About Ann C. Shipherd
Ann C. Shipherd is a dual-licensed customs broker and international trade attorney serving Tampa, Florida and the Gulf Coast region. With over 15 years of specialized experience, she provides a unique combination of legal counsel and practical customs brokerage services. Her practice focuses on regulatory compliance, customs defense, and strategic planning for importers navigating U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements. Ann is affiliated with Port Tampa Bay and serves clients requiring both legal representation and hands-on customs clearance expertise.
Ann C. Shipherd operates as a licensed customs broker in Tampa, FL, holding U.S. Customs filer code EAB. Unlike traditional customs brokers, Ann brings dual credentials as both a Licensed Customs Broker and International Trade Attorney, offering clients comprehensive support that spans operational customs clearance and legal defense.
With more than 15 years of experience in international trade law and customs operations, Ann serves importers throughout the Tampa Bay region and Gulf Coast corridor. Her location in Tampa positions her strategically for clients importing through Port Tampa Bay—a major gateway for energy products, phosphate, chemicals, and consumer goods from Latin America and the Caribbean. This geographic expertise makes her particularly valuable for companies managing imports through Florida's maritime ports.
Ann's practice extends beyond standard customs broker services. As an attorney, she provides legal counsel on customs audits, penalty mitigation, tariff classification disputes, and regulatory compliance matters that require licensed legal representation. This dual capability is especially critical for importers facing complex regulatory challenges, CBP investigations, or companies in highly regulated sectors like aerospace and defense, pharmaceuticals, and controlled substances.
Her professional affiliations include the Florida Bar Association, Port Tampa Bay, the International Sanctions Society, Women in International Trade, and the International Propeller Club. Ann also serves as Of Counsel to Hoeller Law Firm, providing specialized customs and trade law expertise. Her comprehensive understanding of both the legal framework governing U.S. imports and the operational realities of customs clearance allows her to architect compliance programs that protect supply chains while minimizing regulatory risk. For importers seeking a customs broker in the United States who can provide both day-to-day clearance support and sophisticated legal guidance, Ann offers a rare combination of credentials and practical experience.
Specialties
Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ann C. Shipherd different from other customs brokers in Tampa?
Ann is both a licensed customs broker and an international trade attorney, providing integrated legal counsel and operational customs clearance services. This dual expertise is particularly valuable for compliance audits, penalty defense, and complex regulatory matters.
Does Ann C. Shipherd handle imports through Port Tampa Bay?
Yes. Ann is affiliated with Port Tampa Bay and serves importers bringing goods through Tampa's port facilities, which specialize in energy products, chemicals, phosphate, and consumer goods from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Can Ann C. Shipherd represent my company in a customs audit or penalty case?
Yes. As a licensed attorney, Ann can provide legal representation before U.S. Customs and Border Protection, handle penalty proceedings, and represent clients in customs disputes requiring legal counsel beyond standard broker services.