Importer & exporter guides
Plain-language guides to customs clearance, ISF, bonds, classification, duties, and crossing the San Diego border, from the brokers who do it every day.
Understand how importing works
How to Import from Mexico
Step-by-step, both directions across the border. →
The Customs Clearance Process
What happens from arrival to release. →
Do I Need a Customs Broker?
When it’s required and when it’s optional. →
Broker vs Freight Forwarder
The difference and when you need both. →
First-Time Importer Guide
Everything a new importer needs to know. →
Import Duties, Taxes & Fees
How your duty is actually calculated. →
Importing Food: FDA & FSVP
Prior Notice, FSVP, and avoiding holds. →
IMMEX & Maquiladora Guide
Cross-border manufacturing, explained. →
Customs Terms Glossary
ISF, HTS, pedimento, bonds and more. →
Why Cargo Gets Held
Common reasons and how to avoid them. →
How to Ship from China to the USA
Modes, paperwork, customs, delivery. →
The Process of Importing Goods from China
Every stage from supplier to your dock. →
DDU vs DDP Shipping
Who pays the duty, and when. →
How to Import Furniture from China
Tariffs, wood rules, packing, freight. →
Still have questions?
Talk to a real broker. We explain it plainly and quote it before we start.
What to include for an accurate quote
The more of this you share, the faster we can price it. Quotes are for businesses with recurring commercial shipments.
- Origin: supplier or factory city and country
- Destination: delivery city and ZIP code
- Product: what it is, and the HS code if you have it
- Quantity: units and number of cartons or pallets
- Weight: total gross weight
- Size: carton dimensions or total volume in CBM
- Shipping method: ocean FCL, ocean LCL, air, or express
- How often you ship: monthly, quarterly, or your next few orders