“We provide an expertise having to do with
governmental regulations that an importer
or an exporter is confronted with,” De La
Torre said. “That includes compliance
issues and requirements of our government.
An importer and an exporter and a customs
house broker, which we are, is required to
operate under certain rules and regulations
outlined by U.S. Customs and Homeland
Security.”
Another Alliance asset is institutional
experience in providing applications that
allow importers to function in unique entry
situations – whether it be temporary status,
products for consumption in the U.S. or
products brought into foreign trade zones
within the U.S. – and the knowledge to
know what options are the most efficient
ones given a particular client’s individual
situation.
Needless to say, it’s an overall function that
got a bitmore complex after Sept. 11, 2001.
For example, an Importer Security Filing is
now required by Homeland Security 48
hours before a vessel is loaded that’s bound
for theUnitedStates, and certaindata has to
be provided electronically to U.S. Customs
at least 48hours aswell.
The advent of automated technology to
accomplish many clerical tasks allows
Alliance staff members to focus on those
and other higher-end operational matters,
and De La Torre said the staff-wide average
is at least 10 years’ experience per person in
transportation, logistics and compliance.
The know-how is both an everyday asset on
the inside, and a selling point on the outside.
“I can’t say it’s unique, but I can say that not
many organizations in our industry can
make the same statement,” De La Torre said.
“Our whole staff make-up is really one of
experience. Today, systems are on the
priority l ist ; companies are looking
atsystems management capabilities, as well
as a company who is astute in government
regulations andperformance.”
Seventy-nine percent of organizations with
superior supply chain capabilities achieve
revenue growth that is significantly above
average. Alliance’s pivotal role helps their
clients achieve this objective.
May 2014
| BusinessWorld | 79
