Licensed Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders: What the Data Covers
This dataset catalogs licensed customs brokers and freight forwarders operating across the United States and key global markets. Each record includes the broker's CBP-issued license number, service scope, trade lane coverage, and compliance certifications—the core data points that compliance managers need when evaluating brokerage partners.
Why License Verification Matters
Only individuals and firms licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can legally transact customs business on behalf of importers. As of the latest CBP data, there are roughly 14,400 permitted customs broker licenses in the United States. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) separately licenses freight forwarders and NVOCCs handling ocean shipments. Engaging an unlicensed entity exposes importers to penalties, seizures, and supply chain disruptions.
Key Data Points for Compliance Managers
- License & Permit Status
- Active CBP broker permit number, FMC license where applicable, and district-level permit details.
- Trade Lane Specialization
- Geographic corridors the broker routinely handles—critical for duty optimization and transit time accuracy.
- Certifications
- C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism), AEO (Authorized Economic Operator), PIP (Partners in Protection), and industry-specific certifications.
- Service Scope
- Customs clearance, tariff classification, duty drawback, foreign-trade zone management, ISF filing, export licensing, and trade consulting.
Market Landscape
The U.S. customs brokerage market includes both global logistics conglomerates—UPS, FedEx, Kuehne+Nagel, GEODIS—and specialized independents like A.N. Deringer, the largest privately-held U.S. customs broker with over a million entries filed annually. The NCBFAA (National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America) represents 1,400+ member firms employing 110,000 professionals who serve more than 250,000 importers and exporters.
Typical Use Cases
| Buyer | Action |
|---|---|
| Compliance Manager | Vet broker licenses before onboarding |
| Procurement Team | Benchmark brokerage fees by trade lane |
| Logistics Director | Identify brokers with FTZ capabilities near distribution centers |
| Trade Compliance Officer | Find C-TPAT certified partners to maintain Tier 3 status |