Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles

🌍 The Broker Relationship That Makes or Breaks Trade

The right customs broker isn’t just a vendor — they’re a strategic partner. In this episode, Lalo and Andy sit down with Diane Perez to unpack why importer–broker relationships are the backbone of compliance and trade success.

With experience at Amazon, Pratt & Whitney, Henkel, Diageo, and Oura, Diane brings both the importer and broker perspective. She explains why brokers should be seen as trusted advisors, how proactive audits and reviews keep compliance on track, and why communication and data quality are critical in today’s tariff-heavy, post–de minimis world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why importer–broker relationships are more like strategic partnerships than vendor contracts

Key Takeaways:

A customs broker relationship is more like a tax accountant than a transactional vendor.

Quarterly broker reviews, audits, and performance metrics build accountability.

Data quality starts with importers — compliance is ultimately your responsibility.

Switching brokers too often weakens compliance and trust.

Giving brokers “a seat at the table” makes them true partners in strategy, not just paperwork.

Resources & Mentions:

NCBFAA (National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America)

ICPA (International Compliance Professionals Association)

ACE Portal – U.S. Customs Automated Commercial Environment

Credits

Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Andy Shiles – LinkedIn

Guest:

Diane Perez – LinkedIn

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

Subscribe & Follow

New episodes every week.

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

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!