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How to Get Your Start in U.S Customs Brokerage

An aspiring customs broker finds out that he passed the customs exam

For most of the U.S population, customs brokerage is not a major talking point. In fact, customs brokerage is an industry that drives a nation but works in the background, like how the electrical wiring in your home is hidden but essential. For the few that think about brokerage, it can be a complex, exciting, and fulfilling job that opens up new ideas and perspectives. If you’re one of those people that find brokerage fascinating, we’ll take you through what you need to break into the customs brokerage industry.

Basic Requirements

According to U.S Customs and Border Protection, you’ll need to meet three eligibility requirements before you can become a customs broker. The three requirements include:

  • Be a U.S citizen 21 years of age or over
  • Not be a current federal employee
  • Possess good moral character

So if you’re old enough for a Bud Light, don’t work for the government, and aren’t a member of the mafia, you’re probably eligible to be a broker. Some companies prefer a bachelor’s degree, but it’s not required. This just covers eligibility; actually becoming a customs broker involves a few more steps.

Becoming A Certified Customs Broker

If you’re eligible, then the next step is to pass the Customs Broker License Exam. Before you freak out about the test, it’s an open book exam, so you needn’t stress about memorizing everything you’ll need to know. As far as what the test will go over, you can expect to see these topics:

  • The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)
  • Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations
  • Specified Customs Directives
  • Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements document (CATAIR)

These are the basics for a customs broker, so make sure to internalize all of this information. The test is four and a half hours long, and there is a $390 fee that needs to be paid a month in advance. If you receive a 75 percent or higher on the exam, congrats! You can move on to the next step, which is getting your customs broker license. Get ready to shell out another $200 for that, and to wait a while for background checks. Credit reports, arrest records, character references will all need to be reviewed before you are cleared. In the meantime, learn as much as you can about being a customs broker.

If you have any questions about customs brokerage or want to join our team, Cordova Brokerage can help. Contact us today for more information!

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The Quick and Dirty of ISF in 2019: What You Need to Know

 

Container ship carrying container for import and export, business logistic and transportation by container ship in Atlantic ocean headed for America

If you’re reading this, you probably know that the world of import and export can be full of confusing information, especially in the current trade climate. ISF is no exception, and has gone through a number of changes since its inception in 2009. At Cordova Brokerage, we have an intimate understanding of ISF rules and guidelines, and wanted to give you a quick overview of how ISF has changed over the decade. 

ISF Overview

First, ISF stands for Importer Security Filing, which is simply a filing that details when, where, and how you plan to import goods into the United States. The ISF is usually referenced as a “10+2”, which refers to the information that the importer and carrier have to provide to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Below are the 10 pieces of data required from the importer, and the 2 required by the carrier: 

  1. Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
  2. Seller (or owner) name and address
  3. Buyer (or owner) name and address
  4. Ship-to name and address
  5. Container stuffing location
  6. Consolidator (stuffer) name and address
  7. Importer of record number/foreign trade zone applicant identification number
  8. Consignee number(s)
  9. Country of origin
  10. Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule number to six (6) digits

From the carrier:

  1. Vessel stow plan
  2. Container status messages

This information is largely non-negotiable, and has to be received by CBP no later than 24hrs before the goods are set to leave for the United States, and you can be subject to significant fines if the information is not filed on time or appropriately. That is why we at Cordova Brokerage specialize in ISF, because it can be a complicated and costly process if not done correctly. 

Quick History of the ISF

The ISF was first conceived of in late 2008, as a way to more accurately track the flow of goods into the U.S. It was part of the SAFE Port Act, a bill that was signed into law under the Bush administration to bolster maritime trade security and record keeping. The ISF was a pursuant of this bill, but full finings didn’t begin until 2016. Now non-compliance can cost several thousand dollars, which will certainly eat away at any potential profits that exporting/importing can reap. Recently, as of May of 2018, the definition of an ISF Importer was broadened to include non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs), and also to be the goods’ owner, purchaser, consignee or agent. It is important to keep up to date on all the changes to ISF, and we at Cordova Brokerage are bonafide experts when it comes to ISF and shipping. Call us today if you would like more information on filing, or would like to use our services for your goods and cargo. 

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The Current Trade Numbers and Why You Might Need a Freight Forwarder

If you’re in the trading business— or produce any kind of exportable good— you know that every day the United States takes in and ships out a good variety of goods to and from all over the globe. The international market is a busy network of people exchanging goods across borders and oceans. So if you are a producer or own a company that wants to ship goods or merchandise overseas, you are likely wondering whether a freight forwarder is an option for you. So how exactly do we help?

 

A freight forwarder actually has a lot of responsibilities and provides a variety of different services. We act mostly as an intermediary between the shipper and the transportation services. Yet, we are at the forefront of any shipping of merchandise outside of the country’s borders. Some of the typical functions we perform include preparation of documents for exporting or importing, warehousing, negotiating freight charges, freight consolidation, and relevant insurance claims. 

 

Current Trade Numbers and Information

 

In 2018, according to The Balance, the total U.S trade with foreign countries reached $5.6 trillion. Out of that total were $2.5 trillion in exports and $3.1 trillion in imports. That’s a lot of trade happening between the United States and the rest of the world. The U.S is the world’s third largest exporter. This means that the U.S is producing a lot of goods and sending them overseas, but sending goods across countries is not that simple. There are a lot of regulations and charges in place that must be taken into consideration. There are a lot of logistical questions as well —when it comes to shipping—that need to be factored in, particularly when you’re talking about large freight or a high quantity of goods. 

 

U.S exports are composed largely of capital goods, which include things like commercial aircraft, industrial machines, telecommunications, electrical apparatus, and medical equipment. Then there are industrial supplies, which include chemicals, petroleum products, and more. Finally, the other category of goods exported by the U.S are consumer goods, which can include smaller consumer products like cell phones, gem diamonds, and etc. 

 

Choose a Trusted Freight Forwarder

 

A lot of what we do depends on relationships that we’ve established with shippers over time and how we have established ourselves as a trustworthy and competent partner. You want your goods to be handled with care. Call Cordova Brokerage today for all your shipping needs. 

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CTPAT & CBP: What Security Guidelines Do I Need to Follow?

importing and exporting across the globeWhen it comes to importing and exporting goods, there are certain guidelines you should follow that ensure the safety of you, other importers, and the countries to which you are importing and exporting. By following these guidelines, you can rest assured knowing you are taking the safest route and making the safest decisions when it comes to importing goods. While these guidelines put a focus on both importing and exporting, they are especially important when importing to the United States. In fact, most are required by the governing institution that has put them in place.

At Cordova Brokerage International, we are dedicated to upholding and enforcing strict security and safety guidelines, and we try to ensure that all of our trade partners and the importer clients we work with do so as well. We don’t do this because we are picky or selective but because we want to ensure that safety is kept at all times.

Who Sets These Guidelines?

These safety and security guidelines are set by two governing organizations: the United States Customs and Border Protection agency and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. These two organizations work to keep our borders and the rest of the United States safe, something that should be on the minds of any importer importing from other countries.

At Cordova Brokerage International, we are CTPAT certified, so you can rest assured knowing we take the necessary steps to help protect our country from acts of terror.

Security Guidelines for Trailers and Containers

Part of ensuring safety when importing is knowing how to properly load trailers and containers while adhering to the guidelines set by the CBP. These guidelines include:

  • Following the seven-point inspection process for empty trailers and containers coming through the borders
  • Following the 17-point inspection process for loaded tractors and trailers

While this may seem like a lot, it is absolutely necessary (and also required) in order to maintain our safety. The last thing we want is for what should be a successful import from another country to turn into something that neither country wants. By following these guidelines, you are doing your part in ensuring that every import and export is safely given and received.

Contact Cordova Brokerage International Today!

If you’re in the business of importing and exporting, working with a customs broker can help make going through customs easier by ensuring you are meeting all the guidelines set forth by the CBP and CTPAT. By working with Cordova Brokerage International, you can make the customs process much simpler for your business. Call us today to learn more!

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How Tension at the Border is Affecting Importing and Exporting

importing and exportingWith an increase in immigration, both legal and illegal, and a government that bases much of its “allure” on its opinions and actions regarding immigration, tension has grown on both sides. This coupled with people in need of a safer place, or country, to live has increased tension at our borders tenfold. This increased tension has affected where, how, how quickly, and what comes and goes through our borders. While both sides of the government have gone back and forth to improve and/or worsen these conditions, they can definitely have an impact on your business and the products you import and export.

Here’s how we can help.

#1: We Can Help You With All the Paperwork

During crises like this one, paperwork and processes end up becoming much more difficult, more so than it already is. We can help you with all of the necessary paperwork and processes needed to get through customs. This will help the process be much smoother.

#2: We Can Negotiate With Customs

Going through customs can be difficult in and of itself, but when you add high tension situations to the mix, it can be even more so. We can help you get through customs much more quickly so you don’t have to worry.

#3: We Offer Warehouse Storage

Travel times have increased since tensions arose, meaning goods are being stuck in one place much longer than anyone can plan for. Luckily, we offer warehouse storage options for your products,  so they can be protected as you wait to pass through. We offer temperature controlled and secure storage along with the option to supervise and manage your inventory online, ensuring everything is in place without having to manually check everything in the warehouse. This makes the process much easier.

Contact Cordova Brokerage International Today!

The tension at the border is a crisis right now. It may get better but it might also get worse. Why, of course, we want everyone to be helped and aided in the crisis happening, we can play our part by ensuring the supply chain is affected less by it than it could be. If you’re in need of help with importing and exporting products and goods for your business but are worried about what might happen when going through customs, we can help you. Give us a call today to learn more about the services we offer.

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Why Might I Need Warehouse Services?

warehousingIn a perfect world, we wouldn’t need warehouse services. But this is far from a perfect world, and the unexpected seems to always happen. And what kind of world would this be if we didn’t have any delays? We live in a delay-ridden world where the unexpected happens and we have to prepare for whatever that unexpected thing is, and usually, that means needing to get warehousing for the goods we are importing and exporting internationally. The last thing you want is to have nowhere to store them while going through customs, especially if this process takes longer than usual (and it already takes a while). Having a warehouse to store your goods where you know they’ll be safe from damage, theft, and spoiling is a good way to obtain peace of mind.

Here are a few reasons why obtaining warehouse services from us here at Cordova Brokerage International, in addition to our many other imports and exports brokerage services, is a good idea.

#1: Unexpected Customs Delays

Relations and going through customs these days are always changing and quite unexpected. You never know when or why there might be a delay with trying to get through customs. The last thing you want is for your imports to be stolen, damaged, or go rotten while waiting for you to get through customs. Our warehouse services provide you with a reliable place to store your items just in case of unexpected customs delays.

#2: Poor Weather

You never know when the weather might strike and leave you stranded while trying to make it through customs. Whether it’s a bad winter storm, dust storm, or thunderstorm, you want a place that’ll keep your valuables safe from the harmful effects of the weather. That’s exactly what you get with our comprehensive warehouse services.

Always Stay Protected

Life, especially if you work in the business of importing and exporting goods internationally, is unexpected. You always want to stay protected and prepared for whatever life hands you, especially in this kind of business. One way to do so is to work with a brokerage firm like us to help you get through customs more smoothly and to give you a safe place to store your goods.

Call Cordova Brokerage International Today!

If you’re in need of reliable and dependable international brokering services, Cordova Brokerage International is the place to call. Contact us today so we can help you!

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The Benefits of Working with a Customs Broker

customs broker mapIf you work in or own a business that deals with importing and exporting goods, you know just how tricky and stressful the job can often be, especially if you import and export goods from outside the country. With high tension between countries, dealing with customs while bringing in or taking out goods can be quite the nightmare. A customs broker can help you if you work in this kind of business. At Cordova Brokerage International, we’re dedicated to helping businesses master the importing and exporting game by serving as a customs broker for them.

Benefit #1: Customs Brokers Work With Government Agencies on Your Behalf

Working with government agencies can be a lengthy, stressful process when you don’t have someone on your behalf talking to them. Customs brokers with government agencies so you don’t have to worry. They will fill out paperwork, meet, discuss, and do what is needed to do with these agencies in order to get things rolling.

Benefit #2: Customs Brokers Calculate Tariffs and Fees

Figuring out how much money is needed to cover tariffs and fees when importing and exporting can be difficult. A customs broker is trained to determine these numbers so you can prepare financially for the expenses you’ll need to cover when importing and exporting goods. You can focus on other aspects of your business while this aspect is taken care of for you.

Benefit #3: Create Better Market Strategies

When it comes to running a business—no matter the kind of business you’re running—creating better market strategies is a must if you want your success to continue for years to come, and that’s just one of the many benefits of working with a customs broker. Customs brokers are trained to better understand the market, specifically the international market, and can help you create strategies based on what they have learned.

Benefit #4: Customs Brokers are Licensed

Lastly, by working with a customs broker, you can bypass many of the licensing issues many businesses in this industry face. A customs broker must be licensed and ca, therefore,e help you with certain activities that require this kind of licensing.

Contact Cordova Brokerage International Today!

If you’re looking to work with a hardworking customs broker in order to help your business thrive, we can help. We have the licensing and expert knowledge of the international market needed to help you be successful. Give Cordova Brokerage International a call today to learn more!

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Thinking of Using Cross Docking Services But Aren’t Sure if You Need Them? Let Us Help You Decide.

As a business who supplies products in different regions, it’s important to keep things moving. You know how critical it is to have your items be delivered on time. To help keep your supply chain in a healthy state, cross docking services can provide the peace of mind you need to feel better about your company’s ability to deliver.

The Basic Concept of Cross Docking Services

Cross docking allows companies to get their products from one place to the next using a large truck. The process generally involves one truck delivering the goods to a warehouse, where they are stored or delivered to their final destination. While there are different types of cross docking, the general concept is to get a large number of items to its final destination within a certain amount of time.

Benefits of Cross Docking

Leave the logistics of cross docking up to the service provider. As a company, you can benefit from cross docking in the following ways:

  • Items will arrive on time. Getting items delivered on time is key. Cross docking service providers know the correct amount of time needed to ensure correct delivery. You don’t want your items to get there too late or too early.
  • You’ll save time. If you’ve been scrambling to get things sorted out and have lost valuable time in the process, you can leave that in the past. When you hire a cross docking company, you’ll save a lot of time from not having to worry or plan out the delivery process.
  • If items are temperature-sensitive, they’ll be protected. With cross-docking, you have the option of requesting climate-controlled warehousing space so that items that need to be stored at a certain temperature will be protected.
    No more overloading trucks. When it comes to heavy cargo, leave it up to a professional cross docking company to make sure the truck is loaded according to the industry standards.

Contact Cordova Brokerage International to Learn More

Here at Cordova Brokerage International, we’re committed to providing the best cross docking services for our customers in El Paso. If you have additional questions or would like to get started, please connect with us today!

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3 Ways Import and Export Services Benefit Your Business

3 Ways Import and Export Services Benefit Your Business

November 20, 2018

As we approach the end of 2018, it’s necessary to consider the aspects of your business that worked and which ones brought you no added benefits. For many business owners across El Paso, 2018 was a year of trial and error. Our city experienced new commercial development as well as some closures. There’s no doubt that some industries are struggling while others are fruitful and multiplying. If your business didn’t meet its annual financial goals, it’s time to consider which areas you can implement new practices in order to increase your profits and cut back on expenses.

Whether you’ve already tapped into the global market or are considering venturing out, there are numerous benefits and disadvantages of international trade. A global logistics strategy can be extremely profitable. However, since every product exported and imported to and from the US must meet custom and tariff regulations, it can be overwhelming to follow this model. For this and other reasons, it’s necessary to use import and export services from an experience brokerage company. Not only will these services ensure you are in compliance with trading regulations, but they will also help strengthen your business and allow you to focus on other important areas.      

1. Your Supply Chain Will Be Stronger

If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that global supply chain management can get complicated. Managing import and export logistics on your own can be time-consuming and difficult. There are major negative repercussions on the line, which will affect your overall business. Seeking professional assistance from a freight partner is the way to go. They will examine your current business model and provide you with viable solutions that will strengthen your supply chain and help your business grow.    

2. Knowledgeable Customs Brokerage

Teaming up with an import and export team can dramatically minimize the amount of time your goods are held at customs. The provider will make sure your goods meet the requirements in order to leave customs without a hitch. This includes complying with all regulatory associations such as the FDA, USDOT, TSA, and more. A custom brokerage company knows that delays are costly, which is why they make sure your products will be delivered on time and without any additional costs.

3. Always in Compliance With Changing Regulations

With global government trade regulations always changing, as a business owner, it’s hard to keep up. You shouldn’t be spending your time combing through complex requirements. Instead, you should be able to reply and a customs brokerage company who follows regulatory mandates from the TSA and USDOT.  By using their import and export services, your goods will always be in global compliance. In return, you avoid costly penalties and shipment delays.

Learn More About Import and Export Services

Let 2019 be the year your business really thrives! All it takes is some strategic planning and you will be on your way to seeing better results and higher numbers. To learn more about the import and export services, contact Cordova Brokerage. Our team has assisted numerous El Paso businesses and we have the experience and certifications necessary to help you.

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The Fundamentals of Cross Docking and How Your Company Can Benefit

The Fundamentals of Cross Docking and How Your Company Can Benefit

October 31, 2018

There is a key difference between cross docking services and warehousing and shipping that many business owners fail to understand, which can lead to confusion when it comes to seeking out these services. To help bring awareness to these differences, we’re going to focus on the logistics involved in cross docking and how you may need these services in connection to warehousing and shipping. To begin, warehousing services provide you with a place to store your products until they are ready to be shipped to customers or their final destination. Before those goods get to the warehouse, they are transported to the warehouse thorough cross docking services.    

Pre and Post Distribution

Cross docking can be broken down into two processes: pre-distribution and post-distribution. In the phase of pre-distribution, good are first unloaded, sorted, then organized so they are prepared for distribution. Before the materials leave, it’s important that all of the items are identified and instructions have been given so that once they are transferred, the process will go smoothly. In the post-distribution phase, the materials leave the docking facility and are delivered to the customer. Once they arrive at the warehouse, they are placed in the warehouse until the customer is prepared to transfer them into their store or other types of final destinations.  

Who Benefits From Cross Docking?

Manufacturing and other companies who need to transfer their goods from a warehouse to another location such as a distributor can benefit from our cross docking services. Cross docking services can serve a variety of product needs — from packaged goods to larger items. Other benefits of cross docking services include saving time and having the confidence that an experienced company will safely transfer your valuables to their destination without risking the possibility of loss. This gives you a competitive edge. One of the riskiest aspects of business is a delay in shipment or a loss in product. All too often companies have to learn from beginner mistakes. Even companies who have been in business for years may experience an issue. Whether you’re a new business or one with years of experience, allow Cordova Brokerage to help you avoid mistakes and costly delays.      

Contact Cordova Brokerage International, Inc. For Reliable Cross Docking Services

At Cordova Brokerage, we provide distributor, manufacturing, opportunistic, and transportation cross docking services. We’ll help ensure that your inventory doesn’t experience a delay or loss. If you are in need of cross docking services, please contact us today.