With flexible study options and a starting salary higher than most university graduates, customs brokering is the job you’ve probably never heard of – yet rely on every day.
From giant gorilla sculptures to live lobsters and even human remains, everything that comes into the country must first go through a customs broker.
Southern River resident Nuh Dzuljaidi, 22, fell into the freight industry four years ago after COVID and border travel restrictions put a halt on a career in aviation.Credit: Getty Images/Supplied
But the career is currently at crisis point, with a looming shortage of customs brokers threatening to undermine Australia’s trade efficiency, economic stability and global competitiveness, says supply chain expert and customs broker Kelly Crossley.
Crossley said of the 1609 licensed customs brokers nationally, more than half were aged 50 and above.
The numbers are further impacted by a number of non-practicing licence holders.
“Customs brokers are the nation’s gateway for the smooth flow of goods across borders, and they navigate complex customs regulations, ensure compliance and help businesses avoid costly delays and penalties,” the Transitainer WA owner said.
“Their expertise is crucial in maintaining the efficiency of our supply chains – the backbone of our economy.”
Out of sheer desperation, Crossley teamed up with International Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of Australia WA director Nicole Couper to target and inspire the next generation into the field.
They recently started running seminars at two Perth high schools aimed at students unsure of their next education or career pathway.
“Without customs brokers, nothing comes in and nothing goes out of Australia,” she said.
“We must invest in education and training programs that attract and prepare new entrants for the customs brokerage profession. Streamlined pathways and incentives for young professionals, as well as upskilling opportunities for current practitioners.”
Southern River resident Nuh Dzuljaidi, 22, fell into the freight industry four years ago after COVID and border travel restrictions put a halt to a career in aviation.
If not for his freight logistics job, Dzuljaidi wouldn’t even know what a customs broker did. Now he’s part-way through a two-year diploma at the International Trade and Logistics College.
“When I tell people I’m studying a custom brokering course, they say, ‘What’s a customs broker?’
“I just tell them I bring in stuff, if it’s something brought in to Australia, it has to go through me.”
That includes everything from giant gorilla sculptures bound for Perth Zoo, to live lobsters and crabs, diamonds, gold, and even deceased Australians.
Despite the attractive salary, Dzuljaidi said the job was not for everyone.
“It’s not just about money – you have to be interested in it,” he said.
“It’s a lot of data entry, and it can be boring after a while – it’s not a job I would have been interested in if I hadn’t already been in the industry.”
With his previous experience, Dzuljaidi estimated he could be looking at a $160,000-$180,000 salary when he finished his course, with shortages driving future career advancement opportunities and further wage increases.
After two years online study, prospective customs brokers sit an exam with the Australian Border Force to attain a licence.
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