Logistics Solution Guide: U.S. Customs Clearance

What You Need to Know About U.S. Customs Clearance

Bringing goods into the United States comes with a variety of requirements and regulations for businesses to understand

To maximize the likelihood of your freight arriving to U.S. destinations on time and without issue, consider a well-qualified partner who understands the many nuances of U.S. customs brokerage and clearance.  

Top customs brokers help businesses of all sizes and types navigate the detailed formalities of importing goods into the United States. They can deliver greater speed and accuracy by relying on teams of licensed brokers to clear entries ranging from simple to complex. 

Five customs clearance partner must-haves

Not all transportation and logistics companies focus on the same solutions. But now that you know what customs clearance and brokerage providers offer, you can find the partner that best fits your needs. 

01 | Robust risk management 

For optimal risk management, your partner should be well-versed with Incoterms and how to best protect all parties involved with import or export. At the very least, look for a broker who is a licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier and certified and licensed with U.S. Customs, the Department of Transportation, the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 


02 | “Wheels up” capabilities  

Providers who offer “Wheels Up” programs can obtain U.S. Customs clearance for your cargo while it’s still in the air. This expedited clearance process cuts your risk for on-the-ground clearance delays and often improves transit times by as much as a full day. 


03 | Import-export expertise  

Look for a partner that can provide deep import-export experience. Can they offer Harmonized Tariff Schedule compliance and support? Can they procure customs bonds or ATA Carnets? As customs clearance is a long-term investment essential to your success, you want a provider with a proven background in problem solving and risk reduction, in addition to speed. 


04 | Transparency  

Look for a provider who makes it a point to ask clarifying questions well before shipment arrival, communicates throughout the process—from pre-key through delivery—and shares any potential delays (and resolution status!) ASAP. 


05 | Tracking and documentation expertise  

For the best results, work with a customs broker that provides online, real-time, 24/7 clearance updates. Experienced providers should also be able to provide standardized reports on your daily, weekly and monthly shipments, as well as all your customs documentation. 

Why team with a customs broker?

Compliance support Compliance support 

Shipments involving sensitive goods, like medicine, perishable food or government cargo, are often subject to specific federal regulations and additional government agency clearance. To streamline shipping, customs brokers provide compliance support for frequently called upon U.S. bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Transportation, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Defense Contract Management Agency. 


Streamlined, priority clearance Streamlined, priority clearance 

No business wants their shipments held up due to clearance delays. That’s why top customs brokers use approaches like pre-clearance processing (pre-keying from parts databases, for example) to deliver hassle-free clearance through U.S. ports of entry.