Customs Clearance, Customs Broker and ISF Filing - Services
Every shipment entering the US is subject to US Customs rules. Most importers hire a Customs Broker to navigate the complex Customs formalities. Customs brokers can advise and assist on admissibility of merchandise and the amount of Customs duties.
Transmodal Corporation's customs brokerage division is your one-stop source for true door-to-door service. We pride ourselves on the accurate, effective and efficient handling of clearance of cargo through U.S. Customs for each of our clients.
Since 2001, we have offered a completely paperless environment that is fully integrated with our other logistics services. We also offer a stand-alone Customs clearance service which may better suit your needs. Our services are supported by the best licensed Customs brokers in the industry who are both experienced with US import laws as well as providers of excellent customer service. Included in this customer service are alerts about all new Customs regulations. Transmodal is also C-TPAT validated, which assists importers that look for the benefits of a secure supply chain. For more on C-TPAT, click here.
We are approved for Remote Location Filing in all US ports and our extensive domestic agent network ensures that your local port issue is handled professionally. Our brokerage has an EDI interface with ABI, which allows us to preclear nearly all non-restricted cargo. Many of our customers take advantage of our online cargo status updates.
In addition to Customs Clearance, we provide clearance through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other government agencies that regulate imports. We also provide three levels of ISF (Importer Security Filing) Services which can meet your company’s specific needs. For more on ISF, click here.
Specialized Solutions
Transmodal offers Customs clearance solutions narrowly tailored to fit your company’s unique needs.
- If your company is filing more than 2500 entries per year, we can offer in-house brokerage solutions that will allow you to minimize your Customs clearance costs.
- If you are a frequent exporter to the U.S., Transmodal can arrange seamless DDP clearances with your company as the Importer of Record.
- We also offer many different forms of data exchange, cargo tracking, and shipment reports.
For more information on these specialize services, click here.
C-TPAT
U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.
C-TPAT offers trade-related businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP will offer benefits to certain certified C-TPAT member categories, including:
- A reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced border delay times)
- Priority processing for CBP inspections. (Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible.)
- Assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) who will work with the company to validate and enhance security throughout the company’s international supply chain.
- Potential eligibility for CBP Importer Self-Assessment program (ISA) with an emphasis on self-policing, not CBP audits.
- Eligibility to attend C-TPAT supply chain security training seminars.
CBP recognizes that a safe and secure supply chain is the most critical part of our work in keeping our country safe. For this reason, CBP is seeking a strong anti-terrorism partnership with the trade community through C-TPAT. Trade partners will have a commitment to both trade security and trade compliance rooted in their business practices. CBP wants to work closely with companies whose good business practices ensure supply chain security and compliance with trade laws.
CBP encourages all companies to take an active role in promoting supply chain and border security. C-TPAT is not just a big-company program. Medium and small companies may want to evaluate the requirements and benefits of C-TPAT carefully in deciding whether to apply for the program. Moreover, even without official participation in C-TPAT, companies should still consider employing C-TPAT guidelines in their security practices.
Importer Security Filing (ISF or 10 + 2)
This new rule requires that Importers file with US Customs 10 data elements at least 24 hours prior to cargo loading overseas. This rule presents the biggest compliance challenge to importers since 9/11 and failure to comply with the new ISF requirements will result in harsh penalties, including Importers being required to pay up to $10,000.00 per shipment. Penalty enforcement begins on January 26, 2010.
To comply, Importers will need 100% visibility into their supply chains including the key 24-48 hours prior to overseas loading. This challenge extends well beyond traditional trade compliance and necessitates Importers to focus on developing total visibility of the Importer’s complete supply chain.
With penalties of $5,000.00 per incident (up to $10,000 per bill of lading), the ISF regulation requires Importers to exercise greater control of their global supply chain and Transmodal is here to assist you in complying with these new regulations. Whether we are handling the transportation, Customs clearance, or ISF filing, Transmodal stands ready to ensure your ocean imports move through U.S Customs quickly and in full compliance, while improving the security and visibility of your complete supply chain.
To give you as much flexibility as possible, Transmodal is offering three tiers of ISF filing services. To learn more about ISF or request a quote for this service, click here.
Are you new to importing? Click here for more information on how to get started.
Looking for important industry links? Click here.
Concerned that you are paying too much in duty or worried about potential penalties from Customs? Check out our Trade and Compliance Services click here.
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