Simply Trade

Host: Lalo Solorzano and Ashley Arnold
Published: July 21, 2026
Length: Approximately 12 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Accurate product classification is the foundation of a strong import compliance program—and one incorrect classification can create problems far beyond the duty rate. In week three of this tips series, Lalo Solorzano and guest host Ashley Arnold explore the practical steps importers can take to build a more accurate, consistent, and defensible classification process.

Drawing on her experience classifying products ranging from apparel to machine components, Ashley explains why importers should never rely solely on a supplier’s suggested tariff number. Suppliers may understand their products, but the importer remains responsible for determining the correct U.S. classification based on complete product specifications, materials, construction, and intended use.

The conversation also covers the value of CBP rulings, written classification rationales, product catalog management, version tracking, and regular audits. Lalo and Ashley discuss why similar-looking products may require different classifications, how small design or material changes can affect an HTS number, and where technology can support—but not replace—professional judgment.

The central takeaway is simple: every classification decision should tell a clear story that can still be understood and defended months or years later.

Main Topic / Discussion
Lalo and Ashley discuss how importers can create a reliable classification program by collecting complete product information, researching relevant rulings, documenting the reasoning behind each decision, and reviewing classifications whenever a product changes.

They also explain why classification affects more than ordinary customs duties. An incorrect HTS number can influence trade-remedy tariffs, free trade agreement analysis, entry audits, and an importer’s overall compliance exposure. Technology can help organize large product catalogs and maintain classification histories, but importers must still apply informed judgment and maintain supporting documentation.

Key Takeaways
• Importers are responsible for the accuracy of their U.S. classifications and should not automatically accept tariff numbers supplied by overseas manufacturers.

• Collect complete product details—including specifications, bills of materials, construction, composition, and intended use—before assigning an HTS number.

• Use relevant CBP rulings and other classification research to support decisions, while recognizing that similar products may not be identical enough to receive the same classification.

• Document the rationale, supporting sources, review history, and product changes so every classification can be clearly explained during a future audit.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• CBP Customs Rulings Online Search System — CROSS

• Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

Credits
Host:

Lalo Solorzano

Ashley Arnold

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

🎧 Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• YouTube

💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade

• Global Training Center

• Trade Geeks Community

Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

Host: Andy Shiles and Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Margo Waldie and Javier Vera
Published: July 16, 2026
Length: 35 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Warehousing is far more than a place to store products. It is a critical link in the supply chain that can either accelerate customer delivery or create costly bottlenecks.

In this lively episode of Simply Trade, Andy Shiles and Lalo Solorzano welcome Margo and Javier Vera for a wide-ranging conversation about warehouse operations, technology, employee empowerment, contingency planning, and the value of strong industry relationships.

The group explores what businesses should prioritize as trade policies, tariffs, customer expectations, and supply chain uncertainty continue to evolve. From predictive analytics and equipment readiness to security, sanitation, and faster order cycle times, the discussion highlights the operational decisions that can directly affect customer satisfaction.

The guests also explain the mission behind the Cool Kids networking community and why making industry events more welcoming matters—especially for young professionals and people attending their first conference. They share upcoming opportunities to connect at major intermodal, maritime, breakbulk, and supply chain events.

Along the way, the conversation delivers practical lessons, memorable stories, and plenty of humor about building relationships, mentoring the next generation, and finding your place within the trade and logistics community.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode examines how warehouse operators can manage uncertainty while meeting growing customer expectations for faster delivery, better visibility, lower costs, and greater flexibility.

The conversation also explores how professional associations, conferences, mentoring, and inclusive networking communities can help supply chain professionals strengthen their knowledge and build valuable industry relationships.

Building Stronger Warehouse Operations
Successful warehouse operations require more than additional space. Companies must invest in technology, employees, equipment, partnerships, security, and contingency planning.

The guests discuss the importance of predictive analytics, reliable material-handling equipment, backup operating procedures, efficient pick-and-pack processes, and empowering frontline employees to solve operational challenges.

Creating More Inclusive Industry Networks
Javier and Margo explain that the Cool Kids community was created to make networking more accessible—not more exclusive. Its mission is to welcome newcomers, connect professionals with shared values, and help emerging supply chain talent build confidence and meaningful relationships.

Making Conferences More Valuable
The episode highlights networking opportunities connected with IANA, Breakbulk, the Virginia Maritime Association, and TPM. The guests encourage attendees to step outside their comfort zones, introduce themselves, and use conferences to build relationships across the trade, logistics, maritime, and warehousing sectors.

Key Takeaways
• Invest in technology, people, equipment, and partnerships rather than relying on a single operational solution.
• Faster warehouse cycle times can improve customer satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of returns.
• Predictive analytics should empower employees and improve decision-making—not simply replace people.
• Contingency planning helps warehouses continue operating when equipment, internet access, or other critical systems fail.
• Frontline employees often understand operational problems best and should be empowered to recommend improvements.
• Safety, security, and sanitation are essential parts of a high-performing warehouse operation.
• Conferences and professional associations can help newcomers find mentors, build confidence, and expand their networks.
• Strong relationships across trade, logistics, maritime, and supply chain communities create opportunities for collaboration.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Cool Kids supply chain networking community
• Intermodal Association of North America
• Breakbulk
• Virginia Maritime Association
• TPM27
• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Trade Geeks Community

Credits
Host:
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Margo Waldie – LinkedIn
Javier Vera – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

🎧 Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Ashley Arnold
Published: July 14, 2026
Length: 14:26
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
In this second July Tips episode, host Lalo Solorzano welcomes back Ashley Arnold for a timely conversation about CTPAT and why companies should not let their security programs sit untouched on a shelf.

Ashley explains that CTPAT is becoming increasingly relevant again, especially in today’s enforcement-focused trade environment. While many companies may already have a program in place, the real question is whether the procedures written in the manual are actually being followed on the warehouse floor, at the front desk, by security teams, and across the full supply chain.

The conversation highlights the importance of reviewing and strengthening CTPAT programs, documenting actions, training personnel, and making sure employees understand the “why” behind security requirements. Lalo and Ashley also discuss how CTPAT connects to broader business functions such as logistics, procurement, finance, HR, IT, and cybersecurity.

This episode is a practical reminder that CTPAT is not a one-time validation exercise. It is an ongoing partnership and a culture of security that requires attention, participation, and continuous improvement.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on CTPAT and the importance of keeping security programs active, current, and understood throughout the organization.

Ashley Arnold explains that companies should review whether their CTPAT manuals reflect what is actually happening in day-to-day operations. Lalo and Ashley discuss how training, audit trails, warehouse-level awareness, cybersecurity reviews, and cross-functional participation all support a stronger security profile.

They also emphasize that CTPAT can provide real operational benefits, including stronger relationships with Customs, possible reduced exam risk, smoother cargo movement, and greater internal awareness of supply chain security responsibilities.

Key Takeaways
• CTPAT programs should be reviewed, updated, and actively used, not simply stored away for annual review.
• Companies should make sure their written CTPAT procedures match what employees are actually doing.
• Training matters because employees are more likely to follow security procedures when they understand the reason behind them.
• CTPAT should involve multiple departments, including warehouse operations, HR, IT, logistics, procurement, finance, and trade compliance.
• Cybersecurity is an important part of the broader supply chain security conversation.
• The goal of CTPAT is not just passing validation once; it is building and maintaining a culture of security.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center - CTPAT Live Training
• Global Training Center - CTPAT On-Demand Training

 

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Ashley Arnold – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

🎧 Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Brianna Solorzano and Aaron Escobar
Published: July 13, 2026
Length: ~28 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Technology is changing international trade, but the best tools do more than automate tasks—they solve real problems for the people doing the work.

In this tech-focused episode of the Simply Trade Podcast, host Lalo Solorzano introduces GTC Labs, Global Training Center’s incubator for developing practical technology solutions for the international trade community. Drawing on more than 35 years of training experience and direct feedback from trade professionals, the team is exploring where existing software falls short and how focused tools can help.

Software engineers Brianna Solorzano and Aaron Escobar join the conversation to discuss two early GTC Labs initiatives. The first is RAIZ, a cloud-based USMCA platform designed to support supplier solicitations, product qualification, certificate fulfillment, and audit documentation. The second explores AI agents that can monitor trade developments, process information from official sources, and deliver more relevant insights to trade professionals.

The conversation also addresses an important concern: technology should support people, not simply replace them. From deterministic qualification logic to thoughtfully applied AI, the episode offers a practical look at building technology around real trade workflows.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode introduces GTC Labs and its mission to create practical, accessible technology for international trade professionals.

The discussion focuses on RAIZ, a USMCA management platform being developed to simplify supplier documentation, product qualification, certificate generation, and audit readiness. The team also explores how AI agents could help trade professionals monitor official announcements, identify relevant developments, summarize lengthy documents, and improve situational awareness.

A central theme throughout the episode is responsible technology design. The team explains that AI is not appropriate for every task. For example, RAIZ uses programmed human logic—not AI—to determine USMCA qualification results, while future AI features may help users better understand their data and qualification outcomes.

Building RAIZ Around Real USMCA Workflows
RAIZ was designed around four recurring challenges identified through Global Training Center’s work with trade professionals:

• Soliciting supporting documentation from suppliers
• Applying product-specific rules and qualification requirements
• Fulfilling certificate of origin requests from customers
• Maintaining a complete and defensible audit trail

Using AI as a Trade Professional’s Sidekick
The GTC Labs team is also developing agent-based workflows that could:

• Monitor official trade sources and industry developments
• Process lengthy announcements, articles, and regulatory documents
• Filter information according to a company’s industry and priorities
• Produce targeted briefings, insights, and meeting talking points

Key Takeaways
• Technology should be designed around real trade workflows rather than trying to solve every problem with one platform.
• RAIZ brings supplier solicitation, USMCA qualification, certificate fulfillment, and audit support into one connected system.
• Automation can give trade professionals more time for analysis, education, risk management, and higher-value work.
• AI should be applied selectively; RAIZ uses programmed human logic for qualification decisions instead of relying on AI.
• Trade-focused AI agents could help professionals monitor official sources and understand how new developments affect their businesses.
• Training and technology are most effective when they work together inside the user’s day-to-day process.

Resources & Mentions
• RAIZ: Simplify USMCA Qualification Without the Guesswork
• Global Training Center USMCA Training
• Office of the United States Trade Representative
• Bureau of Industry and Security
• Obsidian

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Brianna Solorzano
Aaron Escobar

Producer:
Mara Marquez

📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

🎧 Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
• Global Training Center
• Trade Geeks Community

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

Host: Lalo Solorzano
Published: July 10, 2026
Length: ~12 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
This week, Lalo Solorzano steps in behind the microphone while Cindy Allen enjoys a well-earned vacation—and instead of Taylor Swift, he's drawing inspiration from Metallica's "Sad But True."

The title fits. Across CBP, the Department of Commerce, and the FTC, one message is becoming increasingly clear: trade compliance is becoming more data-driven, more electronic, and more demanding. From modernization initiatives and export controls to de minimis implementation and "Made in USA" enforcement, organizations are being expected to prove more, document more, and know more about every transaction.

Rather than focusing on a single headline, this episode connects the dots between several regulatory developments to highlight a broader trend shaping the future of international trade.

This Week in Trade

CBP continues modernizing trade processes through expanded electronic filing initiatives, including e-bonds, export manifests, and vessel entry modernization.

Rulemaking continues following the end of de minimis treatment, with new electronic filing requirements for informal entries and international mail shipments.

CBP is evaluating additional importer identity verification requirements for customs brokers.

The Department of Commerce continues advancing work on Section 232 actions, AD/CVD proceedings, and export control regulations.

The FTC issued warning letters to companies regarding potentially improper "Made in USA" claims.

Main Topic
Although this week's news covers multiple agencies and regulatory actions, the underlying story is much larger than any one announcement.

Lalo explains how CBP, Commerce, and the FTC are all moving toward the same objective: greater visibility into international trade through better data, stronger documentation, and increased accountability.

Whether companies are filing customs entries, managing exports, making country-of-origin claims, or relying on e-commerce fulfillment models, compliance is becoming less about reacting to problems and more about demonstrating that internal controls, documentation, and processes are already in place.

As Lalo puts it throughout the episode—"Sad but true."

Key Takeaways

Electronic filing and automation continue replacing paper-based trade processes.

The post–de minimis environment requires greater attention to entry data and importer responsibilities.

Companies should routinely evaluate potential AD/CVD exposure rather than relying solely on tariff classifications.

Export compliance continues expanding into advanced technologies, software, AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology.

"Made in USA" claims should be treated as compliance statements—not marketing slogans.

Strong documentation and cross-functional collaboration are becoming competitive advantages.

Resources & Mentions

Global Training Center

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Department of Commerce

Federal Trade Commission

Credits
Host

Connect with Lalo on LinkedIn

Producer

Global Training Center

📢 Subscribe & Follow
Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter.

🎧 Listen on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

💬 Connect with us

Simply Trade on LinkedIn

Trade Geeks Community