NATHAN TRAN- CCS
Bellflower,CA
Summary
Certified Customs Specialist with 17+ years of experience in trade compliance, high‑volume entry processing, and team supervision. Skilled in HTS classification, documentation review, and resolving escalations while ensuring full compliance with CBP, FDA, USDA, and FWS regulations. Focused on continuous improvement through AI‑driven productivity, Microsoft workflow optimization, and CargoWise mapping efficiencies
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Senior Entry Writer
Western Overseas Corporation
Cypress, USA
06.2025 - Current
- Process 50+ customs entries weekly through ABI with 100% compliance to CBP and PGA regulations.
- Review and analyze complex import documentation, ensuring accurate HTS classification for FDA, USDA, and FWS commodities.
- Collaborate with internal teams and clients to resolve discrepancies, reducing clearance delays by 15%.
- Maintain detailed FDA documentation to ensure complete, accurate, audit‑ready data.
- Develop and update SOPs aligned with client requirements and federal agency guidelines.
- Mentor junior staff on classification, PGA requirements, and documentation accuracy to support team consistency and growth.
Senior Customs Specialist
Masterpiece International
El Segundo, USA
03.2022 - 06.2025
- Led resolution of documentation discrepancies through effective troubleshooting and communication with customers and foreign origins.
- Cleared customs entries with strong knowledge of CBP regulations, ISF filing, RLF procedures, and PGA requirements.
- Prepared accurate documentation and determined tariff classifications to guide goods through Customs.
- Managed major accounts (NSR, Bedrosian, Grands & Benedicts, Surwerx) while supporting team workflow and maintaining high productivity.
- Assisted team members with complex entries and regulatory questions, contributing to improved team performance.
Freight Forwarder
ARCBEST
Irvine, USA
03.2015 - 05.2021
- Oversaw booking, pre‑advice, and routing instructions while ensuring accurate, up‑to‑date quotes.
- Audited and uploaded commercial documents to enhance customer visibility and reduce processing delays.
- Investigated and communicated Customs hold statuses with clear guidance and next steps.
- Created customized reports and spreadsheets based on customer requirements.
- Coordinated with brokers, truckers, carriers, overseas agents, terminals, and importers to ensure seamless shipment flow.
Program Specialist
Damco Customs Services, Inc.
South Gate, USA
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Delivered tailored Customs clearance solutions to reduce lead times and optimize cash flow.
- Managed transportation for major accounts including Lululemon, SteelSeries, PVH, and BCBG.
- Applied FTA knowledge (NAFTA, US‑Peru, US‑Jordan, US‑Korea, US‑Israel) to ensure compliance.
Customs Entry Writer
WHL Custom Broker Services, Inc.
Gardena, USA
07.2009 - 07.2013
- Audited commercial documents, verified country of origin/export, terms of sale, and value, and applied HTS codes for accurate duty assessment.
- Guided goods through Customs and prepared documentation for duty payment and clearance.
- Cleared entries with strong knowledge of CBP regulations, ISF filing, RLF procedures, and PGA requirements.
- Managed diverse accounts across Asia and Europe.
Education
B.S. - Mathematics
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Customs Broker License - Candidate
Skills
- Leadership and team oversight
- Workflow management
- Customs and trade compliance
- HTS/HS classification
- ACE and ABI systems knowledge
- Technical software proficiency
- Microsoft Office suite expertise
- Customs software platforms
- Cargowise Professional
- FDA/USDA/FWS Compliance
Community Leadership
Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association Anoma, Gardena, CA, Volunteer Coordinator / Teacher / Mentor, 06/01/95, Present, Promote cultural awareness for Vietnamese American youth through lessons in history and literature., Mentor high school students and support their transition to college., Expanded program participation by 300%, increasing attendance from 20 to over 60 students.
Certification
Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)
Timeline
Senior Entry Writer
Western Overseas Corporation
06.2025 - Current
Senior Customs Specialist
Masterpiece International
03.2022 - 06.2025
Freight Forwarder
ARCBEST
03.2015 - 05.2021
Program Specialist
Damco Customs Services, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2015
Customs Entry Writer
WHL Custom Broker Services, Inc.
07.2009 - 07.2013
B.S. - Mathematics
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)