Simply Trade

Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Lila Landis, Global Training Center instructor
Published: November 11, 2026
Length: ~19 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
You worked hard all year. But when your performance review arrives, can you explain what improved because of your work—not just how many screenings or shipments you handled?

In Episode 6 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Global Training Center instructor Lila Landis for a practical conversation about closing out 2026 and preparing a stronger trade compliance plan for 2027. Drawing on habits she uses in her own leadership role, Lila explains why a running list of accomplishments should capture major improvements, customer impact, and meaningful feedback rather than routine task counts.

The conversation connects that record of progress to a bigger question: what resources will your team need next year? Lila discusses reviewing software coverage, planning training and certifications, budgeting for conferences and audit travel, and building a budget even when compliance does not have its own cost center.

She also encourages listeners to revisit unfinished projects and draft next year’s objectives before a manager asks for them.

This week’s tip is about making your work visible and your plans actionable. Start with what you accomplished, identify what still needs attention, and prepare to explain both the priorities and the resources behind your next year of compliance work.

Main Topic / Discussion
Close out the year with evidence of progress—and enter the next one with a plan.

Lila divides her preparation into two parts. First, she reviews what she and her team accomplished, collects meaningful feedback, and compares progress against the initiatives she committed to earlier in the year. She distinguishes projects awaiting someone else’s approval from work she can still move forward herself.

Second, she prepares for the coming year by reviewing resource needs and developing annual objectives. That includes software capabilities, training, certifications, conferences, and travel for audits. She explains why an on-site visit can reveal things a virtual audit cannot, while also strengthening relationships with the business.

The conversation also explores leadership transparency. Lila describes sharing her own accomplishments and performance reviews with direct reports to help them understand expectations and how their work connects to the team’s goals.

Key Takeaways
• Report accomplishments, not just activity. Lila distinguishes the number of parties screened from improvements to the screening program itself. Focus on what changed, how you responded to business needs, and why the improvement matters.

• Review your commitments before the year ends. Compare progress with the projects you planned to complete. Identify outstanding approvals, unfinished work, and opportunities to move a priority forward before January.

• Build a budget—even without a separate compliance cost center. Lila recommends planning for software, training, certifications, conferences, and audit travel. Connect those requests to the work your team needs to accomplish.

• Draft your 2027 objectives before someone asks. Consider unfinished priorities, changes in the business, and development needs. Encourage your team members to prepare their accomplishments and goals, too.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Lila Landis — LinkedIn

• Lila Landis — Global Training Center Instructor Profile globaltrainingcenter.com

• Global Training Center — Hybrid Courses, Including Export and ITAR Compliance Training globaltrainingcenter.com

• ICPA — Conferences, Webinars & Events ICPA

• ICPA — Trade Certifications ICPA

• NCBFAA Educational Institute — Education & Training NCBFAA

• Women in Sanctions Network American Conference Institute

Follow Simply Trade for updates on companion resources and the planned 90 Days Until 2027 playbook.

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Lila Landis - LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com

Host: Lori Mullins & Karen Damon
Published: November 9, 2026
Length: Approximately 14 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Is your customs broker license ready for 2027? With new continuing education requirements approaching and CBP enforcement initiatives continuing to evolve, staying informed has never been more important.

In the November edition of the NCBFAA President's Update, presented in partnership with Simply Trade and Global Training Center, Lori Mullins sits down with NCBFAA President Karen Damon to discuss the latest developments affecting customs brokers, freight forwarders, importers, and trade compliance professionals.

Karen shares how NCBFAA is engaging with government agencies on Executive Order 14411 and proposed supply-chain security and visibility requirements. She also provides an update on CAPE refund processing, including important developments involving entries covered by protests.

The conversation then turns to an approaching deadline: the 2027 Licensed Customs Broker Triennial Report. Karen explains the 20-hour continuing education requirement, the importance of accredited education credits, and the documentation brokers need to retain.

Lori and Karen also preview the 2027 NCBFAA Annual Conference in Orlando and discuss the association's ongoing advocacy, education, and member support.

For trade professionals navigating a changing regulatory environment, this episode delivers timely reminders and practical insights to help prepare for what's next.

Main Topic / Discussion
Executive Order 14411 and Supply-Chain Visibility
NCBFAA continues to engage with government officials regarding implementation of Executive Order 14411 and its implications for customs enforcement.

Karen discusses the association's work on comments responding to CBP's advance notice of proposed rulemaking concerning supply-chain security and visibility.

Importers are encouraged to review the proposed requirements and consider how additional supply-chain responsibilities could affect their operations.

CAPE Refunds and Protest Processing
CAPE processing remains an important issue for importers seeking refunds of AIPA duties.

Karen highlights developments involving CAPE Phase Three, including the processing of refunds on entries covered by protests, even when those protests have not been withdrawn or involve additional issues.

NCBFAA continues to monitor court developments and communicate updates to its membership.

NCBFAA Advocacy and Member Involvement
NCBFAA's volunteer committees monitor legislative proposals, regulatory notices, government actions, and economic developments affecting international trade.

The association works to represent customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, OTIs, and other members through education and advocacy.

Karen encourages members to become involved through local associations and national events.

The 2027 Customs Broker Triennial Deadline
Licensed customs brokers must prepare for the upcoming triennial reporting cycle and the associated continuing education certification.

Karen highlights the 20-hour continuing education requirement, approved accreditation, recordkeeping obligations, and the importance of being prepared for possible CBP audits.

The transcript identifies December 14, 2026, as the opening of the filing window, with triennial reports due in January 2027.

2027 NCBFAA Annual Conference
Registration is open for the NCBFAA Annual Conference, scheduled for April 11–14, 2027, in Orlando, Florida.

The event brings together customs brokers, freight forwarders, regulatory representatives, and industry experts for education, networking, and discussions about emerging trade challenges.

Key Takeaways
• NCBFAA is actively engaging with government agencies regarding Executive Order 14411 and proposed supply-chain visibility requirements.

• CAPE Phase Three developments affect refund processing for certain entries covered by protests.

• Licensed customs brokers should prepare for the 2027 triennial reporting cycle and ensure they have completed the required 20 hours of accredited continuing education.

• Continuing education records and accreditation documentation must be retained to support certifications and potential CBP audits.

• NCBFAA committees and volunteers help members stay informed about regulatory, legislative, and enforcement developments.

• The 2027 NCBFAA Annual Conference takes place April 11–14 in Orlando, Florida.

• Industry involvement, education, and professional collaboration remain essential as trade enforcement and regulatory requirements evolve.

Resources & Mentions
• National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)

• NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI)

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• Federal Register

Credits
Host:

Lori Mullins

Karen Damon

Guest(s):

N/A

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

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🎧 Listen on:

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💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade

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• Trade Geeks Community

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Host: Cindy Allen
Guest(s): N/A
Published: November 6, 2026
Length: ~28 min.
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Could a company with U.S. operations still face foreign importer of record requirements—and what would that mean for its customs broker? In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” to explore the risks hiding behind familiar client relationships.

Cindy examines the interim final rule on heightened requirements for foreign importers of record, focusing on the questions it raises about U.S. importer status, beneficial ownership, documentation, and CTPAT participation. She discusses why publicly traded companies, foreign-owned manufacturers, and customs brokers need to look closely at how the requirements apply to their businesses. She also considers the potential impact on express shipments and the responsibilities a broker takes on when serving as importer of record.

Before the main discussion, Cindy shares her post-election tariff outlook and updates on demurrage and detention, ACE client support, USMCA negotiations, and customs enforcement.

Her central message: understand your data, respond to CBP, and provide practical feedback. For importers and brokers navigating an uncertain compliance environment, this conversation offers important questions to ask before a client’s trouble becomes your own.

This Week in Trade
• Tariffs after the midterms: Cindy shares her outlook on congressional oversight, possible targeted changes, and why she does not expect a sweeping tariff repeal.

• FMC and ACE developments: Cindy highlights a demurrage and detention symposium and a test program intended to improve connections between the trade community and ACE client representatives.

• USMCA negotiations: Cindy discusses Canada’s negotiating stance and what it could mean for conversations with the United States.

• CBP enforcement: Cindy cites reported increases of 77.5% in overall enforcement and 124% in Form 29 notices, emphasizing the importance of understanding import data and responding to customs inquiries.

Main Topic / Discussion
The main discussion centers on how heightened foreign importer of record requirements could reshape client verification and risk management for customs brokers. Cindy examines the ownership and real-property criteria used to distinguish U.S. and foreign importers, the documentation brokers would need to review, and CTPAT’s role in the entry process.

She raises practical questions about proving beneficial ownership for publicly traded companies, evaluating foreign-owned businesses with substantial U.S. operations, and handling powers of attorney when a broker acts as importer of record. She also considers whether increased demand for eligible brokers could create capacity challenges.

For Cindy, the issue extends beyond paperwork: who can produce the required information, who can verify it, what will it cost, and who carries the liability? She urges businesses to give CBP concrete examples and realistic cost estimates, either directly or through their trade associations.

Key Takeaways
• Revisit importer status. Cindy cautions against assuming that U.S. incorporation or a domestic address alone resolves the question of whether a company qualifies as a U.S. importer of record.

• Make client verification a risk decision. Ownership records, supporting documentation, CTPAT status, and potential importer-of-record responsibilities belong in the onboarding conversation.

• Know your data and engage with CBP. Cindy emphasizes responding to Forms 28 and 29 and seeking clarification when an action appears inconsistent with your records.

• Make regulatory feedback specific. Use business examples, supporting facts, and realistic cost estimates to explain implementation challenges—not simply that compliance will be difficult.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Heightened Requirements for Foreign Importers of Record — Official Federal Register Rule GovInfo

• Kelley Drye — Monitoring CBP’s Implementation of EO 14411 Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

• Episode inspiration: “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift, from Red.

Credits
Host:
Cindy Allen

Guest(s):
N/A

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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

🎧 Listen on:
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• Spotify
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💬 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
Andy Shiles

Guest(s): Justin Dillon
Published: November 4, 2028
Length: Approximately 41 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Could your company be connected to forced labor without knowing it? In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome Justin Dillon, founder of FRDM, for a conversation about the people behind the products—and the responsibilities that come with buying, sourcing, and importing them.

Justin explains how forced labor concerns have moved from corporate philanthropy into sourcing, trade compliance, and business operations. Together, they explore what importers should consider before selecting suppliers, why procurement and compliance teams need to work together, and how supply chain visibility can help companies ask better questions before goods reach the border.

The discussion also goes beyond policies and paperwork. Justin shares the experiences behind his documentary work and advocacy, discusses FRDM’s relationship with WiseTech Global, and points listeners toward organizations supporting people affected by exploitation.

At the center of the episode is a compelling idea: meaningful change does not have to depend on a special campaign or a charitable budget. It can begin with everyday purchasing decisions. For trade professionals and business leaders, this conversation offers a reason to look more closely at where products come from—and what responsible sourcing should look like in practice.

Main Topic / Discussion
Responsible sourcing starts before supplier selection
Justin traces the shift from corporate social responsibility initiatives to supply chain due diligence and import enforcement. The discussion emphasizes early supplier vetting and collaboration among purchasing, trade compliance, legal, operations, and leadership—not waiting until a shipment encounters problems at the border.

Awareness, exploitation, and meaningful action
Justin shares the context behind the rescue footage discussed in the episode and explains why recognizing exploitation is not always straightforward. Rather than encouraging listeners to conduct their own investigations, the conversation focuses on transparency, established reporting channels, and supporting local organizations already doing the work.

Making human rights part of everyday business
Justin challenges reliance on supplier questionnaires and one-time audits, advocating instead for data- and AI-driven supply chain mapping followed by deeper supplier participation. He also discusses FRDM and WiseTech Global, the influence of procurement spending, and his goal of making human rights a routine business consideration rather than an occasional campaign.

Key Takeaways
• Start before onboarding. Evaluate supply chain risks before committing to suppliers, when changing direction is less disruptive.

• Bring the right teams together. Responsible sourcing requires coordination across procurement, compliance, legal, operations, and executive leadership.

• Look beyond the first supplier relationship. Justin advocates mapping supply chains and asking suppliers to extend that visibility through their own networks.

• Put purchasing power to work. Align supplier expectations with company values, while supporting established organizations and reporting channels when concerns arise.

Resources & Mentions
Guest, organizations, and technology
• Global Training Center — Presenter of Simply Trade and trade compliance education resources.

• Justin Dillon on LinkedIn — Connect with this episode’s guest.

• FRDM — The supply chain risk, mapping, and compliance technology discussed by Justin. frdm.ai

• WiseTech Global — The company discussed in connection with FRDM’s expansion.

• WiseTech Global’s FRDM acquisition announcement — Official background on the transaction discussed in the interview. wisetechglobal.com

• Made in a Free World — The nonprofit Justin recommends for supporting projects that help rescue and care for people affected by slavery and exploitation. madeinafreeworld.com

Documentary and additional videos
• Call & Response — Full Documentary — The full documentary link supplied for this episode. YouTube

• FRDM YouTube Channel — Additional videos from FRDM.

• Justin Dillon on CNN’s Quest Means Business — The additional interview supplied for this episode. YouTube

Help and reporting
• National Human Trafficking Hotline — In the United States, call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BEFREE) for assistance or to report a potential trafficking situation. For immediate danger, call 911. National Human Trafficking Hotline

Official background on the laws and enforcement topics discussed
These links provide additional reference material; not every resource below was named individually during the conversation.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Forced Labor — Official starting point for forced-labor enforcement information and importer resources. GovDelivery

• CBP — Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Overview — Background on the UFLPA and its import restrictions. CBP Help

• European Commission — Forced Labour Regulation — Official information on the EU framework. The product prohibition applies from December 14, 2027. single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu

• UK Government — Transparency in Supply Chains: A Practical Guide — Modern slavery reporting and supply chain transparency guidance for businesses. GOV.UK

• Australian Government — Modern Slavery Act — Official background on Australia’s modern slavery reporting framework. Attorney-General's Department

• Public Safety Canada — Forced Labour in Canadian Supply Chains — Guidance and reporting resources under Canada’s Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada

• Canada Border Services Agency — Goods Manufactured or Produced by Prison or Forced Labour — Background on Canada’s import prohibition. Canada Border Services Agency

• Mexico’s STPS — Forced Labor Import Restrictions — Official information on Mexico’s mechanism for investigating and restricting imports produced with forced labor. Resource in Spanish. Trabajo Forzoso

Additional practical reporting resource
• CBP Forced Labor Allegation Portal — An additional resource, not named in the episode, for submitting allegations involving forced labor in imported goods. GovDelivery

Other organizations mentioned in passing
These organizations came up during the discussion of corporate volunteering, philanthropy, and business models; they were not presented as trafficking-response resources.

• Habitat for Humanity — Referenced by Andy as an example of organized corporate volunteering.

• Anthropic — Mentioned briefly by Justin during the discussion of philanthropy and business models.

The individual local organizations described in India and Ghana were not identified by name in the transcript.

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano
Andy Shiles

Guest(s):
Justin Dillon - 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:
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💬 Connect with us:
• Simply Trade
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Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Miriam Name, Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN)
Published: November 3, 2027
Length: ~16 min
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Your Mexican customer asks for a purchase agreement—even though you have been doing business for years using purchase orders and invoices. Why the extra paperwork?

In Episode 5 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes back Miriam Name to explore how U.S. exporters can support their Mexican customers’ compliance efforts. After a lighthearted Día de los Muertos opening, the conversation turns to a serious question: can the importer document what happened throughout the transaction and support the value declared?

Miriam discusses purchase-agreement requests that are catching some U.S. sellers off guard, the commercial details those agreements should address, and the complications that rebates and deductions can create. Lalo also asks how the documentation changes when the relationship involves manufacturing services or a sale between related companies.

The goal is not to turn every request into a renegotiation of an established business relationship. Miriam offers a practical approach for connecting existing purchase orders, commercial documents, and terms through a master agreement.

This week’s tip puts cooperation first. Before treating a request as unnecessary paperwork, understand what your Mexican counterpart needs to support—and how your team can help keep the relationship moving forward.

Main Topic / Discussion
Supporting Mexican customs valuation starts with understanding the transaction—not just sending the invoice.

Miriam frames the discussion around traceability and materiality: documentation showing that a transaction occurred, how it was carried out, and why the declared value is supportable. That includes evidence of the commercial relationship, delivery, transportation, and payment responsibilities.

She describes requests for purchase agreements identifying the parties, tax identification, company addresses, the applicable Incoterm, delivery arrangements, and who pays for transportation. The conversation also explores how rebates, deductions, and year-end adjustments can complicate the connection between commercial pricing and Mexican import declarations.

The appropriate documentation depends on the arrangement. Miriam distinguishes sales transactions from pure maquila arrangements supported by a maquila services agreement. She also discusses related-party sales and the role of transfer-pricing analysis in supporting value.

Her closing recommendation is to cooperate with the importer on a master agreement that references existing purchase orders, commercial documents, and terms—rather than assuming the request requires starting every negotiation over.

Key Takeaways
• Do not dismiss the agreement request. Miriam urges U.S. exporters to take Mexican customers’ documentation requests seriously, even when the relationship has operated through purchase orders and invoices for years.

• Make the commercial details clear. The information Miriam identifies includes company names and addresses, tax identification, the applicable Incoterm, delivery terms, and responsibility for transportation costs.

• Pay attention to rebates and deductions. Miriam explains that these arrangements can complicate support for customs value. She also discusses the potential need to adjust Mexican import declarations, or pedimentos, when the value changes.

• Match the agreement to the relationship. Sales, pure maquila arrangements, and related-party transactions raise different documentation questions. Miriam discusses master agreements, maquila services agreements, and transfer-pricing support—not one document that automatically fits every situation.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center

• Miriam Name — LinkedIn

• Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN)

• IMMEX Blog Post

 

 

Follow Simply Trade for updates on companion resources and the 90 Days Until 2027 playbook.

This episode provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Confirm the documentation and valuation requirements applicable to your specific transaction.

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s):
Miriam Name - 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