Ensure Compliance, Avoid Delays, and Streamline the Import Process with Stile’s Expertise
Behind every successful international shipment is a team of professionals ensuring that every box, barcode, and document is perfectly aligned with U.S. Customs regulations. At Stile Associates, our customs specialists are the unsung heroes who keep the supply chain running smoothly. Their day is filled with complex decisions, rapid problem-solving, and critical thinking all while ensuring our clients’ cargo clears customs with efficiency and compliance.
Morning Briefing: Aligning with the Global Clock
The day begins early for a Stile Customs Specialist. With clients across time zones and shipments arriving around the clock, our team starts by reviewing overnight cargo movements and customs holds. Using real-time tracking tools integrated into our proprietary visibility system, we assess:
- Which shipments require urgent action
- Any updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Delays caused by port congestion, weather, or incomplete documentation
This daily review helps us prioritize our workload and prepare for immediate client outreach.
Mid-Morning: Documentation, Compliance, and Communication
By mid-morning, it’s all hands-on deck. Our specialists dive deep into entry filings, ensuring:
- All Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes are accurate
- Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements are met (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.)
- Invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading are aligned with declarations
But this isn’t just paperwork. It’s risk mitigation. A missing line item or a wrong code can trigger an inspection, delay a shipment, or result in penalties. Our specialists regularly communicate with importers, overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, and government agencies to clarify discrepancies and avoid setbacks.
Lunch: Maybe. Or Maybe Not.
In theory, lunch is sacred. In reality, urgent cases often extend into lunchtime. When a high-value shipment is flagged by CBP or a perishable container is held at port, our team jumps into action. Time is money especially in logistics and our clients trust us to resolve issues fast.
Afternoon: Problem Solving in Real-Time
No two afternoons are the same. One moment we’re addressing an importer’s classification dispute with Customs, the next we’re handling a quota restriction for a textile shipment. Here’s a snapshot of what might happen:
- Case Study: A wine importer faces a delay due to missing COLA (Certificate of Label Approval). We contact the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), file the necessary documentation, and expedite the entry process.
- Case Study: A shipment of electronic components is detained due to suspected non-compliance with FCC labeling. Our specialist contacts the manufacturer, provides supporting documents, and works with the Compliance Department to release the cargo within hours.
End-of-Day Wrap-Up: Audits, Reports, and Peace of Mind
As the day winds down, our specialist’s complete post-entry work such as filing PEAs (Post Entry Amendments), reconciling entries, and auditing documents to ensure all regulatory standards are met. We also prepare daily compliance reports for internal use and client records, ensuring full transparency.
The final check? Reviewing all unresolved issues and flagging anything that needs escalation or early attention the next day.
Why Stile Specialists Stand Out
At Stile Associates, our customs specialists aren’t just filing paperwork — they’re solving real-world logistics challenges with speed, precision, and professionalism. Every day, they combine deep regulatory knowledge with modern technology to deliver seamless customs clearance.
Our team’s dedication means your cargo doesn’t just move it flows, efficiently and compliantly.
Ready to Partner with a Smarter Customs Brokerage?
Let Stile Associates help you navigate U.S. Customs with confidence. From entry to delivery, we make sure your business keeps moving forward.
Stile Associates – Trusted Since 1968
www.stileintl.com
Choose Stile — Your Smartest Move in Global Trade
Whether you’re shipping across the country or across continents, Stile Associates is the strategic partner that helps you build a smarter, more resilient supply chain.
Since 1968, we’ve been delivering peace of mind and performance. Let’s take your logistics to the next level together.
Visit us at www.stileintl.com
Or contact us at stevenheid@stileintl.com
Stile Associates – Trusted. Proven. Personal.
Stile Real Time Cargo Tracking with Global Visibility.
