Shipping goods overseas requires lots of work, and knowledge of customs and other regulatory processes. While it is possible to educate oneself on these matters and successfully complete an import or export of goods, it often comes at a great cost or at an increased risk of loss. It is almost always preferable to hire an experienced, knowledgeable third-party to help you navigate the complex regulatory environment of foreign logistics.
Enter the customs broker. A customs broker acts as an agent on their shipping client’s behalf, negotiating the best rates and terms for shipment, and fulfilling all of the complex regulatory requirements necessary to clear a shipment through customs. Here is an introduction to the role of the customs broker: what they are and how they work.
Whenever a shipment is imported or exported from one country to another, it must be ‘cleared’ at every customs checkpoint. What this means is that it must be documented, claimed by a responsible party, and with some exceptions, inspected for contraband goods and truth of documentation. Customs brokers are experts in this process. They know how to acquire all of the information and signatures needed to reduce lag times in the supply chain.
In order to become a customs broker, they must be licensed by the customs service of the U.S. Department of Treasury. This often requires hundreds of hours of coursework and training in the process of importing and exporting goods. Customs brokers are required to continually update their knowledge as regulations regarding customs, tariff schedules, and duties change. They are familiar with customs procedures and exchange rates in nearly every country.
This extensive training and in-depth knowledge allows customs brokers to achieve logistics efficiencies that might never appear to the layperson. Brokers help individuals and companies achieve greater cost reductions in other ways as well. They can use their years of experience and training to consult with clients as to the best possible transportation options.
Since experienced customs professionals have planned and brokered thousands of shipments, they can negotiate with carriers on their client’s behalf to achieve the best terms and lowest rates. They can advise on transportation options, whether by land, sea, or air, and can even determine the fastest, most efficient shipping route. Brokers help get your shipment appraised, and assigned with the proper classification and duties.
Once a shipment is brokered and all necessary paperwork prepared, the broker virtually shepherds the shipment from port to port until it arrives at the ultimate destination. Shippers can rest assured that should there ever be a problem during shipment, a single phone call to their customs broker is all that is needed to figure out what is going on.
The united states has over 500 pages of customs regulations and thousands of tariff classifications that need to be considered whenever importing or exporting goods. Importers and exporters alike will find a great advantage to outsourcing their foreign logistics to a customs broker. Whenever shipping overseas, let a highly trained professional take care of the headache of logistics planning and execution.
Find out how a Customs Broker can help you streamline and lower International Supply Chain costs with http://www.PerimeterLogistics.com.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Clinton_Rhodes/1304233
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