Simply Trade

[ROUNDUP] ICPA Creating The Next Generation of Trade

Hosts: Annik Sobing (annik@simplytradepodcast.com | LinkedIn)Guests:
Elisabeth Sherrell, ICPA (International Compliance Professionals Association)Jacob Boggs, Recent Graduate & Trade Compliance ProfessionalProducer: Annik SobingLength: ~28 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center. 
Find GTC Seminars here: https://globaltrainingcenter.com/seminars/
Episode OverviewIn this exciting episode of Simply Trade News Roundup, host Annik Sobing welcomes Elisabeth Sherrell from the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) and Jacob Boggs, a young trade compliance professional who recently graduated and is already making waves in the industry.
The conversation centers on breaking into trade compliance as a student or recent graduate, the value of ICPA membership and conferences, and how the next generation of trade professionals is building community and legacy in this field. Elisabeth and Jacob share inspiring stories about overcoming fear, taking the first step, and the importance of networking at industry events.
This episode is a must-listen for students, recent graduates, and anyone considering a career in trade compliance. It's packed with practical advice, encouragement, and real talk about navigating conferences, making connections, and finding your place in the trade compliance community—even if you feel like you don't belong yet.
What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow to break into trade compliance as a student or recent graduateThe benefits of ICPA membership and what to expect at ICPA conferencesPractical tips for attending your first trade conference (what to wear, how to introduce yourself, who to talk to)Why networking isn't as scary as it seems—and how to make meaningful connectionsThe emerging "under 30" trade compliance community and why it mattersHow to leverage LinkedIn and professional associations to build your careerReal stories from Jacob about going to his first conference and connecting with industry leadersWhy showing up is half the battle—and how taking small steps leads to big opportunitiesKey Topics DiscussedBreaking Into Trade ComplianceHow Jacob entered the field and what motivated him to pursue trade complianceThe challenges students and recent graduates face when entering a specialized industryWhy it's important to reach out to people who are slightly ahead of you in their career journeyICPA Conferences & MembershipWhat ICPA offers: conferences, networking, educational sessions, and communityWhy attending conferences is valuable even if you don't know anyoneHow to prepare for a conference and what to expectThe welcoming nature of the trade compliance communityThe Under-30 Trade Compliance MovementThe growing community of young professionals under 30 in trade complianceHow Jacob and others like Jack Chapman are building legacy and communityWhy having peers at similar career stages is valuable for learning and supportPractical Advice for StudentsDon't be terrified—everyone was new onceReach out to people on LinkedIn (like Jacob!) who are in similar positionsAttend conferences even if you feel unprepared—you'll learn by being thereConnect with Jack Chapman and Jacob Boggs for peer mentorship and guidance
Key Quotes from the Episode"If you're terrified and if you're a student, the best way is probably to reach out to someone who is kind of in the same position as you but taking those steps already." — Annik
"And I'm happy to talk to anyone as well." — Jacob Boggs
"There is a group of under 30 trade compliance people that are starting to build. And that's really cool to me. That's, you know, that's legacy and I love it." — Annik
"Trade makes the world go round." — Annik
"Just stay calm, really. That's all we can do." — Annik
Resources MentionedICPA (International Compliance Professionals Association)
Website: ICPA InformationUpcoming conferencesMembership benefits and networking opportunities
Connect with the Guests:
Elisabeth Sherrell - ICPA | LINKEDINJacob Boggs - LinkedIn (available for students and recent grads to connect!)
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Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:
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Trade Geeks Community
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[Cindy's Version] "The 1" You Should Call

Host: Cindy AllenPublished: December 5, 2025Length: ~12 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center​
Summary
Cindy Allen, CEO of TradeForce Multiplier, delivers Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, linking international trade updates to Taylor Swift's "The One." She covers key developments like Costco's high-profile IEEPA challenge in the Court of International Trade to keep liquidations open amid Supreme Court proceedings, alongside nearly 50 similar filings from other companies including Revlon. The episode emphasizes unpredictability in trade policy under the current administration, urging importers to consult trade attorneys, customs brokers, surety companies, and finance teams for tailored strategies on protests, bonds, and duty liabilities.​
This Week in Trade
Costco leads publicized IEEPA court challenges to preserve liquidation rights as 314-day cycles approach for early fentanyl-related tariffs around December 15.​
US-Korea trade deal caps IEEPA duties at 15%, retroactive to November 14 (autos/parts to November 1), prompting entry refilings and post-summary corrections.​
Proposed CBP form updates (7501, 3461, International Mail Duty Sheet) add fields for aluminum/steel mill/pour details and enhance visibility.​
Section 301 exclusions from China extended beyond expiration; UK medicines, pharma ingredients, and med tech exempt from Section 232 tariffs.​
WiseTech's ABI/AMS pricing shift over Thanksgiving raises costs 10-100%+ via volume-based fees passed to clients, sparking industry backlash.​
Why "The One" Fits
Cindy ties the song's themes of uncertainty ("never know") and choosing reliable advisors to trade's volatility, advising importers to identify "the one" expert per issue: attorneys for legal risks, brokers for filings, sureties for bonds. High China duties (e.g., prior 145% rates) still factor into 12-month bond calculations despite reductions, with IEEPA resolutions potentially years away. Teams must prepare finances for prolonged uncertainty without stacking bond liabilities.​
Key Takeaways
File IEEPA challenges if at risk to avoid liquidation; monitor Court of International Trade dockets.​
Review bonds and refile eligible Korea entries for retroactive relief.​
Consult specialists by topic to navigate unpredictable policies effectively.​
Leverage ACE portal over paper forms for full entry data.​
Resources & Mentions
Global Training Center
TradeForce Multiplier​Credits: Host Cindy Allen (LinkedIn);] Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts; join Trade Geeks Community. New episodes Fridays.​
Credits
Host:• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn• Trade Force Multiplier
Producer:• Annik Sobing 
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New episodes every Friday.
Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.
Connect with us:• Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn• Global Training Center on LinkedIn• YouTube• Spotify• Apple Podcasts• Trade Geeks Community
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Holiday Classification Madness: Christmas, Costumes & Chapter 95 with Hal Berman

Episode: 403Hosts: Andy Shiles — LinkedIn. & Lalo Solorzano — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com)Guest(s): Hal Berman — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com)Published: November/December 2025Length: ~44 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🧾 Festive Classifications: When Is That Ornament Really a “Holiday” Item?
In this holiday special, Andy and Lalo sit down with Hal Berman (TradeInside AI) to unpack the tricky — and often surprising — rules for classifying festive and holiday goods under the HTSUS. Hal walks us through the three-part “festive article” test used by Customs: (1) used to celebrate a holiday, (2) recognizably unique to that holiday, and (3) not usable for a non-holiday purpose. We discuss everything from ugly Christmas sweaters and branded promotional mugs to Halloween costumes, tamales, tote bags, toy ornaments, and novelty items like frozen-turkey-bowling (yes, really). The episode also covers practical steps importers and compliance teams should take to avoid costly mis-classifications and how AI is already helping speed up large SKU reviews — while reminding listeners that 10-digit HTS validation still needs a human-in-the-loop.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
Three-part test for 9505 (festive articles): celebration use + recognizable holiday motif + non-utilitarian.
Chapter 95 items can enjoy unconditional duty-free treatment when they meet the test — a major cost difference vs. usual tariffs.
Not everything with a holiday motif is 9505 — jewelry, mugs, durable tote bags, and many toys are classified elsewhere under regular headings (and GRI-1 applies).
AI helps scale reviews (flag likely festive vs. non-festive) but human review remains required when filing and for 10-digit HTS submission.
Practical advice: build a robust classification workflow, document intended use, and be conservative when descriptions are ambiguous.
Refunds / litigation note: discussion about ongoing litigation and refund strategies (e.g., Costco case) — watch for rulings and plan for data-level readiness.
🎯 Resources & Mentions
(embedded links for quick access)
TradeInsight AI — Hal’s company / classification resource.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) — primary tariff schedule & search. (Harmonized Tariff Schedule)https://hts.usitc.gov/
Global Training Center
CBP / Rulings / Classification guidance — useful for checking rulings and prior decisions.https://www.cbp.gov/
Example case references & historical notes on festive classification (referenced in ep): judicial and CIT rulings, and WCO explanatory notes (see HTS/CIT rulings and customs rulings database).https://rulings.cbp.gov/
(Optional) Want to dig deeper into classification law? USITC HTS info and HTS user guides are very helpful. (USITC)
📌 Credits
Hosts: Andy Shiles — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com)Lalo Solorzano — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com)
Guest: Hal Berman — LinkedIn. (linkedin.com)
Produced by: Global Training Center
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Global Training Center (Company / Connect) — LinkedIn — Global Training Center. (linkedin.com)
Simply Trade Podcast — LinkedIn Showcase — Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn. (linkedin.com)
YouTube — Simply Trade on YouTube.
Spotify — Listen on Spotify.
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Trade Geeks Community

[NCBFAA] Customs Committee Year in Review

Episode:
NCBFAA Customs Committee Spotlight: 2025 Challenges, 2026 Opportunities & The Power of Community
Host:
Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s):
Sandra (Sandy) Coty — Customs Committee Co-Chair
LinkedIn
Mary Jo Muoio — Chair Emeritus
LinkedIn
Ralph De La Rosa — Customs Committee Co-Chair
LinkedIn
Lenny Feldman — Customs Committee Counsel
LinkedIn
Published:
December 3, 2025
Length:
Approx. 44 min.
Presented by:
Global Training Center — Website
Episode Summary
In this special collaborative episode with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Simply Trade highlights one of the organization’s most active and influential groups: the Customs Committee.
Host Lalo Solorzano is joined by committee co-chairs Sandy Coty and Ralph De La Rosa, alongside Mary Jo Muoio (Chair Emeritus) and counsel Lenny Feldman. Together, they unpack a highly dynamic 2025 driven by court cases, tariff unpredictability, modernization initiatives, and the ever-increasing complexity of trade policy.
This episode reveals what the Customs Committee does, how it supports the entire brokerage community, and why their work is essential for businesses of all sizes. From interpreting executive orders, to producing toolkits, to being the “eye of the storm” during regulatory upheaval — this group ensures brokers stay informed, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next.
The guests also look ahead to 2026, sharing expectations around tariff changes, new trade “deals,” evolving technology, and the crucial role of customs brokers as the industry continues to transform.
Key Learnings & Themes
1. What the Customs Committee Actually Does
The committee’s primary mission is to provide clarity for NCBFAA members on anything related to CBP, trade policy, or customs requirements. This includes:
Webinars, toolkits, and e-briefings
Monday morning updates (now almost daily due to rapid change)
Direct member support for complex questions
Coordinated outreach to CBP, Treasury, USTR, and other agencies
Flowcharts, FAQs, and practical guides to help brokers execute requirements accurately
The group acts as a force multiplier, ensuring that one broker’s question becomes clarity for all.
2. Wins and Progress in 2025
Sandy highlights several “first downs” toward long-sought industry improvements:
Revenue modernization progress tied to the federal executive order
Duty payment flexibility, including paying duties at any port in certain situations
10-day extensions for trade remedy-related entry rejections
Improved ACE reports, including inbound, AD/CVD certifications, and low-hanging but highly useful enhancements
Ralph notes additional recognition for NCBFAA this year:
Sandy and another committee member were appointed to COAC
CBP is increasingly seeking NCBFAA’s input due to the committee’s credibility and expertise
3. Guidance During Turbulent Policy Shifts
Mary Jo emphasizes the committee’s role as a stabilizing force:
They provide institutional knowledge during times that feel overwhelming
They help members understand complex topics like tariff stacking, enforcement spikes, and Supreme Court review scenarios
They translate shifting rules into actionable guidance
They ensure that small brokers have the same insight as large brokers
The committee helps the industry “act like we’ve been here before,” even when the environment is unprecedented.
4. Tariffs, IEEPA, and the Supreme Court Case
Lenny breaks down what’s at stake:
Whether Section 301/IEEPA tariffs remain valid
Whether tariff authority is properly delegated
Whether changes will apply prospectively or retroactively
How brokers should handle refunds, protests, or revenue collection depending on outcomes
His analogy:It all comes down to donuts, duties, and delegation — and whether tariffs are a “donut hole” in the statute or “a different kind of pastry.”
Regardless of the ruling, the committee will deliver:
Updated tools
New flowcharts
Best-practice guidance
Member education sessions
5. Small Brokers Gain Big-Broker Capabilities
A recurring theme: NCBFAA levels the playing field.
Ralph shares examples:
The AD/CVD certification toolkit
Harp/Nice Harmonized Tariff Schedule sequencing toolkit
Penalty and liquidated damages working groups
Center of Excellence and Expertise outreach calls
Direct lines of communication to CBP
A small broker becomes instantly connected to subject-matter experts, best practices, and national discussions — a major competitive advantage.
6. Looking Ahead to 2026
Panelists expect:
New forms of tariff collection
Faster, deal-based trade agreements
Increased use of AI and machine learning in compliance and enforcement
More de minimis-related shifts into formal/informal entry channels
Technology-driven expectations for brokers
Greater pressure on revenue collection
Higher need for accurate guidance, FAQs, and toolkits
The brokerage role continues evolving — from “customs house broker” to customs concierge.
Takeaways for Listeners
NCBFAA’s Customs Committee is an unmatched resource for practical, real-world customs compliance guidance.
Even small brokers gain expert-level insight and decision support by being part of the community.
The association provides stability during rapid regulatory change.
The industry will continue evolving quickly — and NCBFAA helps members stay ahead, not behind.
Involvement (even at the local level) returns far more value than it requires.
Brokers, attorneys, carriers, and service providers all benefit from engagement.
Resources Mentioned
All references below include embedded official links.
NCBFAA & Community
NCBFAA — ncbfaa.org
NCBFAA Customs Committee — via membership resources
COAC (CBP Advisory Committee) — CBP COAC Page
U.S. Agencies
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) — cbp.gov
U.S. Treasury Department — home.treasury.gov
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) — ustr.gov
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — dhs.gov
Department of Commerce — commerce.gov
Regulations / Programs / Topics
IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) — Congress.gov Overview
Section 301 / Trade Remedies — USTR 301 Overview
Tariff Schedules (HTSUS) — HTS Search
ACE Reporting — CBP ACE Portal
AD/CVD (Antidumping & Countervailing Duties) — CBP AD/CVD Info
De Minimis / Section 321 — CBP Section 321
Federal Register Notices — federalregister.gov
Technology & Enforcement
Forced Labor Enforcement — CBP Forced Labor
AI in Trade Modernization — CBP Innovation Initiatives via CBP Trade Newsroom
Credits
Host:Lalo Solorzano — Global Training Center
Guests:
Sandra (Sandy) Coty — LinkedIn
Mary Jo Muoio — LinkedIn
Ralph De La Rosa — LinkedIn
Lenny Feldman — LinkedIn
Presented by:Global Training Center — WebsiteGlobal Training Center LinkedIn — Follow
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[TIPS] Why Is This A Tricky Conversation

Episode Summary
In this kickoff to Series 4, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks dive into one of the toughest parts of any trade or corporate role: difficult conversations. Whether it’s salary discussions, performance feedback, non-compliance discoveries, or delivering perceived “bad news,” Renee and Julie break down why these conversations feel hard — and more importantly — how to approach them with clarity, preparation, and confidence.
They outline:
What qualifies as a difficult conversation
How to prepare before you engage
How to choose the right words
How to use the Likes, Concerns, Suggestions (LCS) method to keep communication constructive and forward-moving
This is a practical, relatable episode with real-world scenarios from their careers — perfect for trade pros, team leads, new managers, and anyone navigating delicate workplace interactions.
👉 Key Learnings
Difficult conversations come in many forms: salary topics, performance discussions, non-compliance findings, and more.
Preparation matters: scripting, writing things down, framing the discussion, and thinking through tone can make or break the delivery.
Recapping the context is essential — your version of events may not match the receiver’s.
Anticipate their questions: put yourself in the other person’s shoes before you meet.
Use the LCS method: Likes → Concerns → Suggestions to structure discussions in a constructive, repeatable way.
Follow-up is crucial: especially if the first contact was via email — close it with a conversation.
🛠️ Tip of the Week
Use the LCS Framework (Likes, Concerns, Suggestions) to keep hard conversations clear, structured, and less emotionally charged.
📣 FIO – Figure It Out / Call to Action
Practice using LCS this week — at work, at home, with your team, anywhere.Then come tell us in the Trade Geeks Community how it went!Did it make the conversation easier? Did it shift the tone? We want to hear it.
🗣️ Keep the Conversation Going
Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks community and share:
What difficult conversations you’re navigating
Whether you tried the LCS approach
What worked and what still feels challenging
We’re building these series so you don’t have to figure this out alone — come learn with us.
Credits
Hosts
Renee ChiuchiarelliLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Julie ParksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Producer
Lalo SolorzanoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
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Presented by:Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade pros👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
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[ROUNDUP] The Art of Trade: An Attorney on Compliance Education

Hosts: Annik Sobing (annik@simplytradepodcast.com | LinkedIn)
Guest: Natalie Zink: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliezink/
Producer: Annik Sobing 
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center
Episode Overview
In this episode of Simply Trade Roundup, host Annik Sobing interviews Natalie Zink, an experienced trade attorney and thought leader, about her journey in trade compliance education and why ongoing learning in this field is essential. Natalie discusses taking courses at Global Training Center and gaining practical insights into the daily challenges faced by in-house trade compliance teams. The conversation highlights key trade compliance pillars—tariff classification, country of origin, and valuation—and how a deeper understanding helps attorneys and professionals provide better business and legal advice. They also explore current issues like the upcoming IEPA Supreme Court decision and the critical role of thorough documentation in an evolving enforcement landscape.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The importance of continuous education for trade compliance professionals and attorneys alike
Practical insights into how in-house compliance teams operate day-to-day
The three pillars of import compliance and why they matter: tariff classification, origin, and valuation
How collaboration between brokers, in-house teams, and legal counsel improves risk management
Upcoming regulatory challenges, including pending Supreme Court cases affecting tariffs under IEPA
The critical necessity of documenting import decisions to meet reasonable care standards and prepare for potential audits or enforcement actions
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New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:
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Global Training Center on LinkedIn
YouTube
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Apple Podcasts
Trade Geeks Community
Want to Be on the Show or Suggest a Topic?
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Classify Your Thanksgiving and Frozen Turkey Bowling with QuickCode

Episode: Thanksgiving Special 2025Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo SolorzanoGuest(s):
Shannon Hynds, Co-Founder of QuickCode
Joe Morales, Co-Founder of QuickCodePublished: November 2025Length: ~48 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🦃 Episode Summary
This week, Andy and Lalo bring you a fun, festive, and surprisingly educational Thanksgiving special! They’re joined by long-time friends of the show, Shannon Hynds and Joe Morales from QuickCode, who accepted Lalo’s challenge to “classify Thanksgiving.”
From running shoes for the Turkey Trot, to football gear, to pasta anti-dumping surprises, and even a frozen turkey for bowling (yes, seriously!), Shannon gives a behind-the-scenes walkthrough of how QuickCode uses AI to classify everyday Thanksgiving items — and how the complex tariff environment impacts the cost of your holiday table.
This episode blends trade geekery with holiday traditions, showing how tariffs, food origins, USMCA benefits, anti-dumping cases, and even forced labor considerations affect the simplest things… like cinnamon. Viewers get an on-screen demo of QuickCode’s classification tools, tariff calculations, sourcing decisions, and bill-of-materials logic — so we recommend watching this episode on YouTube!
Funny, insightful, and packed with practical examples, this Thanksgiving edition is a refreshing break from the usual policy-heavy episodes.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
Holiday items are full of tariff surprises — from sneakers to pasta to canned fruit.
Anti-dumping cases can hit unexpected products, like Italian pasta (Barilla at 19%!).
IEEPA and 301 tariffs dramatically change sourcing strategies, even for food.
USMCA benefits can wipe out tariffs for products like Topo Chico and tequila.
QuickCode's AI-driven workflow simplifies classification but still requires human judgment for 10-digit HTS codes.
Forced labor and denied party screening are becoming essential parts of import compliance.
Frozen turkey bowling is a terrible but hilarious classification challenge.
🦃 Thanksgiving “Products” They Classified
Nike Air Max running shoes (China) → Sneaker tariffs stack up to 47.5%
Football for backyard games → Rates vary widely depending on origin
Italian pasta (Barilla) → Anti-dumping shocker: 19%
Canned pineapple (Brazil) → Eligible for agricultural exemption on IEEPA
Cinnamon → Most sourced from Indonesia
Ranch Water components (Tequila, mineral water, limes) → USMCA to the rescue
Tamales → A surprisingly complex classification
Frozen turkey for bowling → Novelty sports equipment??? (Maybe.)
🍽️ Resources & Mentions
QuickCode – Trade classification and compliance automationhttps://www.quickcode.ai/
Shannon Hynds (LinkedIn)https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-hynds/
Joe Morales (LinkedIn)https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-morales-a6036634/
U.S. Customs & Border Protection – HTSUShttps://hts.usitc.gov/
🙌 Credits
Presented by: Global Training CenterHosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo SolorzanoGuests:
Shannon Hynds, Co-Founder of QuickCode – LinkedIn
Joe Morales, Co-Founder of QuickCode – LinkedIn
Producer: Lalo SolorzanoSpecial Thanks: QuickCode for providing the live classification demo and Thanksgiving chaos
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LinkedIn – Global Training Centerhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
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[NCBFAA] Transportation Committee Year in Review

NCBFAA Transportation Committee Spotlight: 2025 Wins, 2026 Priorities & Industry Insights
Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s):
Kim Calicott — NCBFAA Transportation Committee Chair - LinkedIn
Rich Roche — NVOCC Subcommittee Chair - LinkedIn
Donna Kavanaugh — Export Compliance Subcommittee Chair- LinkedIn
Published: November 26, 2026
Length: ~ 44 min.
Presented by: Global Training Center — globaltrainingcenter.com
Episode Summary
In this special collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Simply Trade launches a multi-episode series highlighting the critical work of NCBFAA committees. This episode features the Transportation Committee, covering NVOCC activity, export compliance, air freight, logistics, and the evolving regulatory landscape.
Host Lalo Solorzano speaks with committee chair Kim Calicott, along with subcommittee leaders Rich Roche (NVOCC) and Donna Kavanaugh (Export Compliance). The group breaks down the major wins and challenges of 2025, key regulatory shifts, and what members should expect heading into 2026.
Key Learnings & Themes
1. Transportation Committee Overview
Kim explains the structure of the Transportation Committee and its four subcommittees:
NVOCC Subcommittee (Rich Roche): Guidance on OSRA, FMC rulemaking, D&D billing, “clear as mud” interpretations, and a forthcoming NVOCC Best Practices Working Group.
Export Compliance Subcommittee (Donna Kavanaugh): Monitoring regulatory activity from BIS, OFAC, Census, CBP, and DDTC while educating members on practical impacts.
Air Freight Subcommittee (Donna Mullins): Infrastructure modernization efforts, partnership with the Airforwarders Association (AFA), and involvement in a GAO study on air cargo facility conditions.
Logistics Committee: Watching driver shortages, truck/equipment tariff impacts, Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) development, and alignment with international systems like ICS2.
2. 2025 Regulatory Swing
Highlights include:
FMC’s D&D Final Rule implementation and the section struck down by the courts.
BIS tightening China-related controls and reevaluating rules inherited from prior administrations.
Pause on the significant Affiliates Rule, which may reemerge in 2026.
Changing rules related to firearms, AI, and Syria sanctions.
“Clear as mud” advisory responses from FMC’s General Counsel.
3. Advocacy That Makes a Difference
NCBFAA’s early engagement with agencies prevents harmful regulatory outcomes—such as removing unintended burdens on NVOCCs in OSRA’s original wording.
4. Encouragement for New Participants
Both Kim and Donna stress:
No one starts out knowing everything
Every question matters
Committee involvement accelerates growth and strengthens the industry
The association thrives on collaboration across company size, mode, and experience level
5. Looking Ahead to 2026
Key upcoming items include:
Launch of the NVOCC Best Practices Working Group
Ongoing work on EEM and air cargo modernization
BIS rule reviews after the Affiliates Rule pause
Continued focus on driver shortages and equipment tariffs
NVOCC Day 2026 in New Orleans on January 22
Takeaways for Listeners
NCBFAA membership is valuable for all trade professionals—brokers, forwarders, logistics providers, and affiliates.
Exporting remains highly regulated and rapidly evolving—missteps can be significant.
Committee participation is one of the most impactful ways to deepen knowledge and support industry-wide improvements.
Agencies are shifting priorities quickly; staying informed is essential.
Resources Mentioned
Here are all referenced agencies, programs, and industry groups with embedded official links:
NCBFAA & Industry Associations
NCBFAA — ncbfaa.org
Airforwarders Association (AFA) — airforwarders.org
Government Accountability Office (GAO) — gao.gov
Regulatory Agencies
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) — fmc.gov
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) — bis.doc.gov
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) — home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/ofac
U.S. Census Bureau (AES/Exports) — census.gov/foreign-trade/aes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — cbp.gov
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — tsa.gov
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC / ITAR) — pmddtc.state.gov
Regulations / Programs
OSRA – Ocean Shipping Reform Act — FMC OSRA Overview
Demerage & Detention (D&D) Final Rule — FMC Rulemaking
Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) — CBP EEM Information
ICS2 – EU Import Control System 2 — European Commission ICS2
Credits
Host:Lalo Solorzano — Global Training Center
Guests:
Kim Calicott — LinkedIn
Rich Roche — LinkedIn
Donna Kavanaugh — LinkedIn
Presented by:Global Training Center — Website / LinkedIn
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[TIPS] Taking a Lap

Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie ParksPublished: November 25, 2025Length: ~10 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
🎙️ Episode Summary
In this final installment of the Managing a Project series, Renee and Julie close things out with one of the most overlooked — yet most impactful — phases of any project: Taking a Lap.
Whether your project was large and complex or small and focused, how you wrap it up matters. Today’s tips center on:
1️⃣ Celebration & Recognition
The moment a project wraps is the moment to pause and recognize the people who made it possible. Renee and Julie break down practical ways to shine a spotlight on contributors, including:
Recognition emails (even ghostwritten for leaders)
Monetary or non-monetary awards
Shout-outs in staff meetings
Company swag
Sharing stories and standout moments
Formal celebration moments — both virtual and in person
Celebration isn’t superficial — it drives morale, retention, engagement, and team culture.
2️⃣ Lessons Learned
Once the recognition is done, it’s time for reflection:
What worked really well?
What slowed things down?
What would you do differently next time?
What should future teams know before they repeat the process?
Documenting lessons learned helps the next phase, the next project, or even the next team hit the ground running — and ensures knowledge doesn't disappear due to turnover or time.
3️⃣ Applying This Beyond “Projects”
Renee and Julie remind listeners that “projects” aren’t just software implementations or multi-month changes.
A compliance issue that took months to resolve? That's a project.
Broker management improvements? A project.
Process enhancements? Also a project.
And all of them deserve:✨ Celebration✨ Documentation✨ Reflection
FIO — Figure It Out (This Week’s Action)
Practice celebrating.Identify something — big or small — that you, your team, or a colleague recently completed.
Call it out
Share it upward
Tell the story
Recognize the impact
Spread it broadly so leadership sees your team’s value
Then hop over to the Trade Geeks Community and share your celebration moment!
Keep the Conversation Going
Join the discussion inside the Trade Geeks community!👉 What has your team recently accomplished?👉 Did you “take a lap”?👉 What did you learn along the way?
Continue the conversation here: Trade Geeks Community
Credits
Hosts:Renee Chiuchiarellihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-chiuchiarelli-lcb-ccs-8964a19/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcastJulie Parkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-parks/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Producer: Lalo Solorzanohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
🎧 Subscribe & Follow
New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by:Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Connect With Us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
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Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
Trade Geeks Community — https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast
💬 Don’t forget to rate, review & share with your fellow trade geeks!
Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions?
📧 SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com🐦 Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod

[ROUNDUP] Holiday Therapy for Trade Professionals

Hosts: Anik Sobing (annik@simplytradepodcast.com | LinkedIn)Guests: Michelle Frennier, Bonnie Gutz, Benita Lee, Kyle GroblerPublished: November 21, 2025Length: ~30 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center
LinkedIn & Email Contacts:
Michelle Frennier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellefrennier/ | evolutiontradesolutions@gmail.com
Bonnie Gutz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniegutz/ | bonniegutz@gmail.com
Benita Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benitalee1/ | benita@blprofessionalcorp.com
Kyle Grobler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylegrobler/ | kgrobler@outlook.com
Episode OverviewThis festive special edition of Simply Trade Roundup features host Anik Sobing with trade leaders Michelle Frennier, Bonnie Gutz, Benita Lee, and Kyle Grobler discussing the challenge of managing work-life balance in the global trade industry during the holiday season. They share personal approaches to setting boundaries, cultural differences between North America and Europe, leadership strategies to reduce stress on teams during critical times, and the importance of a supportive professional community. The conversation blends trade realities with human insights, making it a valuable listen for anyone juggling intense trade responsibilities alongside personal commitments.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Work-Life Balance Strategies
How to establish and communicate personal boundaries in a constantly evolving trade environment
Handling family priorities alongside trade demands with examples from different regions
The role that flexibility and clear leadership play in reducing stress at work
Leadership and Team Management Over Holidays
Approaches to distributing work and managing important deadlines during peak seasons
Why good communication and delegation are essential for team wellbeing
The impact of leadership style on team morale
Personal Well-being and Community
Tips for staying physically and mentally healthy, including holiday fitness challenges
The value of trade community connections, virtual book clubs, and shared resources
Encouragement for self-care and finding routines that support long-term resilience
Cultural and Holiday Trade Observances
Stories from the US, Canada, Ireland, and Europe about handling holiday schedules
How cultural attitudes toward work and time off affect trade operations
Preparing for and adapting to last-minute trade developments even during holidays
Subscribe & Follow
New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.
Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com
Connect with us:
Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
Global Training Center on LinkedIn
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Trade Geeks Community
Want to Be on the Show or Suggest a Topic?
Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.comor DM us on Twitter/X: @SimplyTradePod