About INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATES INC
International Associates Inc is a privately owned customs broker and international freight forwarder based in Barrington, Illinois, serving importers across the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond. With over 30 years of experience and more than 665 recorded bills of lading on file, this firm brings substantial hands-on knowledge to customs clearance and international shipping. Operating under CBP filer code 8NL, International Associates Inc handles customs entry preparation, ISF filings, and freight coordination for businesses that need a reliable, experienced partner to navigate U.S. import regulations. Their long track record makes them a trusted resource for companies importing goods through Chicago-area ports and beyond.
International Associates Inc has been a fixture in the customs brokerage and international freight forwarding industry for more than three decades. Based in Barrington, Illinois — a suburb northwest of Chicago — the company operates as a privately owned and independently operated firm, giving clients direct access to experienced professionals rather than a large, impersonal corporate structure.
For importers in the greater Chicago area seeking a customs broker with a proven history, International Associates Inc presents a compelling option. Chicago sits at the center of one of the most active inland freight networks in the United States, with connections to O'Hare International Airport, the Port of Chicago, and major rail corridors that bring cargo in from both coasts. A customs broker operating in this market must be adept at coordinating with multiple modes of transport and a wide variety of commodity types — and International Associates Inc's 665+ recorded import shipments demonstrate consistent, active engagement with CBP processes over many years.
As a licensed U.S. customs broker holding filer code 8NL, the company is authorized to file entries on behalf of importers directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This includes preparing commercial entry documentation, submitting Importer Security Filings (ISF) for ocean shipments, managing classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), and ensuring that import shipments comply with all applicable CBP regulations and partner government agency requirements.
Beyond customs clearance, International Associates Inc operates as a full-service international freight forwarder, meaning clients can consolidate their logistics needs — from origin cargo management through final delivery — with a single point of contact. This integrated approach is particularly valuable for small to mid-sized importers who benefit from working with a single, accountable partner rather than managing multiple vendors.
Importers searching for a customs broker near me in the Chicago region will find that International Associates Inc's long operating history, independent ownership, and active filing record make it a strong candidate for businesses that value experience and continuity. Whether you are importing consumer goods, machinery, electronics, or other commercial products through U.S. ports of entry, this Barrington-based broker brings the regulatory knowledge and freight coordination capability to support your supply chain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long has International Associates Inc been operating as a customs broker?
International Associates Inc has over 30 years of experience as a licensed customs broker and international freight forwarder, with more than 665 import shipment records on file with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What services does International Associates Inc offer importers in the Chicago area?
The company provides customs entry preparation, ISF filing, HTS classification, import compliance support, and international freight forwarding services for importers in the Chicago metropolitan area and across the country.