Simply Trade

Global Training Center

Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work? Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance? Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’? If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you. Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade. We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed! You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders. Let’s get to it!

  1. 14h ago

    [Cindy’s Version] Trade Compliance Meets Zero Trust

    Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Published: October 9, 2026 Length: ~19 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary At a customs compliance conference, Cindy Allen heard a trade-fraud task force speaker describe a move toward a “zero-trust” enforcement environment. In this episode, she unpacks what that message could mean for importers: more data-driven scrutiny, more detailed questions, and a greater need to substantiate what appears on an entry. Using Taylor Swift’s “No Body, No Crime” as this week’s theme, Cindy explores the role of ACE data, AI-assisted supply-chain mapping, and interagency collaboration in the enforcement approach described by the speaker. Her central question is practical: can your business support its country-of-origin determinations, classifications, and manufacturing claims when customs asks for evidence? She also walks through the week’s tariff-refund developments, including CAPE 3 questions and a reported class-action designation, before turning to country-of-origin scrutiny and proposed changes for informal mail entries. Additional updates touch on global overcapacity, USMCA uncertainty, and the relationship between tariffs and consumer-goods inflation. For importers, brokers, and compliance teams, the episode connects policy headlines to the daily work of maintaining records, understanding suppliers, and responding thoughtfully to government requests. Cindy’s message: being confident in your compliance is not the same as being prepared to demonstrate it. This Week in Trade • Tariff refunds and litigation: Cindy discusses CAPE 3 filing questions, protest-related guidance, and a reported class-action designation. She highlights unresolved participation details, potential benefits for smaller importers, and the possibility of a government appeal. • Country of origin and overcapacity: Cindy reviews U.S. Trade Representative comments on manufacturing and origin determinations, increasingly detailed customs questionnaires, and G20 efforts to address overcapacity. • Proposed informal mail-entry changes: The Entry Type 13 discussion covers broker appointments, tighter data deadlines, proposed changes to the $250 trade-remedy threshold for informal entries, and final deliver-to-party information. • USMCA and tariff impacts: Cindy flags questions about USMCA’s future and discusses a report linking tariffs to consumer-goods inflation. Main Topic / Discussion Cindy’s main discussion centers on the “zero-trust” enforcement environment described by a trade-fraud task force speaker at an ACI customs compliance and trade-enforcement conference. She examines how ACE data, AI-assisted mapping, and cooperation across agencies can connect parties, products, and filing patterns. Her example: two importers use the same supplier for the same product but declare different tariff numbers. Cindy explains why that difference can attract scrutiny and how detailed CBP Forms 28 and 29 may help officials build a fuller picture of the goods, manufacturing processes, and parties involved. The practical question running through the discussion is whether a company can produce the evidence behind its trade decisions—not simply state that it is compliant. Key Takeaways • Be prepared to substantiate your declarations. Cindy challenges importers to consider whether their records support the classifications, origin determinations, and manufacturing information on which they rely. • Understand both the entities and the goods. Cindy distinguishes the supply chain—the entities moving goods—from the value chain—the goods moving among those entities. • Take detailed customs communications seriously. Cindy urges importers receiving extensive Forms 28 and 29 to seek experienced assistance and consult customs counsel when preparing responses. • Separate developments from final outcomes. Refund procedures, possible appeals, and proposed mail-entry changes involve unresolved questions. Cindy emphasizes understanding the details before deciding what a development means for your business. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Cindy Allen on LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier: Cindy’s trade consultancy, introduced in the episode. • Song reference: Taylor Swift, “No Body, No Crime,” from evermore. • Referenced processes and tools: CAPE 3, the Court of International Trade, ACE data, CBP Forms 28 and 29, and proposed Entry Type 13 mail procedures. Credits Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

  2. 19h ago

    AI in Trade Compliance: Why Expertise Still Matters

    Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Penny Chen Published: October 8, 2026 Length: Approximately 37 minutes; transcript ends at 37:16 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary AI can help trade professionals work differently—but what separates a useful tool from a solution that actually delivers? In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano sits down with Penny Chen to explore her founder journey and what it has taught her about customers, compliance, and the limits of general-purpose AI. Penny shares how her background in AI algorithm design and experience at Flexport led her into trade, then takes listeners inside the early startup days: a small apartment, a modest IKEA shopping list, and two technical founders learning to build and sell at the same time. She also explains why the business shifted from selling duty drawback software to providing a full service focused on customer outcomes. From there, the conversation turns to a question many trade teams are asking: where should AI fit into their work? Lalo and Penny discuss getting started with general-purpose tools, recognizing when specialized solutions are needed, and bringing scattered information together so professionals can focus on judgment rather than coordination. For trade practitioners and technology-minded leaders, this episode offers an approachable look at why learning the tools matters—and why domain knowledge still belongs at the center of the conversation. Main Topic / Discussion The central question is not simply whether AI can produce an answer, but whether it can support the work a trade team actually needs to get done. Penny connects her company’s move into full-service duty drawback with the importance of delivering customer outcomes. She and Lalo then explore the limits of general-purpose AI, the challenge of fragmented data, and the role of specialized tools. Looking ahead, Penny shares her vision of more connected workflows that leave professionals with more time for research, judgment, and business decisions. Throughout the discussion, one point keeps coming back: understanding the technology does not replace understanding the trade problem. Key Takeaways • Start with curiosity and hands-on practice. Penny encourages trade professionals to experiment with general-purpose AI while learning the fundamentals of how it works. • Recognize when a general-purpose tool is not enough. Complex trade workflows can require specialized systems, industry context, and information that a standalone conversation does not bring together. • Focus on outcomes, not software alone. Penny explains how customer needs drove the shift from selling duty drawback software to delivering a full-service offering. • Keep trade expertise at the center. Lalo and Penny’s experiences building software illustrate why subject-matter knowledge remains essential when using AI to develop and evaluate solutions. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Connect with Penny Chen on LinkedIn — reach out about AI, trade compliance, and the educational sessions discussed in the episode. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Penny Chen - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

  3. 2d ago

    [Canada] Beyond Tariffs: Why Canada–U.S. Businesses Need Breathing Room

    Host: Warrington Ellacott Guest(s): Laura Dawson Published: October 7, 2026 Length: Approximately 21 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary What happens when the political conversation about trade leaves the businesses doing the trading on the sidelines? In this special Canada edition of Simply Trade, host Warrington Ellacott welcomes Laura Dawson, Executive Director of the Future Borders Coalition, for a discussion about what Canada–U.S. trade uncertainty looks like beyond Ottawa and Washington. Future Borders Coalition Drawing on conversations with manufacturers, importers, and exporters, Laura explains why frustration extends well beyond tariffs. Shifting compliance requirements, rules of origin, classification questions, and delays in getting answers can make familiar business relationships harder to maintain. Warrington adds the Canadian importing perspective, including the challenges of navigating tariff remission processes. The conversation also explores a difficult balance: how Canada can build new trading opportunities without weakening the commercial relationships businesses already rely on. Rather than waiting for one political meeting or policy decision to solve everything, Laura makes the case for competitiveness, stronger infrastructure, and giving businesses room to operate. For trade professionals trying to keep goods moving while the policy landscape shifts, this episode offers perspective on protecting relationships, improving supply chain visibility, and finding reasons for cautious optimism. Main Topic / Discussion Warrington and Laura examine how political friction becomes operational friction for companies moving goods between Canada and the United States. Their discussion connects tariff uncertainty, compliance demands, and remission challenges with bigger questions about USMCA/CUSMA, diversification, and competitiveness. At the center is a practical question: How can governments strengthen businesses’ ability to compete without making established cross-border relationships harder to maintain? Laura argues for expanding commercial options, lowering the political temperature, and giving businesses breathing room—not expecting a single negotiation or international meeting to solve everything. Key Takeaways • Tariffs are only part of the burden. Laura highlights how changing compliance requirements, origin questions, classification issues, and slow answers compound uncertainty for businesses. • Diversification should expand options, not sacrifice existing relationships. The discussion emphasizes competitiveness and commercially viable opportunities while preserving valuable Canada–U.S. connections. • Cooperation still matters beyond national capitals. Warrington encourages continued engagement with provincial and state officials who understand the businesses and communities affected. • Resilience can build long-term capability. Greater supply chain visibility, adaptability, and investments in infrastructure give Laura reasons for cautious optimism—even without a quick return to the previous trading environment. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Laura Dawson’s op-ed: “Cross-Border Traders Are Tired of Being an Afterthought” — The article discussed in this episode, examining business frustration with the costs and uncertainty surrounding Canada–U.S. trade. LinkedIn • Future Borders Coalition • IE Canada — Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters • IE Canada International Trade Summit — Event Details & Registration — Ottawa, November 17–19, 2026. I.E. Canada Simply Trade listener offer: Non-members receive a $150 discount with code SIMPLYTRADE, available beginning October 1, 2026. Credits Host: Warrington Ellacott Guest(s): Laura Dawson — LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

  4. 3d ago

    [TIPS] 90 Days Until 2027: Can You Back Up Your USMCA Certificates?

    90 Days Until 2027 Series Episode 1 of 13 Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Miriam Name, Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN) Published: [PUBLISH DATE] Length: Approximately 14 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Why wait until January to fix the trade compliance problems you can start addressing today? In the kickoff to 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano launches a 13-part Simply Trade [TIPS] series with Miriam Name of Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN). Their starting point: the documentation behind your USMCA certifications of origin. As companies prepare supplier solicitations and next year’s blanket certificates, Miriam asks a more important question than whether the paperwork has been signed: can you support it? Drawing on her experience with audits involving Mexico, she discusses what happens when invoices disappear, qualification calculations leave with a former employee, or the person signing a certification does not understand its basis. Lalo and Miriam explore why collecting documents is only part of the job. Those records also need to be accessible and available when someone asks how a product’s origin was determined. They discuss the limitations of scattered emails and manual workflows, along with the role software can play in supporting the process. This opening episode sets the tone for the series: practical improvements now, rather than another compliance resolution in January. Start with your USMCA files—and find out whether your team can back up what it signs. Main Topic / Discussion The first preparation task is to review your USMCA origin documentation before the next certification cycle. The conversation connects supplier solicitations, qualification methodology, signer knowledge, and accessible supporting records. Miriam also cautions exporters against assuming that a commercial agreement assigning import costs to a customer resolves the risks associated with certifications they have issued. Her closing recommendations focus on self-audits: checking certification details against importer and shipment information, reviewing methodology consistency on blanket certificates, and declining to certify when origin is uncertain. Key Takeaways • Start before renewal season becomes a scramble. Begin supplier solicitations early and review the documentation supporting the products you plan to certify. • Know who is signing—and what they understand. Miriam urges companies to confirm that the signer understands the basis for the certification and not to issue one when origin is uncertain. • Keep the evidence accessible. Review supplier documents, raw-material invoices, and qualification calculations rather than relying on one person’s inbox. For Mexico, Miriam recommends retaining supporting documentation for at least five years. • Self-audit the details. Cross-check certifications against importer and shipment information. Miriam also recommends consistency in the methodology used for blanket certifications and considering separate certificates for products using different methodologies. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Miriam Name — LinkedIn • Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN) • USMCA Management Software - RAIZ The 90 Days Until 2027 companion playbook is in development, with practical resources planned to grow alongside the series. Follow Simply Trade for release updates. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Miriam Name - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

  5. 4d ago

    [NCBFAA] Enforcement, Advocacy & What Brokers Need to Watch

    Host: Lori Mullins & Karen Damon Guest(s): N/A Published: October 2026 Length: Approximately 17 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary The pace of change in international trade isn’t slowing down—and customs brokers, freight forwarders, importers, and compliance professionals need to know what’s coming next. In the October NCBFAA President’s Recap, presented in partnership with Simply Trade and Global Training Center, Lori Mullins sits down with NCBFAA President Karen Damon following the association’s sold-out Government Affairs Conference. Karen takes listeners behind the scenes of NCBFAA’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and explains why transparency and advance notice remain critical when new tariffs and regulatory requirements are introduced. The conversation also examines CBP’s increasing focus on enforcement and why licensed customs brokers are being viewed as an important “force multiplier” in protecting revenue, improving data accuracy, supporting security, and keeping legitimate trade moving. They also tackle a deadline licensed customs brokers cannot afford to overlook: the 2027 triennial report and continuing education requirements. Finally, Karen looks ahead to what could dominate trade conversations over the coming months—including supply-chain tracing, CTPAT obligations, enhanced importer responsibilities, and CBP’s push for greater supply-chain visibility. Main Topic / Discussion This month’s President’s Recap focuses on a trade environment increasingly shaped by enforcement, supply-chain transparency, regulatory change, and industry advocacy. Following NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference, Karen discusses the importance of bringing the trade community’s perspective directly to policymakers. She also explains why predictable implementation timelines are essential when tariffs and other requirements change. Brokers and importers need time to understand new rules, educate their teams, update software, and transmit accurate information. The conversation then turns to CBP enforcement and the evolving responsibilities of importers and customs brokers. Karen describes brokers as an important “force multiplier” capable of helping CBP facilitate legitimate commerce while supporting security, accurate data, revenue collection, and compliance. The 2027 Triennial Is Coming Licensed customs brokers should be preparing now for the 2027 triennial reporting cycle. Karen emphasizes the importance of maintaining documentation supporting continuing education credits. Lori challenges listeners to contact fellow licensed customs brokers—and importer colleagues who hold licenses—to make sure they are preparing as well. What Comes Next? Karen identifies two issues she believes the industry will still be discussing six months from now: supply-chain tracing and CTPAT obligations affecting customs brokers. She encourages importers, exporters, customs brokers, and other trade professionals to pay attention to CBP’s developing supply-chain visibility requirements and participate in the regulatory process when opportunities for public comment arise. Key Takeaways • NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference gives industry professionals an opportunity to educate policymakers about trade facilitation and the practical impact of regulatory changes. • Advance notice for tariff and regulatory changes is essential for compliant implementation, including updates to CBP systems and brokerage software. • Customs brokers increasingly serve as a “force multiplier” by supporting CBP’s security, trade facilitation, data accuracy, and revenue-collection missions. • Brokers and importers should closely monitor evolving requirements involving importer records, ownership information, bonds, foreign importers, and supply-chain transparency. • Licensed customs brokers need to prepare for the 2027 triennial report and retain documentation supporting their required continuing education credits. • NCBFAA committees and volunteers continuously monitor regulatory developments and create alerts, articles, FAQs, toolkits, and other resources for members. • Supply-chain tracing and evolving CTPAT obligations are likely to remain major issues for the trade community. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • NCBFAA • Lori Mullins - LinkedIn • Karen Damon - LinkedIn Credits Host: Lori Mullins Karen Damon Guest(s): N/A Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

  6. Oct 2

    [Cindy's Version] My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys: Trade Uncertainty and Customs Readiness

    Host: Cindy Allen Published: October 2, 2026 Length: ~12 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary What should trade teams watch when tariff negotiations, court challenges, and customs procedures are all moving at once? In this October 2 edition of Simply Trade—Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” as the starting point for a discussion about trade relationships and operational uncertainty. She examines developments involving China, Canada, and Mexico, alongside the questions they raise for importers, customs brokers, and cross-border supply chains. The update moves from proposed Section 301 tariff reductions and the U.S.–China trade truce to international discussions about excess capacity and steel melt-and-pour information. Cindy also reviews tariff litigation before turning to practical matters: continuing education records, importer-of-record status, CTPAT validation, low-value postal entries, and pharmaceutical tariff reporting. Throughout the episode, Cindy connects policy discussions with the follow-through required of trade professionals. Her closing message is to prepare for further changes rather than assume temporary arrangements will settle long-term planning questions. For listeners balancing developments in Washington and abroad with day-to-day customs responsibilities, this episode offers a focused overview of what Cindy is watching—and the operational details she encourages listeners to review. This Week in Trade Topics Cindy discusses in this episode: • China trade developments: Proposed Section 301 tariff reductions, an anticipated comment period, and the U.S.–China trade-truce extension. • Global trade and the courts: Excess-capacity discussions, steel melt-and-pour transparency, and tariff challenges involving Sections 301 and 122. • CBP updates: Broker education and applications, importer records, CTPAT, Entry Type 13, and pharmaceutical tariff reporting. • North America and transportation: Canadian product restrictions, USMCA negotiations, and shipping concerns involving the Strait of Hormuz. Main Topic / Discussion The central discussion is how evolving trade relationships intersect with everyday customs work. Cindy uses this week’s song as an organizing theme for examining U.S. trade relationships with Canada, Mexico, China, and other trading partners. She connects that broader discussion with operational readiness: monitoring tariff proposals and court cases, maintaining broker education documentation, checking importer records, and following CBP filing guidance. The episode brings policy developments and administrative details into the same conversation, encouraging listeners to account for both when planning their next steps. Key Takeaways • Watch the process, not just the announcement. Follow comment periods and implementation guidance as proposed tariff changes develop. • Keep broker education records current. Review completed credits and supporting documentation ahead of the next triennial reporting cycle. • Review importer and broker readiness. Pay attention to importer-of-record status, Form 5106 information, and applicable CTPAT requirements. • Prepare for continued change. Keep trade negotiations, tariff litigation, steel-origin information, and CBP reporting guidance on your monitoring list. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • USTR: Section 301 Investigations • CBP: Customs Broker Continuing Education • CBP: Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism—CTPAT • Episode song: Taylor Swift, “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys.” Credits Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

  7. Oct 1

    The Hidden Cost of “Free” Truck Parking with Evan Shelley

    Host: Andy Shiles Guest(s): Evan Shelley, Founder of Truck Parking Club Published: October 1, 2026 Length: Approximately 34 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary What does “free” truck parking really cost when a driver has to travel miles out of the way to reach it? In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy Shiles talks with Evan Shelley, founder of Truck Parking Club, about treating parking as an operational decision—not simply an expense to avoid. Their conversation explores the trade-offs between parking fees, unnecessary mileage, available driving time, and driver stress. Evan explains how Truck Parking Club connects drivers, dispatchers, and fleet managers looking for parking with property owners who have suitable space available. The discussion goes beyond overnight stops to cover trailer drop-offs, multiday stays, and longer-term equipment storage. Along the way, Andy and Evan consider why access to the right parking location can matter as much as the price of the space itself. There’s another side to the conversation for warehouse operators, trucking terminals, repair shops, and other businesses with unused room. Evan describes how those spaces can become parking opportunities—and why a property doesn’t necessarily need to be large or located beside a major interstate to meet a driver’s needs. For anyone managing trucks, coordinating freight, or overseeing commercial property, this episode offers a practical look at an often-overlooked part of transportation operations. Main Topic / Discussion Andy and Evan explore truck parking from both sides of the marketplace: helping drivers and fleets find suitable places to stop while helping property owners put unused capacity to work. Evan describes the platform’s booking tools, property information, and support for parking operators. At the time of recording, he reports more than 6,300 locations across all 50 states. Episode Highlights The following timestamps mark discussion segments in the transcript. • 02:48 — How the marketplace works: Connecting parking demand with available property space. • 12:13 — Finding and booking a spot: Using availability, photos, reviews, and amenities to evaluate locations. • 13:05 — Pricing and membership options: Marketplace rates, volume discounts, and loyalty benefits. • 17:32 — Beyond overnight parking: Multiday stops, trailer drop-offs, and longer-term storage needs. • 21:18 — The fleet business case: Evaluating parking through safety, efficiency, out-of-route miles, and driver experience. • 30:45 — Opportunities beyond major markets: Why rural properties and smaller locations can still meet meaningful parking needs. Key Takeaways • Compare the whole trip—not just the parking fee. Andy and Evan discuss how a free space farther away may involve additional fuel, mileage, and time compared with a nearby paid option. • Parking needs extend beyond overnight rest. The conversation includes trailer drops, multiday parking, and longer-term equipment storage—not just finding somewhere to sleep. • Suitable unused space can create a revenue opportunity. Evan explains how warehouses, trucking terminals, repair shops, and other properties can participate, including locations with only one available space. • Location value depends on the driver’s needs. Evan highlights how a rural property could help a local driver park closer to home, even when the site is not near a major interstate. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Truck Parking Club • Connect with Evan Shelley on LinkedIn Credits Host: Andy Shiles Guest(s): Evan Shelley - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

  8. Sep 30

    [Tips] DDP Incoterms — Know What You’re Signing Up For

    Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Arthur O’Meara Published: September 30 Length: ~12 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary DDP can sound like the perfect solution for a customer: the seller handles everything and delivers the goods. But for the seller, Delivered Duty Paid can bring obligations and costs that aren't always obvious when the deal is made. In the final installment of this four-part Simply Trade Tips series, host Lalo Solorzano and Arthur O’Meara return to Incoterms® to examine DDP. Arthur, an Incoterms® instructor certified by the International Chamber of Commerce, explains why sellers need to understand a destination country's importer-of-record requirements before agreeing to DDP. Using Canada as an example, Arthur explores non-resident importer registration and the potential impact of GST. He also explains an important distinction: free trade agreements may address duties, but that doesn't mean other taxes disappear. The conversation then flips the scenario to U.S. imports, where Arthur explains why having a foreign supplier act as importer of record doesn't automatically reduce the dutiable value or eliminate the U.S. buyer's exposure to Customs questions. The series ends with a straightforward lesson: do your homework before something goes wrong. Edit-16---Arthur-Lalo-Take-04 (… Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and the obligations sellers can assume when agreeing to this Incoterms® rule. Arthur explains that DDP places extensive responsibilities on the seller, including obligations surrounding import customs clearance. That can create an immediate complication when selling into countries that require an importer of record to maintain an in-country presence. Even where non-resident importer provisions exist, additional tax considerations may arise. Arthur uses Canada to illustrate how an American seller could become a non-resident importer and still encounter GST obligations that are separate from customs duties. Lalo and Arthur also discuss the importance of educating departments outside trade compliance—particularly sales and purchasing—so Incoterms® aren't selected simply because they make a transaction easier to close. Finally, Arthur addresses the misconception that using a foreign supplier as importer of record into the United States automatically creates a lower dutiable value. His broader point: the Incoterms® rule and importer-of-record structure should be chosen strategically, not simply because they appear convenient. Edit-16---Arthur-Lalo-Take-04 (… Key Takeaways • DDP creates significant seller obligations: Understand what you're agreeing to before promising a customer that you'll “take care of everything.” • Check importer-of-record requirements: Countries can have different rules governing whether a foreign seller can serve as importer of record. • Duty-free doesn't necessarily mean tax-free: Arthur emphasizes that free trade agreements address duties, while other taxes such as VAT or GST can still apply. • Train sales and purchasing teams: Incoterms® decisions shouldn't exist only within the trade compliance department. Commercial teams need to understand the consequences of the terms they negotiate. • Don't assume changing the importer of record reduces dutiable value: Arthur explains why making the foreign supplier the importer of record does not automatically mean duties will be calculated using the supplier's production cost. • Do your homework: “This is how we've always done it” isn't a substitute for understanding the transaction and preparing before something goes wrong. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Incoterms® Training — Explore training on Incoterms® rules, buyer and seller responsibilities, risk, costs, and international transactions. • Import Compliance Training — Training for professionals responsible for U.S. import compliance and Customs requirements. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Arthur O’Meara - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

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4.7
out of 5
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About

Do you find yourself randomly classifying products… when you are not at work? Does the reason why you jump out of bed every morning have anything to do with validating your supply chain to insure trade compliance? Did you sit in your favorite chair with a glass of wine, paging through the latest regulations and thought to yourself, ‘what a great way to spend my free time’? If any of these apply to you, then you are very likely a ‘trade geek’… that is why we created Simply Trade just for you. Your hosts, Andy and Lalo have a combined 60+ years in the industry. Covering everything from logistics to technology. There is so much to learn with the ever-evolving world of trade. We’ve invited some friends over to our podcast to simply ’shoot the ship’ on all things trade. So join us every week as we discuss current and important trade topics with experts in their field who are passionate about helping you succeed! You’ll never run out of things to learn when it comes to trading goods across international borders. Let’s get to it!

Information

  • Creator
    Global Training Center
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    567
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Simply Trade

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