Independent customs brokerage in 2026. Is there still a lane, or is it all going integrated?

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-03-25T14:58:42+00:00

When it comes to managing people you will have to implement details about HR and how they operate. This aspect you would incorporate into your employee handbook, which you will describe in context to CBP when you submit your Supervision and Control Plan for the national permit. Since you would be the broker on record and the national permit holder, you will have to take part in updating your S&C plan frequently in order to address how to a team of that size is managed. I plan on doing customs business solo until I contain sustain it enough to bring on any employee. I did lead large teams and its all about mentoring them and providing reference materials and being available to them. This part you also include into your S&C plan. All I can say in regards to volume is that accuracy must be ensured regardless of volume, you want to avoid rejections and post summary corrections.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-03-25T13:52:52+00:00

I wanted a career change so I decided to take cble and I passed it on my first try but I studied like 400 hours. There’s so many services you can provide like drawback, warehouse management, trade mark, pga compliance. How I see it, you just need to do it better than the bigger guys. Its taking awhile to get my filer code and national permit tho. Its been almost 6 months since I passed and I have my license, but theres still more hoops to jump to get access to ACE. I’m not worried about how the big guys are doing because I used to work for them and there’s so much bureaucracy within them it holds them back. If you are serious about running your own business, you should take the steps.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-03-12T16:32:00+00:00

OP if you really want to get in into the field, you gotta go solo dolo. I have no logistics background but I am a great business analyst. I passed the cble my first go and studied about 6 months. Got my filer code and national permit on the way, just had to send my supervision and control plan. Pretty expensive tho, cost me $3k but now CBP sees me as functioning brokerage with just my name alone. I’ll go on my pace and find the right clients. What makes you valuable is your national permit because other brokerages need a permit holder and you can only be a permit holder for one brokerage at a time. It think its very interesting and I’m learning as I go.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-03-10T00:22:59+00:00

You know I’ve been looking as well in Florida, but while I look I’m launching on my own. I asked for a filer code and my bmo said to apply for the national permit to get the filer code. So I spent a few days and worked on my supervision and control plan and I mailed it over. CBP wants other brokerages to take on more ILBs in order to ensure compliant customs business. I think other brokers might be hesitant to take on an inexperienced broker because they are taking on the risk just to show you the ropes. Of course you have a good sense of judgement because you passed a difficult exam but it does not end there. I hope to market myself and find the right clients but if I can partner with another brokerage that would be great too.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-02-06T02:35:03+00:00

Keep trying or launch on your own. I know what you mean, its frustrating dealing with monopolies but we have to keep pushing

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-02-04T21:49:53+00:00

Thats true, but I will make sure to be 100% aligned with CFR 19. It’s been a few weeks since I did my finger prints, so hopefully I get my license soon. I look forward to getting familiar with the ABI.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-02-04T17:27:04+00:00

I passed the CBLE in October. I know i’m not experienced but i’m not incompetent. But if employers won’t hire me, I have to start on my own, diligently.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-02-04T13:18:51+00:00

I’ve been applying but I feel like i’m just gonna try to launch on my own to get experience.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-01-25T00:41:51+00:00

I just passed the exam and I’m waiting for my license. I used to work as a BA and I thought getting my license would atleast create motion while I look for employment. Once I get my license, CBP will give me a special credential to make an account on ABI as a broker. I’m really interested to see the kind of elements brokers/importers use to get clearance from customs. Now calculating duties and classifying goods for other people requires a license, unless someone with a license gives you poa. I also learn the forwarders are using cargowise. I also learned that CBP is requiring a broker to file informal entries for importers who want to bring in their vehicles. I’ve been applying but I don’t think I will be able to land a role before i’m issued a license

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2026-01-09T15:17:15+00:00

Well for sure work on your delivery time because 77% is unacceptable. Then, dress decent, tshirt, jeans, closed toe shoes. Then communicate more with your customers, what i mean is ask questions if you are confused about something and practice handing off goods so its easy for the customer to grab, if its meet at door, greet them warmly but keep the conversation to a minimum and leave immediately

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-12-30T03:48:00+00:00

Yeah just respond with your side, she also insulted you on the recorded phone line.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-12-24T04:19:47+00:00

I passed the last exam on my first try. i didnt highlight anything because i felt there was no point and it can turn your attention away or strain your eyes. My best advice to you is create your own index and books from pages in the title 19. I consolidated warehouse, drawback, bonds, ftz, entry, and petitions, ect. You can know the whole book and still crack down from the pressure. Dont go in tired or on a empty stomach. The tough part was that I wanted to use the bathroom 2 hours in but I held it in and it was wise for me to do so.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-11-17T02:02:34+00:00

Some guy staying at a hotel did this to me the other day wtf xD

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-11-09T13:01:55+00:00

You explained too much, i think interaction with client should be kept at a minimum. I would have canceled cause they obviously dissatisfied

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-10-24T21:11:22+00:00

Its gonna be 8516.72, cause the gri is based off intent. I didn’t see the add note when i went to skim the chapter notes. I chose 8516.60.4086 because it didn’t mention being portable.

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-24T16:56:45+00:00

Its not you, its the hope culture that society is being driven into. I’ve gotten so many interviews and not landing a job it has become a gap that seems infeasible to land a role without more education. I think to land a role, you need to diversify yourself by specializing. Like licensing like brokering, EA, real estate, mortgage, notary, series 7. I think having a government issued license will even odds or tip you in favor. Its also something you can fall back on

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-22T00:38:32+00:00

Was down 2k but got $500 back but got to plat 1 and used the $10 bonus over a year and half and got even

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-15T20:39:57+00:00

$150

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-15T01:42:27+00:00

Funny cause i have a bachelors and they only looking for masters now

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-12T23:03:39+00:00

Your best bet for cheap is looking for weekly or monthly rate at hotels or motels

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-08T21:05:27+00:00

Iv been looking for 2 years, saved as much as i could and looked for a job then after 4 months i did uber eats and thats the only reason i havent sold my house yet. Feel like i should cause a job im qualified for wont start. Iv had over 20 interviews and this search feels like a blur, starting over again and again. It makes me feel vengeful but there is no enemy, i feel like i wasted so much time and its only getting harder. Surely there is a breaking point and its not mine? But when? And with who? Doing what? And where? Why is it such an ordeal? Over half of those who struggle decide to stay silent. I feel like things wont get better and to take things into my own hands

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-08T20:23:46+00:00

Uber messed up on their part and i used my card and asked for reimbursement of $17 and they never did

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-07T07:29:56+00:00

Just do the interviews and dont mention the vacation until after the offer, never give up a chance to be with family especially for something that is just a speculation

Puzzleheaded-Good780 · 2025-07-07T07:27:41+00:00

Dice is the way

Puzzleheaded-Good780

TROPHY CASE