It is vital that fresh imported fruit is managed through a streamlined process to minimize delays and complications, and to keep the produce at the peak of freshness. This is what Customized Brokers, headquartered in Miami, does every day, 24 hours a day, year-round.

Nelly Yunta, vice president, said that in the brokerage services arena, a streamlined process is one that is fast, effective and eliminates unnecessary steps to ensure that cargo is released as quickly as possible.

Currently, Chilean stone fruits, such as peaches, are at their peak, according to Yunta. Apples were just starting in mid-March and the blueberry season was drawing to a close. Customized Brokers were still clearing grapes in mid-March.

“Because of the opportunities available in the U.S., we are seeing an increase in apple imports,” Yunta noted. “We also saw an increase in blueberries this year, but it may have been a result of a strong growing season.”

Customized Brokers connects the customer directly to U.S. Customs & Border Protection via robust technology systems that provide visibility and transparency into the process, the entries and all documentation, Yunta said.

“These systems provide improved communications, faster processing and prompt releases,” she said, adding that one of the primary advantages Customized Brokers offers customers is the excellent reputation and relationships the company has with government agencies.

“These are key to smoothly facilitating the processing of shipments and in staying apprised of the ever-changing regulations,” Yunta said. “We take pride in being able to guide our customers through the importation process as a result of these relationships.”

Customized Brokers’ parent company, Crowley Maritime Corp., provides a full logistics solution for its customers, including land and ocean shipments, giving the company’s customers an added benefit. And Yunta noted that brokerage staff members must be knowledgeable in all government regulations related to the importation of perishables.

“This may include understanding the documentation required, the duties that may need to be fulfilled and having in-depth knowledge of the logistics supply chain,” she added. “Shippers and exporters should know that they can count on Customized Brokers to understand the full process of shipping perishables into the U.S. We are happy to guide even the most novice shipper or exporter on how to get started in an importation.”

Yunta recommends that suppliers be in full compliance with Food & Drug Administration regulations regarding importing fresh produce, that they follow safety standards, that they are reputable and reliable and to check if there are any restrictions, such as import alerts, assigned.

“As a service, Customized Brokers can assist shippers and exporters do this because of our diligence to help ensure the supplier will be a good partner,” said Yunta. “Customized Brokers is the vital link that coordinates between the carrier and fumigator to complete the procedures. And we can complete filings at any airport or port in the U.S.”