Import & Export Clearance
Our brokers handle all documentation, tariff classification, and customs formalities, ensuring your shipments comply with trade regulations for smooth border clearance.
Customs Brokerage
Navigating customs regulations and import processes is challenging, but W.M. Stone transforms these complexities into streamlined solutions. As a licensed U.S. customs broker and freight forwarder, we clear your goods through CBP accurately and on schedule. You get one accountable partner for classification, documentation, and compliance, not a maze of separate vendors.
Your Trusted Partner for Customs Brokerage Solutions.
With 250+ years of industry experience and a global network, we ensure your goods clear customs smoothly, minimizing delays and compliance risks while optimizing your supply chain.
Efficient customs brokerage is essential for businesses managing import and export operations. Our expert team helps you avoid costly penalties, streamline documentation, and expedite clearance, so shipments keep moving instead of sitting in a compliance hold. Because W.M. Stone is licensed as both a customs broker and a freight forwarder, the same team that files your entry can also coordinate the freight behind it, which means fewer handoffs and fewer places for an error to hide. W.M. Stone is the trusted partner businesses rely on for customs brokerage and trade compliance. That reputation, combined with a proven track record in expediting customs clearance, minimizing costs, and ensuring seamless supply chain operations, is why importers and exporters engaged in global trade continue to choose us as their broker of record.
Regulatory Expertise
Our licensed brokers stay updated on international trade laws and collaborate directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), and global regulatory bodies to ensure smooth transactions.
Risk Mitigation & Cost Transparency
We provide proactive compliance strategies and clear pricing structures, eliminating hidden fees and unexpected costs so your business can confidently budget.
Global Coverage & Competitive Advantage
Our extensive international network and trade partnerships help you navigate complex customs requirements worldwide while maximizing efficiency.
Licensed Broker and Freight Forwarder in One
W.M. Stone holds both a customs broker license and freight forwarder credentials. That dual capability means classification, entry filing, and the movement of your cargo are managed under one roof.
Our Customs Brokerage Services.
From entry filing to duty recovery, our brokerage team covers every stage of the clearance process.
Regulatory Compliance Management
We help you stay compliant with evolving global trade laws through strategic risk management, proactive monitoring, and hands-on regulatory assistance, including frameworks such as AD/CVD, Forced Labor, Section 301, and Section 232.
Shipment Tracking
Our technology-driven tracking and live reporting provide full visibility into your shipments, keeping you informed from origin to final destination.
Duty Drawback
We help you recover overpaid duties, reduce tariff costs, and take advantage of tax-saving trade programs, such as duty drawback, to improve your bottom line.
Reliable Freight Coordination
Our trusted logistics network ensures secure, efficient transport for your shipments, from port entry to final destination.
Compliance Consulting
Our expert consultants develop tailored strategies to optimize compliance, reduce costs, and ensure smooth trade operations across global markets, drawing on frameworks like HTS classification, customs bonds, and Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ).
The W.M. Stone Commitment.
We ensure smooth customs processes and supply chain reliability.
Minimize Compliance Risks
Avoid shipment holds and compliance penalties with our accurate documentation and proactive customs management, ensuring timely clearance.
Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency
We leverage strategic trade planning, automated tracking technology, and real-time compliance updates to reduce disruptions and keep your operations running smoothly.
Guarantee Timely Deliveries
From classification to final clearance, our customs brokerage team ensures your shipments meet regulatory standards and arrive as scheduled, helping you maintain business continuity.
Related Trade Compliance Services.
Customs brokerage works hand in hand with these related capabilities.
Foreign-Trade Zone Services
Defer, reduce, or eliminate duties on qualifying goods held or processed in an FTZ.Duty Drawback
Recover eligible duties paid on imported goods that are later exported or destroyed.Compliance Consulting
Tailored guidance on classification, valuation, and evolving trade regulations.Commonly Asked Questions.
Answers to the questions we hear most from importers and exporters new to customs brokerage.
What does a customs broker actually do?
A licensed customs broker prepares and files the documentation required to clear your goods through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including tariff classification, valuation, and entry filing. W.M. Stone is a licensed U.S. customs broker, so our team acts as your representative with CBP and other Partner Government Agencies to keep shipments moving through the clearance process.
Is W.M. Stone a customs broker, a freight forwarder, or both?
Both. W.M. Stone holds a customs broker license and freight forwarder credentials, so the same team handling your entry filing and classification can also coordinate the underlying freight movement, from port entry to final destination.
What regulatory frameworks do you help clients navigate?
Depending on the product and origin, our compliance team works within frameworks that can include AD/CVD, Forced Labor, Section 301 and Section 232 duties, HTS classification, customs bonds, and Importer Security Filing (ISF) requirements processed through ACE. We tailor the approach to your specific commodity and trade lane.
Can you help me recover duties I have already paid?
Yes. Our duty drawback capability helps identify recoverable duties on goods that are later exported or destroyed, and our compliance consultants can also evaluate whether a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) strategy makes sense for your import volume.
Do you handle clearance for regulated products like food, agricultural goods, or consumer products?
Our regulatory compliance team coordinates with the relevant Partner Government Agencies on regulated shipments, which can involve FDA/FSMA requirements, USDA/APHIS phytosanitary rules, FMVSS, or CPSC depending on the product. Reach out with your specific commodity and we will walk you through what applies.
How do I get started with W.M. Stone as my customs broker?
Call us at (757) 800-6080 or email info@wmstone.com and our brokerage team will walk through your shipment details, current pain points, and how our services fit your supply chain. You can also reach our Norfolk office at 555 E. Main St, Suite 803, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Our Accreditations.
Here to Help Your Every Logistical Need..
Stop worrying about customs compliance challenges, focus on growing your business. Our dedicated brokerage experts are ready to provide the tailored support you need.