About LAING INTERNATIONAL
Laing International, Inc. is a licensed U.S. customs broker and air freight forwarder headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, serving importers and exporters through Washington Dulles Airport and all U.S. ports of entry. Founded in 1979, the firm holds ABI broker status for expedited customs clearance and maintains C-TPAT membership to support secure supply chain compliance. Core services include import customs entry preparation, export air freight forwarding as an Indirect Air Carrier, and last-mile delivery coordination. With over four decades of experience operating in the Washington, DC metro region, Laing International brings deep familiarity with air cargo operations and federal agency requirements — a critical advantage for importers moving goods through one of the country's most regulated corridors.
Laing International, Inc. has been a fixture in U.S. customs brokerage and international freight services since its founding in 1979 at Washington Dulles International Airport. Over more than four decades, the company has expanded its capabilities and geographic reach, now serving clients across all U.S. ports of entry from its headquarters at 100 Carpenter Drive in Sterling, Virginia — just minutes from Dulles — as well as a satellite operation at BWI Airport in Maryland.
For importers seeking a customs broker in the Washington, DC area, Laing International offers a distinct combination of longevity, regulatory expertise, and operational infrastructure. The firm's ABI (Automated Broker Interface) status with U.S. Customs and Border Protection enables electronic filing and expedited customs clearance, reducing delays for time-sensitive air freight shipments. This is particularly valuable for importers moving high-value or perishable cargo through Dulles, where speed through customs can directly impact supply chain performance.
Laing International is also a C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) member, reflecting its commitment to supply chain security standards recognized by CBP. C-TPAT participation benefits importers by demonstrating a verified security posture, which can contribute to reduced examination rates and smoother cargo processing at U.S. ports.
Beyond customs brokerage, the company operates as an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC), giving it the ability to handle export air freight forwarding directly. This dual capability — import clearance and export forwarding — makes Laing International a practical single-source resource for businesses engaged in two-way international trade. Delivery coordination through vetted carrier partners rounds out the firm's end-to-end service offering.
Given its long-standing presence at Dulles and BWI, Laing International is well-positioned to serve importers in the defense, government contracting, technology, and professional services sectors that dominate the Washington, DC metro economy. Federal contractors and agencies requiring precise compliance documentation and secure handling will find the firm's C-TPAT credentials and ABI capabilities particularly relevant.
For importers evaluating customs broker options in the DC, Northern Virginia, or Maryland corridor, Laing International represents a broker with deep regional roots, proven infrastructure, and a track record extending back nearly 50 years.
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- Year Established
- 1979
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Laing International located and which ports do they serve?
Laing International is headquartered in Sterling, VA (near Washington Dulles Airport) and also operates at BWI Airport in Maryland. Despite their DC-area base, they handle customs clearance at all U.S. ports of entry nationwide.
Is Laing International a C-TPAT member?
Yes. Laing International holds C-TPAT membership, which means they adhere to CBP-recognized supply chain security standards. This can benefit importers through potentially reduced cargo examinations and demonstrated compliance.
Does Laing International handle export shipments as well as imports?
Yes. In addition to import customs brokerage, Laing International operates as an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC), enabling them to manage export air freight forwarding — making them a resource for both inbound and outbound international shipments.
How long has Laing International been in business?
Laing International was established in 1979 at Washington Dulles Airport, giving the firm over 45 years of experience in U.S. customs brokerage and international freight forwarding.