Customs Bonds & Customs Clearance Services

A U.S. Customs bond is a contractual agreement between an importer, the Bond Surety Company, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Customs bonds expedite customs clearances because they guarantee that CBP will be paid immediately if there are additional taxes, fees, or duties assessed.

Customs bonds expedite clearance because CBP can clear the shipment without having to wait for payment from the importer. Instead, the surety company pays CBP and then the importer reimburses them.

As a licensed customs broker, Joe Shipping & Logistics can help you get the customs bonds you need to complete your import. We can help you with customs bonds and customs clearance services.

Customs bonds are required for any commercial import or shipment valued at $2,500 or more. Even if the goods are duty-free, you must have a customs bond if you are importing goods. At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we offer help with the following types of customs bonds:

An importer security bond is a financial guarantee between the importer and the CBP. This bond is also called Activity Code 16, and is processed through an Importer Security Filing (ISF). An ISF bond is required for imports that enter the U.S. by water. Importers must file an ISF and obtain an ISF bond at least 24 hours prior to cargo being brought into the U.S.

Failure to file an ISF, delaying the process, or filing an incomplete ISF can result in your shipment being delayed or rejected, your cargo being held, and you may be subject to fines. The penalties for failing to properly secure an ISF bond range from $5,000 to $10,000.

Joe Shipping & Logistics can help you file your ISF filing and obtain the appropriate ISF bond. We make sure that your filing is timely, accurate, and complete so there are no delays or problems with your shipment.

We offer assistance obtaining temporary import bonds. These are required when goods entering the U.S. will be returned to the country of origin. In order to obtain a temporary import bond, your goods must be one of the following:

• Goods for repair or alteration
• Clothing for design use
• Imports for use by photographers or artists
• Samples of merchandise
• Motor vehicles used for racing
• Articles used for advertising or reproduction
• Articles used for testing or review in a lab
• Containers used for international shipping
• Professional equipment
• Articles or fine art used for lectures or exhibits
• Auto parts or vehicles used for show purposes

If your cargo requires a temporary import bond, Joe Shipping & Logistics can help you obtain the license. We will guide you step-by-step so you know how the process works and what to expect.

In-Bond Customs Entry Services

Shipments that do not enter the U.S. and have a destination outside the U.S. – essentially, they are passing through – may require an in-bond customs transfer. This type of bond is used when cargo enters the U.S. and is transported to another location where it will be shipped outside the U.S. once again to a different location.

At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we can help you obtain the bond and secure transportation of your goods. We can help secure safe and reliable transportation for your goods as they move through the U.S. enroute to their final destination.

If you need temporary warehousing while enroute, we also offer warehouse entry services. We can help you select a bonded warehouse that will allow you to store your goods while you wait for shipping.

Get Help with Your Customs Bonds

If you need help obtaining a customs bond, contact Joe Shipping & Logistics. Our team knows how to complete and file documentation and avoid potential obstacles that could impact your business. Contact us for a quote or for more information about our services.

Customs Brokerage Services

International trade adds a new layer of complexity to your business and operations. Importing or exporting goods requires that you follow certain guidelines and requirements. The documentation alone is enough to overwhelm many business owners. Importing goods requires detailed documentation relating to:

• The country of origin
• The contents of your shipments
• Transportation
• Insurance
• Financing

If you are not familiar with international trade, this documentation can be a challenge. If problems arise, that challenge can quickly become overwhelming. If there are problems with your documentation or the customs process, you could find that your shipments are delayed or even rejected. That is the last thing you need when your customers are depending on you to deliver goods.

That’s why Joe Shipping & Logistics is here to help. We offer customs brokerage services that take the pressure off so you can focus on your business.

At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we understand the importance of your shipments arriving on time. We also understand the importance of complying with customs requirements and following appropriate processes to get your goods where they need to go.

That’s why we offer comprehensive services that take the pressure off. Our customs broker services include:

• Customs Clearance: We execute all formalities related to importing goods to the destination country or territory. Our customs clearance services adhere to all applicable customs and excise authority guidelines.
• Trade Compliance: We ensure that your shipments meet regulatory compliance guidelines. We also look for ways to avoid disruptions in the supply chain during shipping.
• Cross Border Services: We provide customs clearance for cross-border shipments between the United States and Canada, as well as the United States and Mexico.
• Pre-Shipment Compliance: We work to proactively address trade-related issues, such as Importer Security Filings.
• Documentation Preparation: We help you prepare and file all necessary documents. This simplifies the process for our clients and ensures all necessary information is provided.

In addition to these customs brokerage services, Joe Shipping & Logistics can assist you with ISF importer security filings, international shipping, customs bonds, and FDA filing.

Food and Drug Administration Filing

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) requires that all products entering the United States be declared. That means that all goods being brought into the U.S. must be detailed beforehand to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.

The CBP works alongside agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that products brought into the U.S. are safe and as declared. Food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices all must be approved and be made from approved ingredients or materials. These products must also conform to laws and regulations relating to their labeling.

Because there are very strict laws and regulations relating to products that require FDA approval, it is wise to work with a customs brokerage service. At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we can help you prepare documentation and respond to any requests for additional documentation or verification.

To begin the import process, the importer or customs broker must submit the required customs details. The CBP then forwards the information to the FDA. The FDA will then request additional information or documents, or will approve the import. It is very common for the FDA to request additional documentation to ensure compliance.

While this process can be complicated and can take time, working with Joe Shipping & Logistics can streamline and simplify the process so you can focus on your business. We can help you complete your FDA filing step-by-step, including the following:

• Register with the FDA: Importers and receiving facilities in the exporting and importing locations must register.
• Entry Identifier: The FDA will assign a seven-digit identifier that you will use for FDA Prior Notice.
• FDA Product Code: Find the FDA product code, which describes the product or group. If you aren’t sure, we can help you find it in the FDA database.
• File FDA Prior Notice: Once your registration is complete, you can file FDA Prior Notice before shipping.
• Provide Information to the FDA: The FDA requires certain information during the customs clearance process. You may be asked to provide the following:
  • FDA product code
  • FDA manufacturer code
  • FDA supplier code (if provided by the supplier)
  • Importer Federal Establishment Identifier (FEI)
  • FDA shipper number (your shipper will supply this)
  • Manufacturer Processor FDA number (the manufacturer will supply this)

Once you have completed the FDA filing, your goods will undergo an FDA exam. The FDA may then request additional information, will process paperwork, and then will release your shipment. In some cases, they require a physical exam of the goods.

Importing a product that is regulated by the FDA can be complicated. It is a process that is most successful when managed by a professional customs brokerage service. To get help with your FDA filing, contact Joe Shipping & Logistics. Or, get a free quote online.

International Shipping Services

If your business is looking to break into international trade, you will need to find international shipping options that work for you. At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we can help you with both export and import processes. From initial quotes and document preparation to tracking and delivery – our team has what it takes to get your products where they need to go.

Joe Shipping & Logistics offers a variety of services to help your international shipping efforts be successful. We have years of experience managing international shipping, imports and exports, and U.S. customs processes. Our goal is to provide high-quality services and value to each and every client.

When you work with Joe Shipping & Logistics, the first thing you can expect is a careful assessment of your needs. We will identify your needs and potential challenges and will provide you with a quote based on your individual needs.

We offer the following international shipping services and solutions:

• Purchase Order Management
• Vendor Management
• Destination Management
• Transportation Management
• FDA and USDA Processing
• Payment and Processing of Tariffs and Duties
• Customs Entries
• Application for Importer ID
• Coordination of Customs Examinations
• Negotiations for Domestic and International Freight

These services provide you with the tools you need to ship your products or import products from outside the U.S. Our services are beneficial to multiple industries, including retail, consumer products, and manufacturing.

International shipping is an aspect of business that is complex. By working with Joe Shipping & Logistics, you can be confident that your shipping and logistics needs are being handled by professionals. The benefits of working with us include:

• Access to cost-effective solutions designed to meet the needs of your business
• Account management services
• Special rates and incentives for return clients
• A flexible and agile supply chain platform
• Access to ocean, air, and trucking services
• Reduced time-to-market

When you work with us, you are establishing a partnership that is built to last. We pride ourselves on providing solutions for individuals and businesses that meet their needs and support growth and development.

Contact us to learn more about our services, or use our online quote feature to get started now. Our team of professionals can help you with all of your international shipping needs.

Importer Security Filing, or ISF

When products are imported into the United States, there is a series of processes that exporters and importers must follow. For importing products, one of those processes is the Importer Security Filing, or ISF. The ISF is one of the first steps for importing goods into the U.S.

The ISF requires certain information be transmitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol at least 24 hours prior to goods being loaded onto a ship. The required information includes:

• Buyers name and address
• Sellers name and address
• Country of origin
• Ship-to party (final destination of the goods)
• Importer of record number
• Manufacturer or supplier
• Consignee number (if applicable)
• Container stuffing location
• Consolidator (stuffer)

At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we make it easy for you to complete the ISF process. We can help you prepare documents and complete filing, which can eliminate problems at the port. Once we have completed the ISF filing, we will submit the documentation to U.S. Customs to ensure your shipment gets where it needs to go.

Our goal is to prevent delays or disruptions that could negatively impact your business.

Why is ISF Compliance So Important?

It is important to comply with the ISF as there are strict consequences that could impact your goods and business.

As of January 2010, importers who fail to meet the ISF requirement face fines of up to $5,000 for each inaccurate, incomplete, or late filing. Complete failure to submit an ISF can result in more serious enforcement, such as larger fines, seizure of the goods, storage fees, and possibly liquidated damages.

At Joe Shipping & Logistics, we can help you with your ISF filing. Our team can assist with completing documentation and filing the ISF on your behalf.

Why Choose Joe Shipping & Logistics

Collecting and submitting the proper ISF documentation can be challenging and confusing. It is a common source of stress for importers. By working with Joe Shipping & Logistics, you can relieve that stress and have confidence that your shipment is on track. Our team takes care of the ISF filing so you can continue to focus on your operations, rather than worrying about delays or complications.

To find out how we can help you with your shipping needs, contact us. If you aren’t sure which service is right for you, get a quote and let us help you assess your needs.

Trucking

Our vast network of commercial trucking company partners offer a range of services related to the transportation of goods. These services can vary depending on the specific company, its size, and its specialization. Here are some common services provided by our commercial trucking companies:

* Freight Transportation:

– Most commercial trucking companies specialize in transporting freight from one location to another. This can include local, regional, or long-haul transportation.

* Full Truckload (FTL) Services:

– Companies may offer FTL services where an entire truck is dedicated to a single customer’s shipment. This is often more cost-effective for large shipments.

* Less Than Truckload (LTL) Services:

– LTL services involve combining smaller shipments from multiple customers into one truck. This is cost-effective for smaller loads and helps reduce shipping expenses.

* Specialized Freight Services:

– Some companies specialize in transporting specific types of freight, such as refrigerated goods (reefer trucks), hazardous materials, oversized loads, or fragile items.

* Intermodal Transportation:

– Companies may provide intermodal transportation, combining trucking with other modes like rail or ocean freight for efficient long-distance transport.

* Logistics and Supply Chain Management:

– Larger trucking companies often offer logistics and supply chain management services. This includes route optimization, inventory management, and distribution services.

* Warehousing and Distribution:

– Some trucking companies have their own warehouses and distribution centers, offering storage and fulfillment services.

* Expedited or Express Shipping:

– Expedited services cater to time-sensitive shipments, ensuring faster delivery compared to standard shipping.

* Technology and Tracking Services:

– Many trucking companies use advanced technologies for real-time tracking, providing customers with visibility into the location and status of their shipments.