Director, Customs Surety & In-transit Warehouse

Director, Customs Surety & In-transit Warehouse

Overview

The Director, Customs Surety & In-transit Warehouse is responsible for ensuring full regulatory compliance across all Container Freight Station (CFS) activities and in‑bond movements. This role oversees in‑bond creation, maintenance, closure, and reconciliation; ensures adherence to CBP regulations; and maintains the accuracy and integrity of cargo control documentation. The director partners closely with brokerage, drayage, carriers, and internal operations teams to ensure compliant cargo flow and timely resolution of exceptions.

This position does not include warehouse labor or physical cargo handling.

Key Responsibilities

CFS Compliance Oversight

• Ensure all CFS activities comply with 19 CFR Part 19 and CBP requirements.
• Maintain and update CFS SOPs, internal controls, and compliance documentation.
• Monitor cargo arrivals, holds, releases, and transfers for regulatory accuracy.
• Oversee timely and accurate reporting in CBP systems (e.g., ACE, AMS, ABI).

In‑Bond Management (QPs/QXs)

• Create, update, and close in‑bond movements (IT, T&E, IE) in compliance with CBP regulations.
• Monitor in‑bond aging, exceptions, and overdue movements; drive timely resolution.
• Reconcile in‑bond records against carrier, terminal, and internal system data.
• Coordinate with carriers, drayage providers, and brokers to ensure proper cargo control.

Audit, Controls & Risk Management

• Conduct internal audits of CFS records, in‑bond files, and cargo control documentation.
• Investigate discrepancies, initiate corrective actions, and maintain audit trails.
• Prepare for CBP reviews, compliance assessments, and focused assessments.
• Identify compliance risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Partner with brokerage, transportation, and customer service teams to ensure compliant cargo flow.
• Serve as the internal subject‑matter expert on CFS regulations and in‑bond procedures.
• Communicate regulatory changes and ensure operational alignment.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate logs, reports, and dashboards for CFS and in‑bond activity.
• Provide regular compliance updates to leadership.
• Ensure all documentation meets CBP retention and recordkeeping requirements.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in customs compliance, CFS operations, or in‑bond management.
• Strong knowledge of CBP regulations, including 19 CFR Parts 18 and 19.
• Experience with ACE, ABI, AMS, and in‑bond processing systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, documentation skills, and regulatory discipline.
• Ability to manage high‑volume, time‑sensitive cargo control processes.
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) preferred but not required.

#LI-Onsite #LI-KB1

Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.

Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.

Ranked 3rd in Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Most Trustworthy Companies" publication