Custom Brokerage
Working with a customs broker is the best way to ensure that your goods are successfully imported and that you are not overcharged in duties or taxes.
If your business relies on imported goods, it is recommended that you work with a shipping service company that can get your merchandise cleared through customs in a timely manner. At Ground Cargo Transportation, we have a team of highly-experienced customs brokers who are licensed through the US Customs and Border Protection agency, and are well-versed in tariff and custom laws, thus allowing them to foresee and avoid any potential obstacles for customs clearance.
Depending on the goods you are importing, you may need government clearance from agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture, or the Fish and Wildlife Service. Our customs clearing agents communicate with the necessary agencies to ensure your merchandise meets all rules and regulations before entering the country.
Our brokers have the national permits necessary to qualify for remote location filing, which means we can file data on certain types of merchandise from any location, regardless of the imported goods’ port of entry. This helps us streamline the shipping process for many of our customers.
When shipping international ocean cargo, you are subject to abide by the Importer Security Filing rules. This means that at least 24 hours before your goods are loaded onto an ocean vessel in a foreign port, you must submit ten specific data elements, and the carrier must submit an additional two. GCT has acquired ample knowledge and experience in what is known as ISF 10+2 filing, and we will ensure that the required information gets to Customs and Border Protection agency on time.
If your commercial goods are valued at $2,500 or more, you will need a customs bond to guarantee all duties, taxes, and other fees will be paid to the government. A broker can secure your transaction with a broker’s bond, eliminating potential roadblocks in the shipping process.
When you seek a binding classification ruling, you’re trying to guarantee that your goods will be ruled as a specific tariff classification. This means that the same duty rates will always apply to your goods, no matter what port of entry you use. Not only does this help bring peace of mind, it also makes it easier to determine long-term costs. Our experienced agents can help you through this often complicated process.
If merchandise that you import is subsequently exported, it’s possible to get a refund on the duties you paid. Don’t miss out on this substantial money-saving opportunity: have a broker complete the required paperwork to get an accelerated refund.