Part 2: Getting Ready to Ship
A 4-Part Guide Brought to You by Stile Associates
Ensure Compliance, Avoid Delays, and Streamline the Import Process with Stile’s Expertise
Licenses, Bonds, and Paperwork Prep Made Easy with Stile Associates
Welcome to Part 2 of our import series. In Part 1, we talked about the early decisions every importer must make, HTS codes, import restrictions, Incoterms, and setting up an Importer of Record.
Now it’s time to prepare for launch. Before your shipment even leaves its origin, there’s critical paperwork, filings, and compliance steps to handle. If you miss one, your shipment can be delayed; or worse, stuck at port.
At Stile Associates, we take the guesswork out of this stage. Here’s what needs to be done, and how we do it for you.
1. Prepare Your Commercial Documents — the Right Way
You’ll need:
- Commercial Invoice: A clear, detailed invoice matching the HTS code and goods.
- Packing List: Describes the contents, packaging type, and dimensions.
- Bill of Lading: Acts as a receipt, contract, and document of title for the shipment.
Why it matters:
Even small mismatches between these documents can trigger inspections or customs holds.
Stile Advantage:
We review every line and flag issues before they become problems. We also coordinate directly with your supplier to make sure all paperwork is CBP-compliant.
2. Get a Customs Bond. Your Entry Pass to U.S. Ports
If your shipment:
- Is worth more than $2,500, or
- Is regulated by agencies like the FDA or USDA…
…you must have a U.S. Customs Bond. This bond is a guarantee to the U.S. government that duties and fees will be paid.
There are two types:
- Single Entry Bond (SEB). For one-time imports
- Continuous Bond. For frequent importers (valid for 12 months)
Don’t guess which you need. A continuous bond is often more cost-effective, even if you’re only importing a few times per year.
Stile Advantage:
We assess your volume and handle bond registration directly with Customs, saving you time and avoiding costly errors.
3. File Importer Security Filing (ISF). For Ocean Shipments
The ISF (10+2) is mandatory for any ocean freight coming to the U.S. It must be filed at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel overseas.
Late or incorrect ISFs can cost you:
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Port delays
- Loss of trusted trader privileges
Stile Advantage:
Our team submits ISF filings electronically, tracks deadlines, and works with your overseas partners to collect container data in advance.
4. Power of Attorney (POA). So, We Can Work on Your Behalf
Before we can file documents, clear shipments, or secure bonds, we need a Power of Attorney form signed by you.
It’s a simple form, but essential.
Stile Advantage:
We provide a pre-filled, digital POA form you can complete in minutes. Once signed, we can handle everything else.
5. Optional but Smart: Apply for an Importer Number (CBP Assigned Number)
If you don’t have a U.S. company or tax ID, CBP can assign you an Importer Number for customs tracking.
Stile Advantage:
We help foreign entities or first-time importers obtain one quickly and correctly—making your profile clean and compliant in the CBP system.
Why This Step is Critical for Import Success
Most import delays don’t happen at sea, they happen before the ship sails, due to:
- Incomplete paperwork
- Missing bonds
- Last-minute ISF submissions
- Incorrect HTS or invoice info
That’s why Stile’s import specialists start early and handle the details for you.
Summary: What We Handle for You in This Phase
| Task |  You Handle It | Or We Handle It |
| Document Review & Correction | ✅ | |
| Customs Bond (SEB or Continuous) | ✅ | |
| ISF Filing (for Ocean Freight) | ✅ | |
| Power of Attorney Form | ✅ (You sign) | ✅ (We send it) |
| Importer Number (if needed) | Optional | ✅ |
Partner with Stile — and Breathe Easy
At Stile Associates, we don’t just “help” with paperwork—we own the process. Our licensed brokers and import coordinators walk with you from start to finish, ensuring:
- No missed deadlines
- No paperwork mistakes
- No guessing what comes next
Importing shouldn’t be a gamble. With Stile, it’s a well-managed process.
Coming Next in Part 3:
The Moment of Truth — Customs Clearance & Duty Payments
Learn how goods are cleared, duties calculated, and what happens if your container is flagged for inspection.
Ready to Secure Your Supply Chain?
Don’t leave your shipments, or your data to chance.
Contact Stile Associates today to learn how our tech-forward, compliance-driven logistics solutions keep your cargo safe from both delays and digital threats.
www.stileintl.com
info@stileintl.com
NYC | Miami | Los Angeles
Want to experience the personal touch?
Contact us today or visit www.stileintl.com to see how we can streamline your logistics with trust, care, and real expertise.
From New York to Miami to Los Angeles, our offices reflect our coast-to-coast commitment to personal service in global logistics.
At Stile, Logistics Is More Than Freight It’s a Relationship.
If you’re looking for a logistics partner who sees you as more than a shipment number, discover the Stile Associates difference.
Trusted. Proven. Personal.
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.
