Frequently Asked Questions

Standard commercial shipments entering the United States require four core documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB), and an Importer Security Filing (ISF) for ocean freight. Depending on the product type, additional Partner Government Agency (PGA) documentation may be required, such as FDA prior notice, USDA plant/animal permits, or EPA declarations. Cordaro Shipping reviews all entry paperwork pre-departure to ensure complete compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

When documentation is pre-filed accurately via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI), paperless entry release is often granted within 24 to 48 hours after vessel arrival or airport landing. However, if CBP orders a physical examination (such as an X-ray scan or intensive physical exam) or if a Partner Government Agency (PGA) places a hold on the entry, clearance can take between 3 to 7 business days. Working with a CTPAT-certified broker minimizes the probability of random customs holds.

A U.S. Customs Bond is a financial guarantee contract between the importer, a recognized surety company, and CBP. It guarantees that all duties, taxes, and government fees will be paid. A bond is legally required for any commercial shipment entering the U.S. valued at $2,500 or more, or for goods subject to PGA requirements regardless of value. Importers can choose a Single Entry Bond (SEB) for occasional shipments or a Continuous Customs Bond for cost-effective annual coverage across multiple ports.

Import duty rates are determined by the 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code assigned to your merchandise, its total commercial transaction value, and the designated Country of Origin. In addition to base tariff rates, shipments may be subject to merchandise processing fees (MPF), harbor maintenance fees (HMF), or special tariffs such as Section 301 duties. Our licensed customs brokers assist importers in establishing precise HTS classifications and leveraging eligible Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to minimize duty liability legally.

The Importer Security Filing (ISF), commonly known as 10+2, requires U.S. importers or their authorized brokers to transmit 10 critical data elements to CBP at least 24 hours before ocean container cargo is loaded aboard a vessel at the foreign port of origin. Late, missing, or inaccurate ISF submissions can result in strict liquidated damages fines of $5,000 per violation from U.S. Customs, along with container holds at arrival ports.

Full Container Load (FCL) provides exclusive use of a 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft High Cube container. It is the most economical choice for shipments exceeding 15 CBM (cubic meters), offering faster transit and minimal handling. Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidates your cargo with freight from other shippers, making it an ideal, cost-efficient solution for smaller volumes. Cordaro Shipping evaluates your volume, deadline, and landed cost requirements to recommend the optimal ocean shipping strategy.

With operational headquarters in Staten Island and offices in Lynbrook, NY and Diamond Bar, CA, Cordaro Shipping provides nationwide coverage. We directly handle customs entry and drayage at major ocean gateways including the Port of New York & New Jersey, Port of Los Angeles, and Port of Long Beach. Additionally, we clear air freight at JFK, EWR, LAX, and manage seamless inland rail drayage throughout the continental United States.

Yes. Our international logistics team is fully equipped to coordinate hazardous materials and dangerous goods (DG) by ocean and air. HAZMAT shipments require precise Dangerous Goods Declarations, safety data sheet (SDS) validation, specialized packaging, and strict adherence to IMDG and IATA regulations. Informing our freight specialists during booking ensures full regulatory compliance and seamless terminal acceptance.

CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary U.S. government-business initiative aimed at securing global supply chains. As a validated CTPAT partner, Cordaro Shipping's clients benefit from significantly reduced CBP examination rates, priority placement in inspection queues, access to FAST lanes at land borders, and assigned CBP supply chain security specialists during trade disruptions.

Imports involving food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, agricultural products, or electronics require dual filing with CBP and the relevant Partner Government Agency (PGA). We submit FDA Prior Notice declarations, manage USDA phytosanitary permits, and ensure EPA/FCC compliance electronically. Our proactive validation ensures your cargo satisfies all federal agency safety standards prior to arrival at port.

Our dedicated operations staff communicates fluently in English, Spanish, and Italian. This multilingual capability allows us to interface directly with overseas manufacturers, exporters, ocean lines, and U.S. buyers—eliminating language barriers, preventing documentation errors, and ensuring immediate clarity across global time zones.