Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders
Customs brokers assist importers in meeting federal requirements governing imports into the United States. Brokers are private individuals, partnerships, associations or corporations licensed, regulated and empowered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Customs brokers oversee transactions related to customs entry and admissibility of merchandise, product classification, customs valuation, payment of duties, taxes, or other charges such as refunds, rebates, and duty drawbacks. There are approximately 11,000 active licensed customs brokers in the United States.
International freight forwarders are agents for exporters and can move cargo from “dock-to-door,” providing several significant services:
-
Arranging for and tracking of freight from a domestic and international perspective;
-
Arranging for and tracking inland transportation;
-
Preparation of shipping and export documents;
-
Warehousing;
-
Booking cargo space;
-
Negotiating freight charges;
-
Freight consolidation;
-
Cargo insurance
Most freight forwarders are also non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) as well. Both freight forwarders and NVOCCs are licensed and regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission.
National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of America
1200 18th Street, NW,
Suite 901
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 466-0222
Privately operated forwarder listing services, such as those below, can help to identify a local forwarder: