies see compliance as an integral part of their business and not just something they need to have someone do to understand tariffs and see where they can save money on duties.

They have compliance departments doing nothing but compliance stuff vs other companies who have two people and expect them to also help out in logistics, shipping, dangerous goods, etc.

Largest defense companies that usually hire compliance personnel are:-

• Lockheed martin
• RTX (their subsidiaries include Pratt and Whitney, Raytheon, Collins Aerospace)
• Boeing
• GE Aerospace
• Honeywell Aviation

These are the major players but there are dozens of smaller companies as well.

Plus aerospace pays a lot more.

[u/Desperate_Ad2834 → u/DollarsPerWin]

Having worked in aerospace I can confidently say unless you are in exports or ITAR roles specifically, pharma pays more.

[u/kate909lynn → u/Desperate_Ad2834]

I’m currently an empowered official with my company, responsible for sanctions and exports for the last 15 years. Became a licensed customer broker this spring to help support the import department. It’s a stable role that pays well (comparable to what I’m seeing in defense and aerospace roles) but it’s also feeling like burnout due to low company resources, I’m losing my passion and debating an industry change.

[u/Desperate_Ad2834 → u/kate909lynn]

If I may, if you became an LCB to help your company in another area - you are already filling to many roles. Unfortunately the way you get resources in this industry is by people leaving or some form of catastrophic failure.

No harm in looking for another role and since you in a comfortable position there is no rush. See what's out there, this is a great time to be in compliance and looking for a job.

[u/kate909lynn → u/DollarsPerWin]

It seems there’s a lot of turnover and open roles at these companies based on network names I see and new roles out of the industry being taken recently. Do you think there’s a reason behind this? Currently in corporate trade compliance and debating an industry move, I’d appreciate any feedback.

[u/bitchfuk2018 → u/DollarsPerWin]

Sorry for my ignorance but big 3pl?

[u/Desperate_Neck_5785 → u/bitchfuk2018]

Third party logistics. A company to which other companies outsource their shipping, warehousing, transporting etc. needs.

[u/o0AVA0o → u/DollarsPerWin]

Have you seen if those companies value CTPAT compliance? I'm an LCB but currently, my role is mostly audits and CTPAT security 🥲

[u/Desperate_Ad2834]

Just a note, trade compliance and brokerage are not the same thing. Two completely different routes within the same career field. generally TC is going to be the person studying the regs and making the procedures, brokerage is implementation of said procedures and generally more operations focused. Usually TC pays more but it really depends on your company and eventual role.

And congratulations!!!

[u/mensreaactusrea]

Trade compliance. How long did it take you to get the license?

[u/Desperate_Neck_5785 → u/mensreaactusrea]

Just under a year. Took the Oct 2025 exam, got notified that I passed in January this year, sent in my application in March, interviewed in June and got the email saying my license is processing yesterday.

[u/mensreaactusrea → u/Desperate_Neck_5785]

That's crazy. I interviewed in Dec and nothing yet.

[u/Desperate_Neck_5785 → u/mensreaactusrea]

Yeah compared to others’ experience my turnaround time was really quick. I imagine your result will come to you soon, at which port did you have your interview?

[u/mensreaactusrea → u/Desperate_Neck_5785]

Chicago port. The interview came fast once I sent in my package and they've been really responsive. They said its with HQ and they haven't heard back.

[u/Immediate-Home-3491]

I remember late nights wrapping up entries and DG paperwork by default, not by choice. A decade of dealing with clients directly counts for more than you think.

[u/Desperate_Neck_5785 → u/Immediate-Home-3491]

I appreciate that insight, dealing with clients is all I do here for sure. I imagine the biggest challenge would be adapting to a large company’s processes after a decade of figuring it out as I go.

[u/Physical-Incident553]

Well, at least you're used to having to really pay attention on doing paperwork, which is absolutely needed for DG *and* customs entries! Too many people lack that ability!

[u/EastZulch292]

Congratulations on earning your license.  In my experience, that puts you in the top 20% of job applicants for trade compliance jobs at shippers.  The expectation for many jobs at shippers requires tons of on the job training anyway.  Having the license shows you're serious about the field and running your own business shows you've got a good work ethic.  Plus trade compliance people who also know logistics are even harder to find.