Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shiles Guest: Diane Perez, Senior Trade Manager Published: August 28, 2025 Length: ~38 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

🌍 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 How quarterly broker audits, KPIs, and SLAs can strengthen compliance Why proactive data sharing empowers brokers to keep freight moving What importers often underestimate about a broker’s day-to-day responsibilities Why communication and trust are essential in a rapidly changing trade environment

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

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Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. 👉 www.GlobalTrainingCenter.com

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