[Cindy's Version] The Quiet Work Behind Customs Broker Partnerships

Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): Laura DiBella, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission Published: November 14, 2026 Length: 15 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary What does it look like when a federal regulator wants to be more accessible to small businesses—and more demanding of the companies it oversees? Cindy Allen sits down with Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Laura DiBella for an on-site conversation at the Virginia Maritime Association’s International Trade Symposium, “Anchored.” DiBella shares how her local and state economic development experience shapes a shipper-focused approach to the FMC. She discusses making Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services more visible, helping businesses engage before shipping problems arise, and bringing importer and exporter perspectives into the agency’s work through the National Shipper Advisory Committee. The conversation also explores her enforcement priorities, the challenges facing agricultural exporters, and why maritime regulation reaches beyond the water into chassis, detention, and demurrage. Cindy and Laura consider how stronger accountability can serve both shippers and the broader industry without losing sight of the businesses moving cargo every day. For importers, exporters, logistics professionals, and trade compliance teams, this episode offers a firsthand look at the priorities DiBella describes—and the importance she places on building a shipping community that feels heard. This Week in Trade • Small-shipper support and plans for a more visible FMC Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services team. • DiBella’s update on efforts to relaunch the National Shipper Advisory Committee. • Enforcement priorities involving agricultural shippers and U.S.-flag vessel access to Spanish ports. • The inland side of maritime regulation, including chassis, detention, and demurrage. Main Topic / Discussion The central question is how the FMC can combine accessible shipper support with firmer enforcement. DiBella discusses outreach, collaboration with other federal agencies, and the importance of hearing directly from businesses of every size. At the time of recording, she described the agency as nearing completion of selections for a relaunched National Shipper Advisory Committee, with 12 importer and 12 exporter representatives. That emphasis on engagement sits alongside a clear enforcement message. DiBella discusses matters involving an agricultural shipper and restrictions on U.S.-flag vessels accessing Spanish ports, while noting the limits on what she could share about ongoing proceedings and proposed actions. The interview also explores her transition from state to federal government, the land-based shipping issues that have surprised her, and her definition of success: shippers who feel heard and an industry whose standards, visibility, and support have improved. Key Takeaways • Small shippers are a stated priority. DiBella wants businesses to see the FMC as a resource before problems arise—not only after a dispute. • Industry input matters. She describes the National Shipper Advisory Committee and greater public engagement as ways to bring shipper experiences into the agency’s work. • Support and enforcement go together. Her message is that carriers, marine terminal operators, and ocean transportation intermediaries must meet their obligations, regardless of a shipper’s size. • Maritime issues do not stop at the waterfront. Chassis, detention, and demurrage are among the operational challenges discussed in the interview. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Federal Maritime Commission • FMC Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services Federal Maritime Commission • National Shipper Advisory Committee Federal Maritime Commission • Virginia Maritime Association International Trade Symposium — Anchored VA Maritime Credits Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): Laura DiBella - 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? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Agustín Izquierdo Published: November 12, 2026 Length: Approximately 30 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Why is your Mexican customs broker asking for more information—and what does that mean for companies shipping into Mexico? In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Mexican licensed customs broker Agustín Izquierdo to unpack the practical impact of Mexico’s 2026 customs reform. With experience in automotive trade compliance and 20 years on the importer side, Agustín brings a perspective shaped by both the customer’s pressure to keep goods moving and the broker’s responsibility to scrutinize the information behind each shipment. Their conversation explores why customer verification, tariff classification, customs valuation, and consistent documentation are becoming central to the importer–broker relationship. They also discuss supply chain traceability, IMMEX program coverage, and the challenges that arise when a routine shipment reaches the border with unresolved requirements. For suppliers, the message is relevant even when they are not the importer of record: the information they provide can affect the clearance process. Lalo and Agustín examine how earlier coordination can help teams identify gaps before freight moves, rather than trying to resolve them under pressure. The takeaway is a shift in mindset: view your Mexican customs broker as a compliance partner, not simply a document filer. Main Topic / Discussion The practical focus is the work that happens before dispatch: checking whether shipment records agree, whether product information supports tariff classification, and whether the importer and broker have identified the applicable regulatory requirements. Agustín describes a documentation review and a dictamen—a report covering tariff classification and related requirements—as tools his firm uses with customers. The discussion also addresses IMMEX program coverage, valuation documentation, and why resolving a held shipment depends on the specific issue rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Key Takeaways • Treat your broker as a compliance partner. Agustín explains why the relationship needs to extend beyond preparing and filing documents. • Make sure the documents tell the same story. Invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin should present consistent information. • Check requirements before dispatch. Coordinate on product details, tariff classification, applicable regulatory requirements, and IMMEX coverage where relevant. • Resolve gaps before freight moves. Agustín recommends working with the Mexican buyer/importer and broker before shipping when required information is missing. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community • Topics mentioned: USMCA, IMMEX, Manifestación de Valor, and the dictamen used for tariff classification and regulatory review. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Agustín Izquierdo 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? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Lila Landis, Global Training Center instructor Published: November 11, 2026 Length: ~19 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary You worked hard all year. But when your performance review arrives, can you explain what improved because of your work—not just how many screenings or shipments you handled? In Episode 6 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Global Training Center instructor Lila Landis for a practical conversation about closing out 2026 and preparing a stronger trade compliance plan for 2027. Drawing on habits she uses in her own leadership role, Lila explains why a running list of accomplishments should capture major improvements, customer impact, and meaningful feedback rather than routine task counts. The conversation connects that record of progress to a bigger question: what resources will your team need next year? Lila discusses reviewing software coverage, planning training and certifications, budgeting for conferences and audit travel, and building a budget even when compliance does not have its own cost center. She also encourages listeners to revisit unfinished projects and draft next year’s objectives before a manager asks for them. This week’s tip is about making your work visible and your plans actionable. Start with what you accomplished, identify what still needs attention, and prepare to explain both the priorities and the resources behind your next year of compliance work. Main Topic / Discussion Close out the year with evidence of progress—and enter the next one with a plan. Lila divides her preparation into two parts. First, she reviews what she and her team accomplished, collects meaningful feedback, and compares progress against the initiatives she committed to earlier in the year. She distinguishes projects awaiting someone else’s approval from work she can still move forward herself. Second, she prepares for the coming year by reviewing resource needs and developing annual objectives. That includes software capabilities, training, certifications, conferences, and travel for audits. She explains why an on-site visit can reveal things a virtual audit cannot, while also strengthening relationships with the business. The conversation also explores leadership transparency. Lila describes sharing her own accomplishments and performance reviews with direct reports to help them understand expectations and how their work connects to the team’s goals. Key Takeaways • Report accomplishments, not just activity. Lila distinguishes the number of parties screened from improvements to the screening program itself. Focus on what changed, how you responded to business needs, and why the improvement matters. • Review your commitments before the year ends. Compare progress with the projects you planned to complete. Identify outstanding approvals, unfinished work, and opportunities to move a priority forward before January. • Build a budget—even without a separate compliance cost center. Lila recommends planning for software, training, certifications, conferences, and audit travel. Connect those requests to the work your team needs to accomplish. • Draft your 2027 objectives before someone asks. Consider unfinished priorities, changes in the business, and development needs. Encourage your team members to prepare their accomplishments and goals, too. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Lila Landis — LinkedIn • Lila Landis — Global Training Center Instructor Profile globaltrainingcenter.com • Global Training Center — Hybrid Courses, Including Export and ITAR Compliance Training globaltrainingcenter.com • ICPA — Conferences, Webinars & Events ICPA • ICPA — Trade Certifications ICPA • NCBFAA Educational Institute — Education & Training NCBFAA • Women in Sanctions Network American Conference Institute Follow Simply Trade for updates on companion resources and the planned 90 Days Until 2027 playbook. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Lila Landis - 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? [email protected]

Host: Lori Mullins & Karen Damon Published: November 9, 2026 Length: Approximately 14 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Is your customs broker license ready for 2027? With new continuing education requirements approaching and CBP enforcement initiatives continuing to evolve, staying informed has never been more important. In the November edition of the NCBFAA President's Update, presented in partnership with Simply Trade and Global Training Center, Lori Mullins sits down with NCBFAA President Karen Damon to discuss the latest developments affecting customs brokers, freight forwarders, importers, and trade compliance professionals. Karen shares how NCBFAA is engaging with government agencies on Executive Order 14411 and proposed supply-chain security and visibility requirements. She also provides an update on CAPE refund processing, including important developments involving entries covered by protests. The conversation then turns to an approaching deadline: the 2027 Licensed Customs Broker Triennial Report. Karen explains the 20-hour continuing education requirement, the importance of accredited education credits, and the documentation brokers need to retain. Lori and Karen also preview the 2027 NCBFAA Annual Conference in Orlando and discuss the association's ongoing advocacy, education, and member support. For trade professionals navigating a changing regulatory environment, this episode delivers timely reminders and practical insights to help prepare for what's next. Main Topic / Discussion Executive Order 14411 and Supply-Chain Visibility NCBFAA continues to engage with government officials regarding implementation of Executive Order 14411 and its implications for customs enforcement. Karen discusses the association's work on comments responding to CBP's advance notice of proposed rulemaking concerning supply-chain security and visibility. Importers are encouraged to review the proposed requirements and consider how additional supply-chain responsibilities could affect their operations. CAPE Refunds and Protest Processing CAPE processing remains an important issue for importers seeking refunds of AIPA duties. Karen highlights developments involving CAPE Phase Three, including the processing of refunds on entries covered by protests, even when those protests have not been withdrawn or involve additional issues. NCBFAA continues to monitor court developments and communicate updates to its membership. NCBFAA Advocacy and Member Involvement NCBFAA's volunteer committees monitor legislative proposals, regulatory notices, government actions, and economic developments affecting international trade. The association works to represent customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, OTIs, and other members through education and advocacy. Karen encourages members to become involved through local associations and national events. The 2027 Customs Broker Triennial Deadline Licensed customs brokers must prepare for the upcoming triennial reporting cycle and the associated continuing education certification. Karen highlights the 20-hour continuing education requirement, approved accreditation, recordkeeping obligations, and the importance of being prepared for possible CBP audits. The transcript identifies December 14, 2026, as the opening of the filing window, with triennial reports due in January 2027. 2027 NCBFAA Annual Conference Registration is open for the NCBFAA Annual Conference, scheduled for April 11–14, 2027, in Orlando, Florida. The event brings together customs brokers, freight forwarders, regulatory representatives, and industry experts for education, networking, and discussions about emerging trade challenges. Key Takeaways • NCBFAA is actively engaging with government agencies regarding Executive Order 14411 and proposed supply-chain visibility requirements. • CAPE Phase Three developments affect refund processing for certain entries covered by protests. • Licensed customs brokers should prepare for the 2027 triennial reporting cycle and ensure they have completed the required 20 hours of accredited continuing education. • Continuing education records and accreditation documentation must be retained to support certifications and potential CBP audits. • NCBFAA committees and volunteers help members stay informed about regulatory, legislative, and enforcement developments. • The 2027 NCBFAA Annual Conference takes place April 11–14 in Orlando, Florida. • Industry involvement, education, and professional collaboration remain essential as trade enforcement and regulatory requirements evolve. Resources & Mentions • National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) • NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI) • U.S. Customs and Border Protection • Federal Register 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? [email protected]

Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Published: November 6, 2026 Length: ~28 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Could a company with U.S. operations still face foreign importer of record requirements—and what would that mean for its customs broker? In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” to explore the risks hiding behind familiar client relationships. Cindy examines the interim final rule on heightened requirements for foreign importers of record, focusing on the questions it raises about U.S. importer status, beneficial ownership, documentation, and CTPAT participation. She discusses why publicly traded companies, foreign-owned manufacturers, and customs brokers need to look closely at how the requirements apply to their businesses. She also considers the potential impact on express shipments and the responsibilities a broker takes on when serving as importer of record. Before the main discussion, Cindy shares her post-election tariff outlook and updates on demurrage and detention, ACE client support, USMCA negotiations, and customs enforcement. Her central message: understand your data, respond to CBP, and provide practical feedback. For importers and brokers navigating an uncertain compliance environment, this conversation offers important questions to ask before a client’s trouble becomes your own. This Week in Trade • Tariffs after the midterms: Cindy shares her outlook on congressional oversight, possible targeted changes, and why she does not expect a sweeping tariff repeal. • FMC and ACE developments: Cindy highlights a demurrage and detention symposium and a test program intended to improve connections between the trade community and ACE client representatives. • USMCA negotiations: Cindy discusses Canada’s negotiating stance and what it could mean for conversations with the United States. • CBP enforcement: Cindy cites reported increases of 77.5% in overall enforcement and 124% in Form 29 notices, emphasizing the importance of understanding import data and responding to customs inquiries. Main Topic / Discussion The main discussion centers on how heightened foreign importer of record requirements could reshape client verification and risk management for customs brokers. Cindy examines the ownership and real-property criteria used to distinguish U.S. and foreign importers, the documentation brokers would need to review, and CTPAT’s role in the entry process. She raises practical questions about proving beneficial ownership for publicly traded companies, evaluating foreign-owned businesses with substantial U.S. operations, and handling powers of attorney when a broker acts as importer of record. She also considers whether increased demand for eligible brokers could create capacity challenges. For Cindy, the issue extends beyond paperwork: who can produce the required information, who can verify it, what will it cost, and who carries the liability? She urges businesses to give CBP concrete examples and realistic cost estimates, either directly or through their trade associations. Key Takeaways • Revisit importer status. Cindy cautions against assuming that U.S. incorporation or a domestic address alone resolves the question of whether a company qualifies as a U.S. importer of record. • Make client verification a risk decision. Ownership records, supporting documentation, CTPAT status, and potential importer-of-record responsibilities belong in the onboarding conversation. • Know your data and engage with CBP. Cindy emphasizes responding to Forms 28 and 29 and seeking clarification when an action appears inconsistent with your records. • Make regulatory feedback specific. Use business examples, supporting facts, and realistic cost estimates to explain implementation challenges—not simply that compliance will be difficult. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Heightened Requirements for Foreign Importers of Record — Official Federal Register Rule GovInfo • Kelley Drye — Monitoring CBP’s Implementation of EO 14411 Kelley Drye & Warren LLP • Episode inspiration: “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift, from Red. 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? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guest(s): Justin Dillon Published: November 4, 2028 Length: Approximately 41 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Could your company be connected to forced labor without knowing it? In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome Justin Dillon, founder of FRDM, for a conversation about the people behind the products—and the responsibilities that come with buying, sourcing, and importing them. Justin explains how forced labor concerns have moved from corporate philanthropy into sourcing, trade compliance, and business operations. Together, they explore what importers should consider before selecting suppliers, why procurement and compliance teams need to work together, and how supply chain visibility can help companies ask better questions before goods reach the border. The discussion also goes beyond policies and paperwork. Justin shares the experiences behind his documentary work and advocacy, discusses FRDM’s relationship with WiseTech Global, and points listeners toward organizations supporting people affected by exploitation. At the center of the episode is a compelling idea: meaningful change does not have to depend on a special campaign or a charitable budget. It can begin with everyday purchasing decisions. For trade professionals and business leaders, this conversation offers a reason to look more closely at where products come from—and what responsible sourcing should look like in practice. Main Topic / Discussion Responsible sourcing starts before supplier selection Justin traces the shift from corporate social responsibility initiatives to supply chain due diligence and import enforcement. The discussion emphasizes early supplier vetting and collaboration among purchasing, trade compliance, legal, operations, and leadership—not waiting until a shipment encounters problems at the border. Awareness, exploitation, and meaningful action Justin shares the context behind the rescue footage discussed in the episode and explains why recognizing exploitation is not always straightforward. Rather than encouraging listeners to conduct their own investigations, the conversation focuses on transparency, established reporting channels, and supporting local organizations already doing the work. Making human rights part of everyday business Justin challenges reliance on supplier questionnaires and one-time audits, advocating instead for data- and AI-driven supply chain mapping followed by deeper supplier participation. He also discusses FRDM and WiseTech Global, the influence of procurement spending, and his goal of making human rights a routine business consideration rather than an occasional campaign. Key Takeaways • Start before onboarding. Evaluate supply chain risks before committing to suppliers, when changing direction is less disruptive. • Bring the right teams together. Responsible sourcing requires coordination across procurement, compliance, legal, operations, and executive leadership. • Look beyond the first supplier relationship. Justin advocates mapping supply chains and asking suppliers to extend that visibility through their own networks. • Put purchasing power to work. Align supplier expectations with company values, while supporting established organizations and reporting channels when concerns arise. Resources & Mentions Guest, organizations, and technology • Global Training Center — Presenter of Simply Trade and trade compliance education resources. • Justin Dillon on LinkedIn — Connect with this episode’s guest. • FRDM — The supply chain risk, mapping, and compliance technology discussed by Justin. frdm.ai • WiseTech Global — The company discussed in connection with FRDM’s expansion. • WiseTech Global’s FRDM acquisition announcement — Official background on the transaction discussed in the interview. wisetechglobal.com • Made in a Free World — The nonprofit Justin recommends for supporting projects that help rescue and care for people affected by slavery and exploitation. madeinafreeworld.com Documentary and additional videos • Call & Response — Full Documentary — The full documentary link supplied for this episode. YouTube • FRDM YouTube Channel — Additional videos from FRDM. • Justin Dillon on CNN’s Quest Means Business — The additional interview supplied for this episode. YouTube Help and reporting • National Human Trafficking Hotline — In the United States, call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BEFREE) for assistance or to report a potential trafficking situation. For immediate danger, call 911. National Human Trafficking Hotline Official background on the laws and enforcement topics discussed These links provide additional reference material; not every resource below was named individually during the conversation. • U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Forced Labor — Official starting point for forced-labor enforcement information and importer resources. GovDelivery • CBP — Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Overview — Background on the UFLPA and its import restrictions. CBP Help • European Commission — Forced Labour Regulation — Official information on the EU framework. The product prohibition applies from December 14, 2027. single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu • UK Government — Transparency in Supply Chains: A Practical Guide — Modern slavery reporting and supply chain transparency guidance for businesses. GOV.UK • Australian Government — Modern Slavery Act — Official background on Australia’s modern slavery reporting framework. Attorney-General's Department • Public Safety Canada — Forced Labour in Canadian Supply Chains — Guidance and reporting resources under Canada’s Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada • Canada Border Services Agency — Goods Manufactured or Produced by Prison or Forced Labour — Background on Canada’s import prohibition. Canada Border Services Agency • Mexico’s STPS — Forced Labor Import Restrictions — Official information on Mexico’s mechanism for investigating and restricting imports produced with forced labor. Resource in Spanish. Trabajo Forzoso Additional practical reporting resource • CBP Forced Labor Allegation Portal — An additional resource, not named in the episode, for submitting allegations involving forced labor in imported goods. GovDelivery Other organizations mentioned in passing These organizations came up during the discussion of corporate volunteering, philanthropy, and business models; they were not presented as trafficking-response resources. • Habitat for Humanity — Referenced by Andy as an example of organized corporate volunteering. • Anthropic — Mentioned briefly by Justin during the discussion of philanthropy and business models. The individual local organizations described in India and Ghana were not identified by name in the transcript. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guest(s): Justin Dillon - 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? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Miriam Name, Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN) Published: November 3, 2027 Length: ~16 min Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Your Mexican customer asks for a purchase agreement—even though you have been doing business for years using purchase orders and invoices. Why the extra paperwork? In Episode 5 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes back Miriam Name to explore how U.S. exporters can support their Mexican customers’ compliance efforts. After a lighthearted Día de los Muertos opening, the conversation turns to a serious question: can the importer document what happened throughout the transaction and support the value declared? Miriam discusses purchase-agreement requests that are catching some U.S. sellers off guard, the commercial details those agreements should address, and the complications that rebates and deductions can create. Lalo also asks how the documentation changes when the relationship involves manufacturing services or a sale between related companies. The goal is not to turn every request into a renegotiation of an established business relationship. Miriam offers a practical approach for connecting existing purchase orders, commercial documents, and terms through a master agreement. This week’s tip puts cooperation first. Before treating a request as unnecessary paperwork, understand what your Mexican counterpart needs to support—and how your team can help keep the relationship moving forward. Main Topic / Discussion Supporting Mexican customs valuation starts with understanding the transaction—not just sending the invoice. Miriam frames the discussion around traceability and materiality: documentation showing that a transaction occurred, how it was carried out, and why the declared value is supportable. That includes evidence of the commercial relationship, delivery, transportation, and payment responsibilities. She describes requests for purchase agreements identifying the parties, tax identification, company addresses, the applicable Incoterm, delivery arrangements, and who pays for transportation. The conversation also explores how rebates, deductions, and year-end adjustments can complicate the connection between commercial pricing and Mexican import declarations. The appropriate documentation depends on the arrangement. Miriam distinguishes sales transactions from pure maquila arrangements supported by a maquila services agreement. She also discusses related-party sales and the role of transfer-pricing analysis in supporting value. Her closing recommendation is to cooperate with the importer on a master agreement that references existing purchase orders, commercial documents, and terms—rather than assuming the request requires starting every negotiation over. Key Takeaways • Do not dismiss the agreement request. Miriam urges U.S. exporters to take Mexican customers’ documentation requests seriously, even when the relationship has operated through purchase orders and invoices for years. • Make the commercial details clear. The information Miriam identifies includes company names and addresses, tax identification, the applicable Incoterm, delivery terms, and responsibility for transportation costs. • Pay attention to rebates and deductions. Miriam explains that these arrangements can complicate support for customs value. She also discusses the potential need to adjust Mexican import declarations, or pedimentos, when the value changes. • Match the agreement to the relationship. Sales, pure maquila arrangements, and related-party transactions raise different documentation questions. Miriam discusses master agreements, maquila services agreements, and transfer-pricing support—not one document that automatically fits every situation. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Miriam Name — LinkedIn • Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN) • IMMEX Blog Post     Follow Simply Trade for updates on companion resources and the 90 Days Until 2027 playbook. This episode provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Confirm the documentation and valuation requirements applicable to your specific transaction. 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? [email protected]

Host: Cindy Allen Published: October 30, 2026 Length: ~ 14 min Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Who stays to do the work after the party is over? In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “New Year’s Day” to explore a question every importer should ask: what makes a customs broker a true partner when trade requirements change? In her October 30 trade update, Cindy discusses Canadian Section 338 tariff litigation, CAPE refund developments, USTR activity, and enforcement concerns affecting the trade community. She then turns from the headlines to the people responsible for putting changes into practice—especially Northern Border customs brokers managing the tariff changes described in the episode. The focus is not just on filing entries. It is on identifying affected clients, working through complex duty-treatment questions, coordinating entry and entry-summary timing, and communicating when decisions cannot wait. Cindy highlights the preparation and judgment behind that work, including the limits of automated tools when the details get complicated. For importers, brokers, and compliance teams, this episode is a reminder to look beyond the visible transaction. The strongest partnerships are built on the quieter work that keeps both sides informed, prepared, and aligned long after the announcement lands. This Week in Trade • Section 338 litigation and CAPE refunds: Cindy reviews the challenge to Canadian tariffs, CAPE 3 developments involving protested entries, and the plaintiffs’ request for a CAPE 4 process covering antidumping and countervailing duty entries. • USTR and Section 232 reviews: The roundup includes expected recommendations from the Section 301 overcapacity investigations, Airbus subsidy concerns, and the outcome Cindy reports from the robotics and industrial machinery review. • Capitol Hill and Russian fuel imports: Cindy discusses political criticism of Canadian tariff adjustments and warnings to banks, ports, and fuel distributors about their involvement in Russian fuel imports. • FMC enforcement: Cindy highlights increased scrutiny of ocean transportation intermediaries and the importance of having processes and procedures ready to address regulatory inquiries. Main Topic / Discussion Customs Broker Partnerships Beyond the Routine Entry Cindy uses “New Year’s Day” as a metaphor for the work that happens outside the spotlight: preparation, coordination, and follow-through when tariff changes create difficult operational questions. Her focus is on Northern Border customs brokers navigating the changes discussed in the episode. Identifying affected shipments is only the beginning. Brokers must also work through duty-treatment details, entry and entry-summary timing, and client communication—tasks Cindy explains cannot always be handled through automated tools alone. The question for importers: who is prepared to work alongside you when the details become complicated, not just when everything is running smoothly? Key Takeaways • Look beyond the filing. A broker’s value includes the preparation, analysis, and communication that happen before an entry is submitted. • Timing deserves close coordination. Cindy highlights how tariff transitions can raise questions about shipment timing, entry processing, and entry-summary filing. • Reports do not replace judgment. Identifying affected transactions is different from resolving the complex duty-treatment questions behind them. • Make the quiet work visible. Importers should recognize their brokers’ behind-the-scenes contributions, and brokers should communicate the work involved in supporting their clients. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Cindy Allen on LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier — the global trade consultancy Cindy introduces in the episode. • Taylor Swift’s “New Year’s Day,” from Reputation — the musical inspiration for this discussion. • U.S. Court of International Trade — Cindy references filings involving Section 338 and CAPE refund developments. 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? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles Guest(s): Julie Ann Parks and Eugene Laney Jr., Ph.D. Published: October 29, 2026 Length: ~38:40 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Your trade team is getting more attention—but is it getting the resources, authority, and technology to match? Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome Julie Ann Parks of Altana and Eugene Laney Jr., Ph.D., of the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) to explore what it takes to move from constant firefighting to genuine trade readiness. Drawing on the joint Altana–AAEI report, The State of Enterprise Trade & Customs Organizations, the conversation examines the gap between growing expectations and the support available to meet them. The discussion goes beyond keeping shipments moving. Where should trade compliance sit within an organization? What information should teams have before goods reach the border? And how can compliance leaders make a stronger business case for investment? Julie and Eugene connect those questions to practical challenges: scattered product data, legacy systems, limited budgets, and uncertainty about AI. They also explain why automation should create room for human judgment—not replace it. The episode closes with actionable “figure it out” advice for testing readiness, understanding the business impact of an enforcement response, and finding internal allies. For trade professionals preparing a resource request—and executives evaluating one—this conversation offers a starting point for turning compliance pressure into a more strategic role. Main Topic / Discussion The episode centers on using trade-readiness research to build a business case for change. The linked Altana–AAEI report surveyed 230 enterprise trade leaders: 51% of teams did not meet its trade-readiness threshold, while only 26% felt their resources had grown enough to keep pace. Altana Julie and Eugene explore how reporting structures, budget authority, and access to product and supplier information influence a team’s ability to prepare before goods move. The conversation also tackles AI adoption, with an emphasis on automating mechanical work while retaining expert review. Their practical challenge: simulate a detention or CF-28 response, document the effort and business impact, and use that evidence to explain what needs to change. Key Takeaways • Move decisions ahead of the shipment. Julie emphasizes resolving product and compliance questions before goods are moving, rather than making last-minute intervention the default operating model. • Make the business case in terms leadership understands. Connect resource requests to cycle times, sourcing decisions, tariff mitigation, and the costs of responding to enforcement—not just the compliance team’s workload. • Give trade information a reliable home. The discussion highlights the need to bring product attributes, supplier relationships, and compliance information together rather than continually chasing answers across disconnected systems and spreadsheets. • Pair technology with expertise and internal allies. Automate repeatable work, retain human validation, and involve IT in compliance education. Eugene also encourages identifying the people who can help communicate the program’s value to executive leadership. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Altana + AAEI Trade Readiness Report: The State of Enterprise Trade & Customs Organizations Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guest(s): Julie Ann Parks — LinkedIn Eugene Laney Jr., Ph.D. — 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? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Ashley Arnold, Global Training Center instructor Published: October 28, 2026 Length: Approximately 14 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary The shipment cleared customs. The goods were delivered. That means the entry is finished, right? Not so fast. In Episode 4 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Global Training Center instructor Ashley Arnold with a reminder: customs release is not the end of the entry life cycle. Her year-end tip is to review what happened during the rush to get shipments moving—and address the issues that may still need attention. Ashley explains why importers working with multiple brokers should compare classifications, run ACE reports, and confirm that supporting documents are actually available. She also encourages listeners to include DDP shipments in their review rather than overlooking them once the goods have arrived. The discussion explores how a newly understood requirement or an incorrect Chapter 99 number can lead a team back to earlier entries. A review may reveal a problem to correct or a potential duty-recovery opportunity, but timing matters. For teams already stretched thin, Ashley offers a manageable starting point: an entry number, an issue, and someone responsible for following through. This episode is about turning a year-end check into a repeatable habit—not adding another overwhelming project to your list. Main Topic / Discussion Review the entry—not just the shipment’s delivery status. Lalo and Ashley discuss a year-end review of entry data, broker classification consistency, and supporting records. Ashley recommends using ACE reports to look for discrepancies and checking other entries when an issue appears in one. They also discuss post-summary corrections, protests, and why identifying a potential correction or recovery opportunity is only useful when the applicable deadlines receive attention. To keep the work manageable, Ashley shares her three-column approach: entry number, issue, owner. Assign responsibility, communicate the deadline, and follow up. The conversation also covers their expectations of closer supply-chain scrutiny and Ashley’s encouragement to ask questions and participate in public-comment opportunities. Key Takeaways • Customs release is not the finish line. Ashley urges importers to revisit entries, run ACE reports, and compare classifications across brokers instead of treating delivery as the end of the review. • One error deserves a broader look. Finding an incorrect Chapter 99 number or learning that a requirement was interpreted differently should prompt a review of other potentially affected entries. Evaluate the next steps before applicable correction or protest deadlines pass. • Electronic storage is not the same as verified access. Check that the supporting documents are actually present and retrievable. Ashley also recommends including DDP shipments in the review. • Give every issue an owner. Start with Ashley’s three-column tracker: entry number, issue, owner. Delegate the work, communicate when it is needed, and follow up rather than assuming the handoff resolved the problem. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Ashley Arnold — LinkedIn • Ashley Arnold — Global Training Center Instructor Profile • CBP — ACE Reports • Additional Background: CBP’s Supply-Chain Visibility Request for Comments Follow Simply Trade for updates on companion resources and the 90 Days Until 2027 playbook. This episode provides general educational information. Confirm the requirements and deadlines applicable to your entries before taking corrective action. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Ashley Arnold - 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? [email protected]