Simply Trade

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: September 11, 2026Length: ~27 min.Presented by: Global Training Center
Summary
International trade is entering another major transformation—and according to Cindy Allen, trade professionals need to learn how to “be the willow and bend with the wind.”
In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy returns from the Customs Trade Cargo Security Summit in Dallas with a firsthand look at where CBP and the administration are taking U.S. trade policy, enforcement, and modernization.
The message from government leadership was clear: economic security is national security, importing is increasingly being treated as a privilege, and greater supply-chain visibility will be central to the next era of compliance.
Cindy breaks down five major themes from the summit, including the push to illuminate supply chains back to raw materials, changes to importer verification, the expanding responsibilities of trade participants, and the growing importance of CTPAT. She also explores how AI and ACE modernization could help CBP and compliant businesses work faster and smarter.
The direction of travel is becoming clearer. For importers, brokers, manufacturers, and other trade professionals, now is the time to understand how their responsibilities—and their compliance programs—may need to evolve.
This Week in Trade
• CBP and the administration are increasingly connecting economic security with national security.
• Full supply-chain visibility and traceability are moving toward becoming fundamental compliance expectations.
• Importer verification, country-of-origin determinations, and participation in programs such as CTPAT may evolve significantly.
• AI, ACE modernization, and greater use of technology could reshape both CBP operations and private-sector trade compliance.
Main Topic / Discussion
Cindy breaks down five major messages she took away from the Customs Trade Cargo Security Summit and what they could mean for the future of international trade compliance.
1. The Administration’s Trade Goal
The administration is pursuing an America First policy framework that could lead to changes in policy guidance, regulations, and eventually trade laws.
One of the clearest messages Cindy heard was that importing is being treated as a privilege rather than a right. At the same time, CBP does not want to stop legitimate trade. The objective is to better identify risk while allowing compliant trade to move more efficiently.
Economic security and national security are becoming increasingly intertwined, with domestic manufacturing capacity playing an important role in that strategy.
2. Illuminate Your Supply Chain
Supply-chain visibility is becoming a critical compliance issue.
Trade participants should increasingly expect to understand their supply chains beyond immediate suppliers—including products, manufacturing locations, and potentially the origins of raw materials.
Forced-labor enforcement is one driver, but Cindy explains why this visibility could also become important as the government revisits country-of-origin rules and other trade requirements.
The takeaway: companies should not wait for full traceability to become an explicit requirement before investing in the systems and processes needed to achieve it.
3. Know Who Is Participating in Trade
CBP wants greater visibility not only into what enters the United States, but also who participates in the transaction.
Importer-of-record verification is one area receiving attention. Cindy discusses the current 5106 process, CBP’s efforts to eliminate inactive importer records, and why additional information about importers and other supply-chain participants could become part of future requirements.
CBP is also considering how better participant information can improve risk segmentation and programs such as CTPAT.
4. The Role of Trade Professionals Is Changing
“Trade is a team sport” was a recurring message at the summit.
CBP increasingly sees importers, customs brokers, and other trade participants as partners in identifying suspicious behavior, understanding supply-chain risks, and protecting U.S. economic security.
For trade professionals, that could mean looking beyond traditional transaction-level compliance and developing a stronger understanding of geopolitical developments, enforcement trends, and broader business risks.
Cindy encourages companies to connect their trade teams with regulatory, legislative, and other internal stakeholders to build a more complete picture of emerging risks.
5. Technology and AI
CBP is envisioning a future in which legitimate trade becomes quicker and easier while suspicious shipments and actors become easier to identify.
ACE modernization, cloud technology, reduced duplication of data, and artificial intelligence are all expected to play roles in that transformation.
AI does not eliminate the need for human oversight. Instead, Cindy describes the emerging model as a “human in the loop,” where technology analyzes information and helps professionals become faster and more effective while people remain responsible for reviewing accuracy and making critical decisions.
Key Takeaways
• Economic security is increasingly being treated as an essential component of U.S. national security and trade policy.
• Supply-chain traceability—from finished goods potentially back to raw-material origins—is becoming an increasingly important compliance capability.
• Importer verification and visibility into everyone participating in trade could expand as CBP develops new approaches to risk segmentation.
• Trade professionals should prepare for broader responsibilities while using AI, ACE modernization, and other technology to improve visibility, efficiency, and compliance.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Trade Force Multiplier
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)
• Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
• Trade & Cargo Security Summit
• Section 232 and Section 301 trade actions
Credits
Host:Cindy Allen
Guest(s):N/A
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Lalo SolorzanoGuest(s): Michael LadenPublished: September 11, 2026Length: 40:24Presented by: Global Training Center
Summary
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, U.S. Customs faced an unprecedented challenge: protect the country from another attack without bringing legitimate international trade to a standstill.
In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano sits down with Michael Laden, one of the original private-sector architects who helped shape what became the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT).
At the time, Michael was a senior trade executive at Target, overseeing a massive global supply chain involving thousands of vendors across 84 countries. The morning after the attacks, he sent a short email to U.S. Customs offering to help. Within 20 minutes, his phone rang.
That call would eventually put Michael in meetings with Customs officials and approximately 50 experts from across the international trade community as they worked at extraordinary speed to rethink cargo security.
Michael shares the story from inside those rooms: the lessons Customs learned about global supply chains, why the private sector insisted CTPAT remain voluntary, the role of the original seven charter members, and how Target discovered that stronger security could actually make its supply chain more efficient.
Twenty-five years later, this is the story of how crisis, collaboration, and practical trade experience helped reshape supply chain security.
Main Topic / Discussion
When Trade Changed Overnight
Following the September 11 attacks, Customs elevated security to its highest priority. Inspections intensified, border traffic slowed dramatically, and just-in-time supply chains began breaking down.
Michael recalls watching the attacks from Target's offices and realizing later that evening that international trade was about to change.
The following morning, he emailed Bonni Tischler, then Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations at the U.S. Customs Service, offering to help from his positions at Target, COAC, and AAEI. Within approximately 20 minutes, he received a call asking him to come to Washington as soon as flights resumed.
Separating the Known From the Unknown
Michael's central idea was straightforward: Customs needed a way to distinguish trusted, known companies and supply chains from unknown and potentially higher-risk shipments.
He pointed to the Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition (BASC), an existing initiative designed to harden supply chains against narcotics smuggling, and suggested adapting the concept to address terrorism on a global scale.
That idea became part of the foundation for what ultimately developed into CTPAT.
Teaching Customs How Supply Chains Really Worked
One of Michael's most revealing stories comes from a meeting with Customs investigators.
Officials wanted Target to guarantee that every shipment entering the United States was completely secure. Michael explained the enormous complexity behind such a request: Target worked with approximately 15,000 vendors across 84 countries.
The exchange exposed a critical knowledge gap. Customs understood what happened when cargo arrived at a U.S. port of entry, but the agency needed private-sector expertise to understand everything that happened upstream throughout a global supply chain.
Building CTPAT at “Warp Speed”
COAC convened approximately 50 private-sector experts representing importers, exporters, brokers, freight forwarders, ports, truckers, airlines, and other parts of international transportation.
Working alongside Customs, the group examined individual supply-chain modes and helped develop the framework that became CTPAT.
Michael also describes debate inside government over which agency should control incoming cargo and explains why members of the trade community strongly advocated for Customs to retain that responsibility.
The program was formally launched on April 16, 2002, with seven charter members Commissioner Robert Bonner referred to as the “Magnificent Seven.”
Why CTPAT Was Voluntary
According to Michael, the trade community strongly pushed for CTPAT to begin as a voluntary partnership.
The reasoning was important: a mandatory system would put every importer into essentially the same regulatory pool. A voluntary program could instead reward companies willing to invest in stronger security while allowing Customs to focus greater scrutiny on companies and supply chains outside the program.
Security That Improved the Business
When Michael asked Target leadership to support the initiative, executives naturally wanted to know what it would cost.
The surprising result was that some changes made to secure Target's supply chain actually saved money. The company identified redundancies, improved transportation processes, increased efficiency, and strengthened security at the same time.
For Michael, that remains an important lesson for companies evaluating CTPAT today: supply-chain security does not necessarily have to come at the expense of operational efficiency.
Key Takeaways
• CTPAT grew from an urgent post-9/11 need to secure international supply chains without stopping legitimate global commerce.
• Government could not secure the international supply chain alone. The program required collaboration with the companies, carriers, logistics providers, and professionals who actually operated those supply chains.
• Michael Laden's early recommendation to adapt concepts from BASC helped frame a system in which Customs could better separate known, trusted supply chains from unknown risks.
• Twenty-five years later, CTPAT demonstrates how security and trade facilitation can reinforce each other—and how stronger supply-chain controls can sometimes create operational efficiencies rather than simply additional costs.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Michael Laden — “The Genesis of the U.S. C-TPAT Program”
• Robert Bonner — Testimony Before the 9/11 Commission
• The Washington Post — “Nation to Boost Anti-Terrorism Precautions”
• Voice of America — “New Security Measures Cause Traffic Jams at U.S.–Mexico Border”
• Voice of America — “September Terror Attacks Tighten U.S.–Mexico Border”
• UTEP/El Paso Borderplex Research Compilation
• Michael Laden — “C-TPAT Off the Rails”
• CBP — Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)
Credits
Host:Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s):Michael Laden - LinkedIn
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuest(s): Anders LillevikPublished: September 10, 2026Length: Approx. 34 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
Procurement and trade compliance may sit in different departments, but today's volatile global environment makes it increasingly difficult for them to operate independently.
In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with Anders Lillevik, Founder and CEO of Focal Point and a procurement veteran with more than 25 years of experience, to explore how procurement, compliance, risk, and logistics can work together to build stronger and more resilient supply chains.
Anders explains why understanding your direct suppliers is no longer enough. Organizations need visibility into the suppliers, subcontractors, geographic dependencies, and risks hiding further down the supply chain. The conversation explores supplier diversification, changing tariffs, transportation disruptions, internal bureaucracy, compliance requirements, and why companies need contingency plans before the next crisis arrives.
The group also discusses an often-overlooked opportunity: bringing trade compliance into the procurement process earlier. From classification and product descriptions to supplier vetting and sourcing decisions, collaboration before a purchase order is issued can prevent delays and costly surprises later.
For trade professionals, procurement leaders, logistics teams, and executives, this episode offers a practical framework for identifying risk and preparing your organization to respond faster when disruption hits.
Main Topic / Discussion
Modern procurement is no longer simply about finding the lowest-cost supplier. Organizations must balance cost, compliance, risk, resilience, transportation, supplier capacity, and geopolitical uncertainty.
Anders explains that effective procurement includes sourcing suppliers, managing existing suppliers, and transacting with them—but today's risk environment requires organizations to look beyond their immediate vendors.
Look Beyond Tier-One Suppliers
A supplier may appear reliable while depending on subcontractors or materials from vulnerable regions. Understanding those indirect dependencies can reveal risks that aren't visible from the primary supplier relationship.
Organizations should identify critical suppliers and ask which suppliers those companies depend on.
Build Supply Chain Alternatives Before You Need Them
Supplier diversification isn't necessarily a cost-optimization strategy. Sometimes paying to maintain secondary or tertiary suppliers is the price of ensuring continuity.
Organizations should evaluate primary, secondary, and tertiary options and understand what it will take to activate those alternatives before a disruption occurs.
Create an Emergency Governance Process
Strong governance matters, but lengthy internal approval processes can become liabilities during a crisis.
Companies need a clearly defined exception or emergency process that allows teams to move quickly when supply is threatened—without abandoning appropriate oversight.
Bring Compliance Into Procurement Earlier
Trade compliance shouldn't first become involved when goods arrive at the port.
Procurement and compliance can collaborate earlier on supplier vetting, product descriptions, HTS classification, special declarations, country-of-origin considerations, and other information that can affect landed cost and clearance.
Getting that information right at the purchase-order stage can reduce downstream delays and improve consistency across commercial and shipping documentation.
Key Takeaways
• Identify your critical suppliers—and understand which third parties those suppliers depend on.
• Build primary, secondary, and tertiary sourcing strategies before disruption forces you to react.
• Don't optimize solely for price. Supplier capacity, resilience, geography, transportation, compliance, and continuity all affect the true cost of sourcing.
• Create an emergency governance or exception process so procurement can respond quickly when critical supply is threatened.
• Bring trade compliance into procurement decisions earlier, particularly around supplier vetting, product descriptions, HTS classification, country of origin, and special declarations.
• Review critical supply-chain risks regularly because suppliers, subcontractors, tariffs, transportation routes, and geopolitical conditions can change.
• Evaluate the cost of maintaining alternative suppliers against the operational and financial impact of losing a critical source.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Focal Point
• Anders Lillevik - LinkedIn
Credits
Host:Lalo SolorzanoAndy Shiles
Guest(s):Anders Lillevik - LinkedIn
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Andy ShilesGuest(s): Nate Smith, Director of Programs at EpicenterPublished: September 9, 2026Length: ~21 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
What happens when logistics veterans get a firsthand look at technologies designed to solve some of the industry's most persistent problems?
In this Compliance Cowboy edition of Simply Trade, Andy Shiles sits down with Nate Smith, Director of Programs at Epicenter in Memphis, to preview the Logistics Innovation Showcase on October 1, 2026. Part of Memphis World Trade Week, the event brings together supply chain professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors for a look at emerging solutions that could shape the future of logistics.
Nate explains how five companies were selected from nearly 50 applicants through Epicenter's Logistics Opportunity Challenge. Their solutions tackle real industry challenges spanning cold chain capacity, fraud prevention and detection, drayage and intermodal operations, and oversized and overweight freight.
Andy and Nate also discuss why catching problems earlier can dramatically reduce costs, how previous showcase participants have turned presentations into real revenue-generating contracts, and why Memphis continues to be an important hub for logistics innovation.
Beyond today's solutions, attendees will also get a glimpse at emerging research and technologies that could influence supply chains in the years ahead.
Main Topic / Discussion
The episode previews the Logistics Innovation Showcase taking place October 1 at Epicenter in downtown Memphis as part of Memphis World Trade Week.
At the heart of the event are five companies selected through Epicenter's Logistics Opportunity Challenge:
• Freight Deck — A Birmingham-based heavy-haul cost estimator helping freight brokers and carriers price permits, escorts, and other costs associated with oversized and overweight loads across the U.S. and Canada.
• Pallet Vision — An Ann Arbor company using computer vision and sensors at pallet wrap stations to measure containment force, provide health scores, and create verified digital records before shipments leave the dock.
• ARVEST — A Chicago company using AI-powered cameras and software to automate warehouse quality control and compliance monitoring, including detecting damage, incorrect picks, safety issues, and potential fraud.
• OnSight — A Kansas City company focused on cargo-theft prevention through biometric and digital driver check-in technology.
• Arcticar — An Alameda, California company developing intelligent, all-electric refrigeration systems that can help convert existing trailer assets into additional cold-chain capacity.
The showcase goes beyond startup pitches. Attendees will also hear about emerging research from the University of Memphis FedEx Institute of Technology and quantum-based logistics technology from Zapata Quantum.
Andy will serve as MC for the October 1 event.
Key Takeaways
• The Logistics Opportunity Challenge starts with real problems identified by logistics industry professionals and then searches for companies capable of solving them.
• Nearly 50 companies applied this year, with five logistics experts reviewing each application before the five finalists were selected.
• Earlier detection of freight damage, warehouse errors, fraud, and compliance issues can give companies an opportunity to intervene before those problems become significantly more costly.
• The showcase isn't only about interesting technology — previous editions of the program have resulted in revenue-generating contracts between participating companies and corporate partners.
• Supply chain operators, 3PLs, brokers, shippers, warehouse professionals, investors, and anyone interested in emerging logistics technology can benefit from seeing these solutions firsthand.
• Epicenter has supported more than 1,000 entrepreneurs since its founding and combines customer validation, capital readiness, customer connections, and community-building to help innovative businesses grow.
• Graduates of Epicenter's capital readiness accelerator have raised more than $5 million in equity investment since the program began in spring 2024.
• Memphis World Trade Week gives attendees an opportunity to combine education, networking, logistics innovation, and industry connections across multiple events.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Logistics Innovation Showcase — October 1, 2026
• Memphis World Trade Week 2026
• Epicenter Logistics Opportunity Challenge
Credits
Host:Andy Shiles
Guest(s):Nathaniel "Nate" Smith - LinkedIn
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Lalo SolorzanoGuest(s): Arthur O’MearaPublished: September 8, 2026Length: ~15 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
When goods are damaged in transit, who owns the problem—the seller or the buyer? The answer may not be as straightforward as who owns or physically possesses the goods.
In this Trade Tips episode of Simply Trade, host Lalo Solorzano welcomes longtime Global Training Center instructor Arthur O’Meara for a practical conversation about Incoterms® and one of the most important distinctions in an international transaction: the difference between responsibility, possession, and ownership.
Arthur shares a real-world FCA scenario involving goods shipped from the United States to Canada that were damaged by rain while in transit. Although title to the goods had not yet transferred to the buyer, the Incoterms® rule told a different story about who was responsible for the risk at the time of the damage.
To make these concepts easier to remember, Arthur introduces his RePO framework: Responsibility, Possession, and Ownership. He explains why these three concepts need to be understood separately—and why the paperwork, the parties’ intentions, and what actually happens operationally should all align.
The key lesson: don’t wait until something goes wrong to discover what your contract actually says.
Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on understanding how Incoterms® address the transfer of possession and risk between seller and buyer—and why that should not be confused with the transfer of ownership or title.
Arthur uses the mnemonic RePO: Responsibility, Possession, and Ownership to distinguish three concepts that can transfer at different points in a transaction.
Using an FCA seller’s facility example, Arthur explains how risk can transfer to the buyer once the seller loads the goods onto the collecting vehicle, even though ownership may not yet have transferred. When the shipment in his example was damaged by rain on its way to Canada, understanding the agreed Incoterms® rule helped determine which party bore the risk.
The broader lesson applies beyond FCA: companies should regularly compare their contracts and documentation with their actual operational practices and confirm that they accurately reflect what the buyer and seller intend.
Key Takeaways
• Remember RePO: Responsibility, Possession, and Ownership are separate concepts and should be addressed accordingly in the transaction.
• Incoterms® do not determine ownership: They address important responsibilities between buyer and seller, including delivery and the transfer of risk, but title or ownership must be addressed separately.
• Know when risk transfers: Under FCA at the seller’s facility, the point at which the seller delivers the goods to the buyer’s carrier can determine when risk shifts from seller to buyer.
• Test your paperwork before there’s a problem: Create a hypothetical failure or damaged-shipment scenario, pull out the documentation, and determine whether the written agreement matches the parties’ intentions and actual operations.
Resources & Mentions
• O'Meara and Associates• Global Training Center
• The Way Things Work: Newly Revised Edition by David Macaulay — Arthur recommends this illustrated reference as an approachable way for trade professionals to better understand mechanical and engineering concepts useful in areas such as tariff classification.
• Whose Problem Is It? Scenario of Incoterms FCA (RePO) — Explore Arthur’s RePO concept and an Incoterms® FCA scenario in more detail.
Credits
Host:Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s):Arthur O’Meara - LinkedIn
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Lori Mullins & Karen DamonPublished: September 2, 2026Length: Approximately 13 minutes
Summary
Trade is moving faster than ever—and for customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other trade professionals, keeping pace with tariff and regulatory changes has become a daily challenge.
In this special Simply Trade collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Lori Mullins, NCBFAA Social Media Chair, sits down with NCBFAA President Karen Damon for the association’s monthly President’s Recap: “Helping Trade Find Its True North.”
Karen shares her perspective from more than 30 years in the industry and discusses one of the biggest challenges facing customs brokers today: the speed at which tariff and regulatory changes are being implemented. She explains why NCBFAA is advocating for more advance notice and clearer communication so brokers, importers, staff, and software providers have adequate time to prepare for compliant implementation.
The conversation also explores NCBFAA’s role on Capitol Hill, increased customs enforcement, the broker’s role as a “force multiplier,” continuing education requirements for licensed customs brokers, and the importance of becoming actively involved with local trade associations.
For anyone navigating today’s rapidly changing trade environment, this episode highlights why education, advocacy, compliance, and industry participation matter.
Main Topic / Discussion
The central theme of this President’s Recap is how the trade community can navigate rapid regulatory change while maintaining compliance and facilitating legitimate trade.
Karen explains that timing is one of the greatest challenges surrounding tariff changes. Brokers must simultaneously understand new requirements, educate clients, train employees, and work with software providers to implement changes correctly.
NCBFAA is advocating for more consistent advance notice of tariff changes, including sufficient time between Federal Register notices, CBP communications, and implementation. The association is also seeking better channels for addressing operational readiness and compliance questions.
The episode also examines the customs broker’s increasingly important role in enforcement. Karen describes brokers as a “force multiplier” that can support CBP’s goals of protecting revenue and enhancing national security when verification requirements are clear and equitable.
Advocacy and Industry Representation
With NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference sold out, Karen emphasizes the importance of members engaging directly with lawmakers and educating Congress about issues affecting brokers, forwarders, NVOCCs, employers, importers, and exporters.
NCBFAA’s committees, counsel, and staff also continuously monitor regulatory developments and communicate important changes to members through alerts and educational resources.
Continuing Education and the 2027 Triennial
Licensed customs brokers should also be preparing for continuing education requirements associated with the upcoming triennial reporting cycle.
Karen encourages individual licensed customs brokers to understand their education credits, reporting requirements, and recordkeeping obligations rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
Get Involved Locally
Karen closes with a simple message for customs brokers, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs: your voice matters.
Participation in local associations provides opportunities for education, industry collaboration, advocacy, and professional connection—and strengthens the broader trade community.
Key Takeaways
• The speed of tariff and regulatory changes is creating significant operational challenges for customs brokers, their clients, employees, and technology providers.
• NCBFAA is advocating for greater advance notice and clearer communication before major tariff changes take effect.
• Customs brokers can serve as a “force multiplier” for CBP by helping facilitate compliant trade, protect revenue, and support national security.
• Licensed customs brokers should prepare now for continuing education and recordkeeping obligations connected with the upcoming triennial reporting cycle.
• NCBFAA committees, counsel, staff, and member communications help the industry monitor and respond to regulatory developments.
• Participation in local trade associations gives industry professionals a stronger collective voice and creates opportunities for education, advocacy, and collaboration.
Resources & Mentions
• National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)
• NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI)
• Lori Mullins - LinkedIn
• Karen Damon - LinkedIn
Credits
Host:Lori Mullins
Karen Damon
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Cindy AllenPublished: September 4, 2026Length: 21 min.Presented by: Global Training Center
Summary
CBP wants to know you better—and Cindy Allen is breaking down what that could mean for the future of import compliance.
In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy uses Taylor Swift’s “Everything Has Changed” as the backdrop for a major new CBP proposal: Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility. Unlike a typical proposed rule, CBP is asking the trade community 64 questions covering foreign export documentation, manufacturer identification, the Global Business Identifier (GBI), supply chain tracing technology, CTPAT, and the economic impact of providing greater visibility.
But that’s not all that changed this week.
Cindy also examines shifting tariff politics ahead of the midterms, a potential 10-year AGOA renewal, Section 232 developments involving chips and unmanned aerial aircraft, tariff stacking issues affecting CAPE refunds, and new copper smelt-and-cast origin requirements.
The takeaway: CBP is signaling a desire to see much further into the supply chain—and importers should pay close attention to what these 64 questions may reveal about future compliance expectations.
This Week in Trade
• Shifting tariff positions on Capitol Hill and a potential 10-year renewal of AGOA
• Potential expansion of Section 232 tariffs on chips and semiconductors
• CBP guidance on unmanned aerial aircraft, tariff stacking, and CAPE refund issues
• New copper smelt-and-cast origin requirements for imported goods
• CBP’s proposed Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility
Main Topic / Discussion
The centerpiece of this episode is CBP’s proposed Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility.
Cindy walks through the proposal’s 64 questions and explains why their unusual format matters. Rather than simply announcing how new requirements will be implemented, CBP is actively asking the trade community how expanded supply chain visibility could work, who should provide the information, and how requirements might differ by entry type, commodity, country of origin, transportation mode, company size, or CTPAT participation.
One major area involves foreign export documentation. CBP is exploring whether importers should provide documentation filed with foreign governments and how differences in valuation, classification, and other information between export and U.S. import filings should be handled. Cindy sees this as another indication of CBP’s longstanding desire to push visibility beyond the U.S. border and further back toward the origin of the goods.
The proposal also examines manufacturer identification and the Global Business Identifier. Cindy explains how GBI has evolved beyond simply identifying companies and could provide CBP with much deeper information about suppliers, products, manufacturing capabilities, production processes, value, classification, and potentially components throughout the supply chain.
CBP is also asking about AI and other supply chain tracing technologies, whether importers should be responsible for providing those tools, what they cost, and whether expanded visibility could become part of CTPAT requirements or benefits.
For importers and customs brokers, the questions provide an important clue about where customs compliance may be headed: more information, greater upstream visibility, and potentially more responsibility for understanding the supply chain all the way back to the source.
Key Takeaways
• CBP’s 64 questions could provide an early indication of future import reporting and supply chain visibility requirements.
• Importers may need greater access to foreign export documentation and the ability to reconcile that information with U.S. import declarations.
• GBI and other initiatives could push compliance beyond identifying suppliers toward product, manufacturing, production, and component-level information.
• AI and supply chain tracing technology may play a larger role in demonstrating visibility and compliance to CBP.
• CTPAT participants could potentially face additional visibility requirements while receiving new benefits for making those investments.
• Trade associations provide an important avenue for companies to participate in the comment process and help shape how future requirements are implemented.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Trade Force Multiplier
• Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility
• Global Business Identifier (GBI)
• Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)
• African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
• Section 232 tariffs on chips, semiconductors, and unmanned aerial aircraft
• Copper smelt-and-cast country-of-origin requirements
• CAPE refunds and tariff stacking
Credits
Host:Cindy Allen
Guest(s):N/A
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Lalo Solorzano & Andy ShilesGuest(s): David SmasonPublished: September 3, 2026Length: Approx. 35 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing global trade—but what happens when the technology is placed directly in the hands of customs and border agencies?
In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with David Smason, co-founder of CargoSeer, whose technology was recently acquired by BigBear.ai, to explore how AI is being used to modernize cargo inspections, customs enforcement, and border operations.
David explains how CargoSeer began with a focused challenge: helping operators analyze cargo X-ray images faster and more effectively. That concept evolved into an AI-powered decision-support platform capable of bringing together imaging, trade documentation, supply-chain information, and other data to help frontline operators identify higher-risk shipments and make better-informed decisions.
The conversation explores reducing cargo release times, automating the analysis of empty containers, improving revenue collection, identifying counterfeit goods, and creating greater consistency across ports and inspection teams.
They also discuss an important principle behind successful government AI adoption: technology needs to support the operator rather than force the operator to adapt to the technology.
For trade professionals, this episode offers a fascinating look at the other side of the compliance equation—and how increasingly sophisticated technology could reshape customs enforcement around the world.
Main Topic / Discussion
AI is moving beyond private-sector trade compliance tools and into customs and border operations.
David explains how CargoSeer developed AI technology around the workflows of frontline operators. Rather than creating technology first and searching for applications afterward, the company studied how operators actually inspect cargo and make decisions, then built technology designed to augment those processes.
The result is an approach that can combine cargo imaging with trade, documentation, supply-chain, and other available data to help agencies prioritize higher-risk shipments while accelerating the review of lower-risk cargo.
One example discussed is empty-container inspection. David explains that operators can traditionally spend several minutes adjudicating an empty container. CargoSeer's AI was designed to analyze these scenarios in seconds, allowing operators to focus more attention on shipments requiring human expertise.
The conversation also examines how AI can improve consistency. Experienced customs officers often develop instincts after decades on the job. AI creates an opportunity to capture patterns from effective inspection methodologies and apply them more broadly across an agency.
David also discusses CargoSeer's work in El Salvador and how highly customizable AI can help customs administrations address their specific enforcement, revenue, and operational objectives.
Looking ahead, David sees AI supporting a new generation of customs systems in which information from multiple agencies and sources can be analyzed in the background while operators receive the specific information they need to make a decision.
Key Takeaways
• AI can help customs agencies prioritize higher-risk cargo instead of relying heavily on randomized inspections.
• Combining cargo imaging with trade documentation, supply-chain data, and other information can give operators a more complete picture of each shipment.
• Automating straightforward inspection scenarios—such as identifying legitimate empty containers—can free officers to spend more time on higher-value enforcement activities.
• AI could help customs administrations capture the knowledge of experienced operators and apply successful inspection methodologies more consistently across ports, modes, and teams.
• Better targeting doesn't necessarily mean inspecting more cargo; it can mean making the cargo selected for inspection more relevant to an agency's enforcement objectives.
• Customs AI must be customizable because air, ocean, land, and express environments have different operational requirements.
• Successful government technology adoption depends heavily on designing systems around frontline operators and their existing workflows.
• Greater predictability in enforcement can benefit compliant importers by creating clearer expectations while increasing the likelihood that noncompliant shipments receive additional scrutiny.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• BigBear.ai
• David Smason - LinkedIn
• BigBear.ai - CargoSeer Acquisition Announcement
Credits
Host:Lalo SolorzanoAndy Shiles
Guest(s):David Smason - LinkedIn
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Lalo Solorzano & Cindy AllenGuest(s): Will Fediw, Virginia Maritime AssociationPublished: September 2, 2026Length: Approx. 29 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
Trade associations can be much more than networking groups—they can become an extension of your team, a source of industry intelligence, and a powerful collective voice when policy decisions affect your business.
In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Cindy Allen sit down with Will Fediw of the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) to explore the real business value of getting involved in an industry association. Will shares examples of how companies of all sizes have used association membership to uncover funding and incentive opportunities, make valuable business connections, strengthen advocacy efforts, and gain access to expertise they may not have internally.
The conversation also highlights the close relationship between international trade and the maritime industry. From tariffs and regulatory changes to ports, trucking, rail, warehousing, importers, and exporters, the entire supply chain is interconnected.
Finally, the group previews VMA26: International Trade Symposium, taking place October 13–15, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia, where maritime, logistics, supply chain, and trade professionals will come together for education, strategic conversations, and networking.
Simply Trade listeners can use promo code VMA26Trade for $100 off registration.
Main Topic / Discussion
This episode explores why active participation in trade and industry associations can create measurable value for businesses.
Will explains how the Virginia Maritime Association connects companies across the maritime supply chain—from ocean carriers and terminals to trucking, rail, warehousing, manufacturers, importers, exporters, and professional service providers.
The conversation focuses on three major benefits of association involvement: access to information and resources, business-to-business connections, and collective advocacy.
Will also explains why advocacy is especially valuable for small and midsize companies that may not have dedicated government affairs teams or in-house resources. At the same time, even major corporations can benefit from having an established association represent broader industry interests before policymakers.
Lalo, Cindy, and Will also discuss the importance of educating elected officials about how trade and maritime policy affects businesses, jobs, cargo movement, and communities throughout the supply chain.
The episode concludes with a preview of VMA26: International Trade Symposium, October 13–15, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.
Simply Trade Listener Offer: Use promo code VMA26Trade for $100 off registration.
Key Takeaways
• Trade associations can provide expertise, connections, education, and resources that companies may not have available internally.
• Association membership can create real business opportunities by connecting members with potential customers, partners, programs, grants, and industry resources.
• Collective advocacy gives businesses—especially smaller companies—a stronger voice with legislators and government agencies without requiring their own full-time government affairs operation.
• Maritime transportation and international trade are inseparable. Changes involving tariffs, regulation, cargo flows, ports, carriers, and supply chains ultimately affect businesses across the entire trade ecosystem.
• Effective advocacy requires more than access to policymakers. Industry professionals can serve as subject matter experts who help elected officials understand the real-world consequences of proposed policies.
• VMA26 brings maritime, shipping, logistics, supply chain, government, and trade professionals together for education, peer-to-peer discussion, and networking.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Virginia Maritime Association
• VMA26: International Trade Symposium
• VMA26 Simply Trade Listener Discount: Use code VMA26Trade for $100 off registration
• VMA26 Dates: October 13–15, 2026 | Norfolk, Virginia
Credits
Host:Lalo SolorzanoCindy Allen
Guest(s):Will Fediw - LinkedIn
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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Host: Lalo SolorzanoGuest(s): Cindy De Leon and Guillermo De LeonPublished: August 31, 2026Length: Approximately 25 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
Summary
The Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference (ATCC) is back for 2027—and if past years are any indication, waiting to register could mean missing out.
In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Cindy De Leon and Guillermo De Leon to preview the 2027 ATCC, taking place February 3–5 in Houston. They explain what makes ATCC different from a typical trade conference: advanced education designed specifically for experienced importers, exporters, and customs brokerage professionals, paired with access to seasoned practitioners and true peer-to-peer networking.
Cindy previews two optional masterclass-style workshops covering Foreign-Trade Zones and human-verified customs audits, including why technology and AI can help identify compliance risks but shouldn't replace experienced human judgment. The conversation also explores ATCC's selective approach to speakers and sponsors, the value of keeping industry experts engaged throughout the conference, and several new additions for 2027.
Plus, hear what's planned for the Thursday-night “Unmasking Innovation” celebration—and why attendees should register and reserve their hotel rooms early.
Main Topic / Discussion
The 2027 Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference is designed for experienced trade professionals looking to move beyond introductory customs and compliance education.
The general conference begins Wednesday, February 3, 2027 at 1:00 p.m. and concludes Friday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Houston. Optional intensive workshops begin Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m., while a new Connections Reception on Tuesday evening will give first-time attendees, sponsors, and speakers another opportunity to meet before the main conference begins.
Two optional workshops take center stage this year. “Zone Mastery” will explore today's Foreign-Trade Zone environment, including tariff policy, compliance risks, and potential savings. A second audit-focused masterclass will examine how data analytics and ACE data can identify risk while emphasizing the importance of human-verified auditing.
Cindy stresses that automated flags and algorithms can identify potential problems, but they don't automatically equal compliance findings. Experienced professionals still need to interpret the data, conduct meaningful audits, and understand the circumstances behind the numbers.
ATCC also emphasizes “power networking.” Speakers and sponsors are expected to actively engage with attendees rather than simply appear for a presentation or exhibit.
The 2027 conference will culminate in an elegant masquerade-inspired “Unmasking Innovation” celebration, followed by an after-party featuring Chicago's DJ Victor R.
Registration is limited to 600 attendees, and the previous conference filled before early-bird registration ended.
Key Takeaways
• ATCC 2027 runs February 3–5, 2027 in Houston, with optional workshops beginning Wednesday morning and a new Connections Reception on Tuesday evening.
• The conference is intentionally advanced, targeting experienced importers, exporters, and customs brokerage professionals rather than providing introductory-level trade education.
• The 2027 workshops will dive deeply into Foreign-Trade Zones and human-verified customs audits, including the use—and limitations—of AI and automated data analysis in compliance.
• Registration is capped at 600 attendees, and previous ATCC events have reached capacity early, making early registration and hotel reservations especially important.
Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance Conference (ATCC)
• Cindy De Leon - LinkedIn
• Guillermo De Leon - LinkedIn
Credits
Host:Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s):Cindy De Leon - LinkedIn
Guillermo De Leon - LinkedIn
Producer:Lalo Solorzano
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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