Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Robert Whitley

Carpentersville,IL

Summary

Import and Logistics Professional with over 20 years experience in Customs Brokerage and Freight Forwarding Industry. Proven track record of meeting clients needs and expectations in the field of International Trade.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Branch Manager

Western Overseas Corporation
02.2021 - 12.2023
  • Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions
  • Met deadlines by proactively managing individual and team tasks and streamlining processes.
  • Interviewed and hired talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent, and skill set.
  • Complied with regulatory guidelines and requirements.
  • Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures, and performance strategies.
  • Trained and Supported Staff in Import procedures such as Harmonized Tariff Schedule Classifications
  • Audited Customs Entries for errors
  • Managed Office Supplies and overall Maintenance
  • Monitored Key Performance Indicators
  • Oversaw Pharmaceutical and General Account Teams


Compliance Corporate Trainer

Taggart/Customs & Trade Services
02.2014 - 09.2021
  • Collected information about company objectives and employee deficiencies in order to assess training needs.
  • Developed engaging and entertaining presentations to maintain employee attention and improve impact of training.
  • Created training programs and instructional materials to further educate personnel.
  • Monitored employee progress and gave feedback to management and additional training requirements.
  • Selected curriculum and developed lesson plans to educate employees on specific Import Regulations and International transportation topics.
  • Assisted in Customs Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification
  • Monitored Partner Government Agency reporting data for compliance with regulations
  • Researched regulations on behalf of clients and advised on Import protocols
  • Processed Customs entries for VIP Accounts

International Operations Manager 2nd Shift

Quick International Courier
10.2019 - 02.2021
  • Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.
  • Offered advice and assistance to customers, paying attention to special needs or wants.
  • Utilized customer service software to manage interactions and track customer urgent pharmaceutical shipments
  • Trained Staff on Import/Export Regulations
  • Routed urgent shipments with airlines and couriers
  • Managed cross border shipments into Canada
  • Report PAPS/PARS to border customs brokers for timely clearance of shipments
  • Booked Shipments with Domestic and International airlines
  • Filed Shipments in the Automated Export System


Import Specialist Special Accounts

Scarbrough International
12.2003 - 02.2014
  • Established and built positive relationships with vendors and carriers, promoting competitive shipping rates and service.
  • Researched and helped evaluate new potential suppliers and vendors for better service and pricing.
  • Processed customs declarations and maintained records of customs documents.
  • Investigated discrepancies in shipping documents and resolved issues with vendors.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations And Global Security

American Public University
Charles Town, WV
06.2025

Associate of Applied Science - International Business

William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL
12.1999

Skills

  • Licensed Customs Broker since Dec 2001
  • Good Working Knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
  • Knowledge of CFR 19 regulations
  • Automated Broker Interface/Automated Commercial System Entry filing
  • Knowledge of FWS, USDA, EPA, FDA, DOT and various other PGA's
  • Excellent Geography Skills
  • Routing of Domestic and International Shipments
  • Employee Reviews
  • General Office Management and allocations of resources
  • Operations Budget
  • Networking with Industry and Government

Certification

NCBFAA Certified Customs Specialist

Licensed Customs Broker

Hazardous Material Training (expired)

Indirect Air Carrier Training

Forklift Certification (expired)



Affiliations

Chicago Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association - Voting Director

2017-2019

Chicago Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association -

Regulatory Affairs Committee Chair

Holiday Committee participant

Customs Committee participant

Education Committee participant

Membership Committee participant


Timeline

Branch Manager

Western Overseas Corporation
02.2021 - 12.2023

International Operations Manager 2nd Shift

Quick International Courier
10.2019 - 02.2021

Compliance Corporate Trainer

Taggart/Customs & Trade Services
02.2014 - 09.2021

Import Specialist Special Accounts

Scarbrough International
12.2003 - 02.2014

Bachelor of Arts - International Relations And Global Security

American Public University

Associate of Applied Science - International Business

William Rainey Harper College
Robert Whitley