| Print this out, keep it in sight and let the check off | | | | 3. Gain Exposure: Become a member of an |
| begin... | | | | established trade association. There is a small handful |
| 1. Take Initiative: Apply for your C-TPAT | | | | of worthy associations for importers to consider as a |
| membership. Not only will your company receive | | | | valuable resource. The International Compliance |
| numerous benefits from a C-TPAT membership, but | | | | Professionals Association (ICPA) and the Association |
| it will increase the value of your relationship with U.S. | | | | of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) are two groups |
| Customs. If you are interested in learning more about | | | | TRG does recommend as invaluable resources for |
| applying, visit CBP's website. | | | | International Trade Professionals. Groups such as |
| 2. Connect with Experts: Set up educational alerts for | | | | these include members with the greatest of |
| yourself via social networking sites and online | | | | experience and understanding in trade compliance. |
| resources where information is continually updated. | | | | 4. Investigate: Complete a thorough review of your |
| *LinkedIn has various groups dedicated to | | | | import costs. To get started, find out what you are |
| International Trade. When you join a group, you have | | | | really paying for your brokerage services. |
| the ability to ask questions to the other experts in | | | | 5 Explore: The past 10 years have brought |
| your field and will receive excellent advice for free! | | | | technology to trade. Remote Location Filing has |
| Try it out. A few groups you might find worth joining | | | | brought Direct Filing capabilities, Automated |
| are Customs Specialists or Global Trade Compliance | | | | Commercial Environment has created Electronic |
| Professionals. | | | | payment opportunities, and Global Trade |
| *Blogs are another free wealth of information. If you | | | | Management systems have expanded abilities. |
| sign up for Google ReaderB you can subscribe to | | | | Explore each of these technologies and see which |
| multiple blogs and all of the posts will filter into one | | | | could affect your business practices in the most |
| easy-to-read website. | | | | positive way. |