There’s an emerging trend in Customs brokerage and it could be your new secret weapon. 

It’s been a challenging year for the shipping industry, and next year promises to be equally tricky.

No one wants to add complexity to the business of importing and exporting goods from other countries.

So why do some businesses choose to work with one company to manage their freight forwarding and another for Customs brokerage?

The answer is they think they will pay less. 

When you’re trying to find ways to increase the profit margin on your imports, you may find yourself asking whether or not cargo insurance is worth it.

It’s easy to understand why freight costs are so frustrating to importers. They often change like the wind .

It’s five o’clock. Do you know where your shipment is?

Demurrage is a dirty word among importers, and with good reason .

Speed to market is a necessity today, but how do you balance these pressures with shipping costs?

The rules and regulations regarding First Sale can easily seem overwhelming. Be sure to think over the questions presented below, and how they may pertain to your business.

There are many important questions to ask yourself while dealing with First Sale inside a multi-tiered transaction. In an ever-changing world, it is essential to stay informed on how specific rules can affect your business.

As additional duties, up to 25%, are being assessed on goods from China, the question of possibly using First Sale keeps coming up as a way to mitigate duty obligations. The First Sale rule allows importers to use the price paid in an “earlier sale” as the basis for the Customs value.

While it is true, First Sale can be accepted by CBP, an importer choosing to use this valuation method must be sure that they have done their due diligence to ensure compliance. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) actively scrutinizes imports utilizing this valuation methodology, so exercising reasonable care is paramount.

International trade is volatile, and choosing the right global freight forwarder can be a make-or-break decision for an importer. 

If you’re planning to import goods by ship to the United States, you’re required to file an Importer Security Filing (ISF). 

Do you know the difference between Free on Board (FOB) and Free Alongside Ship (FAS)? Or at what point the Delivered at Transfer (DAT) risk shifts from the buyer to the seller?