Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions importers ask most when working with a customs broker, from ISF filing and bonded warehousing to moving freight between the United States and Mexico.

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TOPICS

General

5 questions

What is Import Export Logistics (IEL)?

Import Export Logistics is a cross-border logistics company providing customs brokerage, bonded warehousing, transportation coordination, produce logistics, Mexico trade solutions, and integrated supply chain services.

Where is IEL located?

IEL operates from:

7558 Panasonic Way
San Diego, California 92154

The facility is strategically located near the U.S.-Mexico border and major Southern California transportation corridors.

What industries does IEL serve?

IEL supports:

Importers
Exporters
Manufacturers
Retailers
Distributors
Produce Companies
Ecommerce Businesses
Cross-Border Organizations

Do you work with businesses of all sizes?

Yes. IEL supports startups, growing businesses, and enterprise-level organizations.

Do you provide nationwide services?

Yes. Customs brokerage services are provided nationwide, while logistics programs can be designed to support operations throughout North America.

Customs Brokerage

8 questions

What is a customs broker?

A customs broker is a licensed professional who assists importers with customs entry processing, compliance requirements, and government regulations related to importing goods into the United States.

Why do I need a customs broker?

A customs broker helps reduce delays, ensure compliance, prepare required documentation, and navigate complex customs regulations.

Do you process customs entries nationwide?

Yes. IEL supports customs brokerage clients throughout the United States.

What documents are required for customs clearance?

Common documents include:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading
Arrival Notice
Customs Power of Attorney

Document requirements may vary depending on shipment type.

What is an ISF Filing?

Importer Security Filing (ISF), often called "10+2," is required for ocean freight entering the United States.

Can IEL file ISFs for my shipments?

Yes. IEL provides ISF filing and compliance support services.

Do you provide customs consulting?

Yes. IEL assists customers with classifications, compliance programs, documentation reviews, and import process improvement.

Can you help with denied or delayed shipments?

Yes. IEL works with clients to resolve customs issues and support compliant shipment processing.

Warehousing & Distribution

8 questions

Is your warehouse bonded?

Yes. IEL operates a bonded public warehouse in San Diego.

How large is the warehouse?

The facility provides approximately 35,000 square feet of bonded warehousing space.

What warehousing services do you provide?

Services include:

Bonded Storage
Cross-Docking
Inventory Management
Freight Consolidation
Fulfillment
Distribution Services

Can you unload containers?

Yes. The warehouse supports container receiving, unloading, staging, and redistribution.

Do you provide fulfillment services?

Yes. IEL offers pick-and-pack, order preparation, and distribution support.

Can inventory be stored long term?

Yes. Flexible storage programs support both short-term and long-term requirements.

Do you provide inventory reporting?

Yes. Warehouse clients can receive inventory and operational information as required.

Can warehousing be combined with transportation services?

Yes. Warehousing, transportation, customs brokerage, and Mexico solutions may be combined as a complete logistics solution.

Produce Logistics

5 questions

Do you specialize in produce logistics?

Yes. IEL supports produce importers, growers, distributors, and retailers through specialized logistics programs.

What produce services do you provide?

Produce Imports
Customs Support
Transportation Coordination
Distribution Services
Cross-Border Produce Programs

Can you coordinate produce shipments from Mexico?

Yes. IEL supports cross-border produce logistics and distribution programs.

Do you work with seasonal produce programs?

Yes. Flexible logistics programs support seasonal fluctuations and harvest schedules.

Can produce shipments utilize your warehouse?

Yes. Warehousing and distribution support can be integrated into produce logistics programs.

Transportation & Portside

5 questions

What is Portside Transportation?

Portside Transportation is the transportation and drayage division within the IEL service platform.

What transportation services do you provide?

Port Drayage
Container Transportation
Regional Trucking
Rail Coordination
Delivery Scheduling

Do you support Southern California ports?

Yes. Portside Transportation supports freight movement through key Southern California logistics gateways.

Can transportation services be combined with warehousing?

Yes. Transportation and warehousing services frequently work together as part of integrated logistics programs.

Do you coordinate rail transportation?

Yes. Rail coordination services are available when appropriate.

Mexico Solutions

5 questions

Do you provide logistics services throughout Mexico?

Yes. IEL supports transportation and distribution programs throughout Mexico.

Do you offer Mexico consulting services?

Yes. Consulting services include market entry support, logistics planning, supply chain development, and nearshoring strategy.

Can you help establish Mexico distribution programs?

Yes. IEL helps businesses develop and optimize Mexico distribution operations.

What industries do you support in Mexico?

Manufacturing
Consumer Goods
Automotive
Produce
Ecommerce
Industrial Products

Can you support nearshoring initiatives?

Yes. IEL helps organizations evaluate and implement logistics strategies that support nearshoring opportunities.

BorderFast Mexico

6 questions

What is BorderFast Mexico?

BorderFast Mexico is a coordinated cross-border logistics solution designed to simplify transportation and freight movement between the United States and Mexico.

What does "One Contact. One Process. One Solution." mean?

It means customers work through a single logistics team and unified workflow rather than coordinating multiple service providers.

What types of freight can BorderFast handle?

BorderFast supports a variety of commercial freight types, subject to operational and regulatory requirements.

Can BorderFast support final delivery throughout Mexico?

Yes. Transportation and delivery programs can support destinations throughout Mexico.

Does BorderFast include customs coordination?

Yes. Customs coordination is an important component of the BorderFast workflow.

Can BorderFast utilize your warehouse?

Yes. Freight may be staged, consolidated, or processed through IEL warehousing operations.

CustomIA

4 questions

What is CustomIA?

CustomIA is a technology-enabled platform focused on cross-border ecommerce, artificial intelligence, fulfillment, automation, and Mexico market expansion.

Does CustomIA provide logistics services?

CustomIA leverages the broader IEL logistics ecosystem while focusing on technology, automation, and growth initiatives.

Can CustomIA help businesses expand into Mexico?

Yes. Market entry and ecommerce growth support are key focus areas.

Does CustomIA include AI capabilities?

Yes. Artificial intelligence, process automation, and digital transformation initiatives are core aspects of the platform.

CrossBorderIT

4 questions

What is CrossBorderIT?

CrossBorderIT is the technology partner within the IEL ecosystem focused on systems integration, automation, ecommerce support, and digital transformation.

Can CrossBorderIT integrate business systems?

Yes. Integration services help connect logistics, inventory, ecommerce, and operational systems.

Do you provide automation services?

Yes. Workflow automation and process improvement are core capabilities.

Can CrossBorderIT support ecommerce companies?

Yes. Ecommerce enablement, marketplace support, and fulfillment integrations are key services.

New Client Onboarding

4 questions

How do I become a client?

Complete the New Client Intake Form and submit the required onboarding documentation.

What documents may be required?

Depending on services requested:

W9
Power of Attorney
Business Information
ACH Authorization
Supporting Compliance Documentation

How long does onboarding take?

Timeline varies depending on the services requested and documentation provided.

Can I use multiple services?

Yes. Customers frequently combine customs brokerage, warehousing, transportation, and Mexico logistics services.

Get in touch

Let's Simplify Your Logistics

Whether you need customs brokerage, bonded warehousing, transportation coordination, Mexico distribution, or complete cross-border supply chain support, IEL is ready to help.

Call us

619-576-3660

Email

support@importexportchb.com

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