Import Compliance Manager with 35+ Years Experience

MARIA ETHEL CASTILLO

*** ********* *** * LAREDO, TX 78046 * 956-***-**** * *****.**********@*****.***

LCB #24172

Highly motivated and experienced Import Compliance Manager with skills in US Customs Law and other government agencies.

Qualifications:

.

Licensed US Custom Broker

Over 35 years of experience in the International and Logistics Trade field

Over 25 years of experience in Customs Brokerage Operations

Strong understanding of US Customs and related laws, regulation and requirements

Account managing skills

Intensive knowledge with FDA regulated products (food, medical and pharmaceutical products)

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Effective problem solver

Team player

Career Experience:

UBER FREIGHT 07/2024 – PRESENT

Compliance Manager – Proactively ensure Import Department meets the highest standards of operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Stay adherence to the Company’s policies and procedures.

TOC Logistics 10/2021 – 07/2024

Operations Import Manager – Managed, coached and trained the Laredo, Team.

Oversaw the daily operation. Attended Customer meetings and set up new customers.

Filed protests and petitions on behalf of the Importers.

Unimex 08/2020 / 10/2021

Operations Import Manager – Managed the Import Dept.

Managed the Import teams Laredo and Pharr TX. Audited 100% of entries. Researched new products being imported and all regulation related to the importation. Trained and coach team members. Maintained client files, POAs. CF5106, Custom Bonds, Free Trade Agreements.

Buckland Global Trade Serv. 10/2015 – 08/14/2019

North Bound Import Operations Manager – Managed NB Operations team. Carry out all aspects of the role in line with current BGTS standards, guidelines and processes, meeting training, regulatory, compliance and audit requirements. Identify any operational and regulatory risks. Support Sales and Business Development teams by preparing quotes, presentations, coordinating account set ups, documenting changes or updates, create and update operation procedure manuals. Prepare reports and presentations for Customers QBRs. Facilitate communication between internal and external customers. Coordinated MX Brokerage Services, Drayage, Warehouse Distributions and Logistics services. Prepare department’s KPIs and Metrics. Maintained employee schedules and personnel records. Responsible for the development, training and coaching of team members.

Caterpillar Inc. 02/2014 – 10/2015

Free Trade Agreement Dept. Supervisor – Managed the solicitation of 9 Free Trade Agreements. Review and validate that the information on the certificates is accurate and correct. Prepared and monitored KPI reports. Supervise daily dept. activities as well as trained new employees.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions 07/1996 – 05/2013

(Rudolph Miles & Sons)

Brokerage Supervisor / Import Account Manager - Prepared and gathered all initial documentation to set up customer. Prepared proposals, contracts, SOP’s, worked with customer to streamline individual company processes and procedures. Help to find solutions to improve their supply chain management. Assisted clients with any issues regarding US Customs Clearance, such as account set up, ACH set up, CF3461, CF7501, CF28, CF29, CF4647, Post Entry Amendments, CF520d NAFTA Claims, filed Petitions for Liquidated Damages as well as mitigation letters to lower any penalties or fines. Planned and organized meetings with US Customs as needed for our clients. Prepared reports and presentation for customers quarter reviews. Traveled to visit clients and manufacturing plants as needed. Conducted internal and external audits on all aspects of company, included but not limited to record keeping, compliance, infrastructure, health and safety. Managed and trained import team.

Border Logistics Inc. 03/1993 thru 08/1995

Traffic clerk – prepared all required documentation to clear shipments into MX.

Reviewed and requested invoices, certificates and any documents needed to clear MX Customs from suppliers. Advised clients on all permits required. Requested deposit of duties owed to MX Customs.

Carrel Forwarding Inc. 08/1989 thru 03/1992

Receiving Clerk/Accounts Payable – Received and revised all documents for shipments arriving to the warehouse. Opened traffic files and entered the information to the computer. Assist in coordinating shipments going into Mexico with Importers and operations departments. Prepared checks for different vendors, kept reports and assisted in establishing credit with different US Carriers. Prepare payroll checks for over 35 employees.

Education:

1989 Dr. Leo Cigarroa High School Graduate

1989-1992 LCC – Business Administration

Have successfully completed the following courses:

CUSTOMS BROKERAGE PREP EXAM COURSE 2006

TARIFF CLASSIFICATION 2003

HAZMAT CERTIFICATION 2002

SUPERVISORY TRAINING MODULE 1 LABOR AND COMPLIANCE – 2000

NAFTA BEYOND 2000 – 2000

LEADERSHIP SKILLS TRAINING COURSE- 2000 (San Antonio, TX)

HOW TO SUPERVISE PEOPLE SEMINAR – 1999 (San Antonio, TX)

Extensive research in different industries as needed in order to understand the customer needs. Industries included Automotive, Textile, Food Products, Cosmetics, Paints and chemical products.

Special Skill:

Bilingual – fluent in English and Spanish both oral and written

Over 25yrs. experience in International Trade Field

Strong Customer Service Skills

Strong Computer skills

Well trained in all office equipment and Software.

References:

Martha De Luna Ricardo Ramirez Nalda Berumen

3613 Davis 304 Potrero CT 3302 S Malinche

Laredo, TX 78041 Laredo, TX 78045 Laredo, TX 78046

Cell: 956-***-**** Cell: 512-***-**** Cell: 956-***-****

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