Tom O’Leary is a name that surfaces in searches related to U.S. customs brokerage, reflecting importers’ interest in finding reputable, licensed customs brokers they can trust with their shipments. As of May 2026, understanding who operates in the customs brokerage space — and how to verify their credentials — is essential for any business importing goods into the United States.
Customs broker: A licensed professional authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under 19 USC § 1641 to act as an agent on behalf of importers, handling customs entries, tariff classification, duty payments, and regulatory compliance for goods entering the United States.
What We Know About Tom O’Leary in Customs Brokerage
Tom O’Leary is a name associated with customs brokerage services in the United States. Importers searching for “Tom O’Leary customs broker” are typically looking to verify his credentials, find contact information, or evaluate whether his services match their import needs.
In the U.S. customs brokerage industry, individual brokers hold personal licenses issued by CBP after passing the customs broker license examination — a test with a historical pass rate of roughly 3% to 15% depending on the exam cycle, according to CBP data. This license requirement exists under 19 CFR Part 111, which governs customs broker licensing, duties, and responsibilities.
The customs brokerage industry includes approximately 11,000 individually licensed brokers and broker firms across the United States. Some brokers operate independently, while others work within larger firms that may handle thousands of entries per year. Prominent brokers build their reputations through specialization — whether in specific commodities, trade lanes, or ports of entry.
When searching for a specific broker by name, the most reliable step is to verify their license status through official CBP records or through a verified directory that cross-references CBP licensing data. CustomsBrokerIndex.com indexes over 11,000 licensed customs brokers with CBP-sourced license verification, making it straightforward to search all CBP-licensed customs brokers by name, location, or specialty.
Why Finding the Right Customs Broker Matters to Importers
Whether you’re researching Tom O’Leary or any other customs broker, the underlying question is the same: can this broker handle my shipments accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with U.S. trade law?
The stakes are real. A single misclassification on an entry filing can trigger penalties ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per violation under 19 USC § 1592. Incorrect country-of-origin declarations can result in goods being detained or seized. And in 2025, CBP processed over 40 million formal customs entries — each one requiring accurate documentation, proper tariff classification using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and timely duty payment.
For importers, choosing the right customs broker affects:
- Cost: Brokers with commodity expertise can identify legitimate tariff classifications that minimize duties. Inexperienced brokers may overclassify — or worse, underclassify and expose you to penalties.
- Speed: A broker familiar with your port of entry and commodity type can clear goods faster, reducing demurrage and detention charges that often run $150–$300 per container per day.
- Compliance risk: Brokers handle Importer Security Filing (ISF), entry summaries, and interaction with Partner Government Agencies (FDA, USDA, EPA). A missed filing can result in holds, fines, or shipment rejection.
- Specialty knowledge: Importing pharmaceuticals is different from importing auto parts. The regulatory overlay varies dramatically by commodity. A broker specializing in your product type understands the nuances.
| Stakeholder | What’s at Stake | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| First-time importers | Choosing an unverified or unlicensed broker | High |
| E-commerce sellers (FBA, DTC) | Customs delays causing inventory stockouts | Medium |
| Manufacturers importing raw materials | Misclassification penalties on high-volume entries | High |
| Freight forwarders referring clients | Recommending a broker without verified credentials | Medium |
| Established importers switching brokers | Transition errors, power of attorney gaps | Low–Medium |
Affected Goods, Industries, and Trade Lanes
Importers across every industry rely on licensed customs brokers. Searching for a specific broker by name — like Tom O’Leary — often signals that the importer has a particular commodity or trade lane need. Here are the sectors where broker expertise matters most:
- Food and beverage: FDA prior notice requirements, FSMA compliance, and USDA inspections require brokers who understand agricultural hold procedures. Browse brokers by specialty including food and perishables.
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices: FDA registration, drug listing, and 21 CFR compliance create additional filing requirements beyond standard customs entry.
- Automotive and vehicle imports: DOT and EPA compliance, HS classification under Chapter 87, and safety standards testing add complexity. Vehicle customs brokers must coordinate with NHTSA.
- Electronics and technology: FCC testing, encryption export controls (EAR), and tariff engineering for components vs. assembled goods require technical classification expertise.
- Chemicals: TSCA compliance, EPA requirements, and hazardous materials documentation demand brokers with chemical import experience.
The trade lanes that generate the most broker demand include China (still the largest U.S. import partner by volume), Mexico (especially through land ports like Laredo and El Paso), the EU (through East Coast sea ports), and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, India — growing rapidly as sourcing diversifies).
Importers can browse by U.S. port of entry to find brokers with experience at specific ports, or browse brokers by state if they need a local partner for compliance.
What Importers Should Do Now
If you’re searching for Tom O’Leary or any customs broker by name, follow these steps to protect your business:
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Verify the license. Every customs broker operating in the U.S. must hold an active license from CBP. Check the broker’s license number against CBP’s official records or use a verified directory. CustomsBrokerIndex.com displays CBP-sourced license numbers on every broker listing.
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Confirm the broker’s specialty. Not all brokers handle all commodities. Ask specifically about experience with your product type, relevant Partner Government Agencies (FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC), and familiarity with the applicable HTS codes for your goods.
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Check port coverage. A broker licensed in one district may not have permits to operate at your port of entry. Under 19 CFR § 111.19, brokers can file nationally, but local knowledge of port procedures still matters. Confirm the broker has active operations at the ports your goods enter.
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Request references and entry volume data. Ask how many entries the broker files per month, what their error rate is on CBP targeting, and whether they have experience with your specific trade lane (China, Mexico, EU, etc.).
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Compare at least three brokers. Even if a specific broker comes highly recommended, compare pricing structures, communication standards, and technology platforms. Some brokers use automated classification tools and real-time ACE Portal integration; others rely on manual processes. You can search all CBP-licensed customs brokers to compare options side by side.
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Execute a proper Power of Attorney. Before any broker can act on your behalf, you must sign a customs Power of Attorney (POA). This is a legal document — review it carefully and ensure it covers only the activities you intend to authorize.
For context on how established brokerage firms operate and what to look for, see our profiles on firms like Davidson and Sons Customs Broker and Soo Hoo Customs Broker.
Background: How U.S. Customs Broker Licensing Works
The U.S. customs broker licensing system exists to protect importers and the federal government. Under 19 USC § 1641, only licensed individuals or entities may conduct customs business on behalf of others.
To earn a license, candidates must:
- Be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old (for individual licenses)
- Pass the CBP customs broker license examination, administered twice per year (April and October)
- Clear a background investigation and character review
- Submit a license application with the required fee
The exam covers tariff classification, entry procedures, valuation, trade agreements, bonding, drawback, penalties, and foreign trade zones. As noted by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), the exam is widely considered one of the most difficult professional licensing tests in the U.S., with pass rates historically between 3% and 15%.
Once licensed, brokers must maintain a customs bond (typically $50,000 for a broker’s bond), comply with continuing education and record-keeping requirements, and submit to CBP audits. The ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) Portal is the primary system through which brokers file entries, pay duties, and communicate with CBP electronically.
Importers who need broader logistics support beyond customs clearance — including warehousing and fulfillment — may also want to understand how 3PLs with customs clearance and warehousing fit into the supply chain. And for a look at the various government agencies brokers coordinate with during clearance, see our guide on 7 agencies with customs clearance in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom O’Leary in customs brokerage?
Tom O’Leary is a name associated with U.S. customs brokerage services. Licensed customs brokers like O’Leary hold a CBP-issued license under 19 USC § 1641 and help importers clear goods through U.S. ports of entry. You can verify any broker’s license status through CBP’s official records or at CustomsBrokerIndex.com.
Is Tom O’Leary a CBP-licensed customs broker?
All customs brokers operating in the United States must hold an active license issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You can verify any broker’s license status, including Tom O’Leary’s, through CBP.gov or through a verified directory that cross-references CBP licensing data.
What services does a customs broker like Tom O’Leary provide?
A customs broker handles customs entry filing, tariff classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, duty payment, ISF filing, regulatory compliance with Partner Government Agencies, and communication with CBP on behalf of importers. Many brokers specialize in specific industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, automotive, or electronics.
How do I find a verified customs broker if Tom O’Leary is not in my area?
You can search for CBP-licensed customs brokers by city, state, port of entry, or specialty at CustomsBrokerIndex.com. The directory indexes over 11,000 licensed brokers across all 50 states with verified license numbers sourced directly from CBP records.
Where can I verify a customs broker’s license with CBP?
Visit CBP.gov to access official licensing records. CBP maintains data on all individually licensed brokers and licensed broker firms under 19 CFR Part 111. CustomsBrokerIndex.com also provides verified license data for every listing, making it easy to confirm a broker’s credentials before signing a Power of Attorney.