About MICHAEL S. COOKE
The Offices of Michael S. Cooke, CHB. is a Long Beach, California customs brokerage and international trade consulting firm founded in 2004. Operating from one of the busiest port corridors in the United States — the LA/Long Beach port complex — Michael S. Cooke holds a CBP National Permit, allowing the firm to file customs entries in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The firm specializes in personalized customs clearance for businesses of all sizes, offering a hands-on approach that larger brokerages often cannot provide. Services span U.S. customs brokerage, HTS code classification, importer security filing, and international trade consulting. The firm also works with NVOCC agents and international logistics partners, making it a capable resource for importers navigating complex supply chains through the Southern California gateway.
Located at 1900 East Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, California, the Offices of Michael S. Cooke, CHB. sits at the heart of one of the world's most active international trade corridors. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach together handle the majority of US imports from Asia, and having a licensed customs broker embedded in this market means faster response times and direct familiarity with CBP procedures at these critical entry points.
Founded in 2004, the firm was built on the principle that importers of all sizes deserve the same level of attention and expertise. Michael S. Cooke is a CBP-licensed Customs House Broker (filer code: BJI) and a U.S. National Permit Holder, meaning the firm is authorized to conduct customs business activities across all 50 states, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico — not just at the local port of entry. This makes the firm a practical choice for importers whose shipments arrive at multiple US ports.
The firm offers a full range of customs brokerage and international trade consulting (ITC) services. This includes customs entry preparation, HTS code classification, importer security filing (ISF), and guidance on customs bond requirements — including continuous customs bond coverage for high-volume importers. For businesses looking to recover duties paid on re-exported goods, the firm also supports duty drawback claims.
Given the firm's Long Beach location and the nature of cargo moving through the LA/Long Beach complex, the firm has particular exposure to consumer goods, electronics, textiles and apparel, and machinery imports arriving from Asia-Pacific trading partners. Importers navigating Section 301 tariffs, HTS code classification challenges, or CBP ACE portal compliance will find Michael S. Cooke's direct experience with these entry types valuable.
Beyond basic clearance, the firm engages in international trade consulting — helping importers understand US import requirements, prepare for customs compliance audits, and identify duty mitigation strategies. The firm's use of an exclusive CBP-interface software system allows it to handle filings efficiently while maintaining the personalized attention that distinguishes it from larger, volume-driven brokerages.
With 20+ years of continuous operation working alongside U.S. CBP and the Department of Homeland Security, the Offices of Michael S. Cooke, CHB. represents a proven, independent resource for importers seeking knowledgeable customs guidance at the LA/Long Beach gateway.
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- Year Established
- 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Michael S. Cooke licensed to file customs entries outside of California?
Yes. The firm holds a CBP National Permit, authorizing it to conduct customs business in all 50 US states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico — regardless of where a shipment enters the country.
Does this broker handle importer security filing (ISF) for ocean shipments?
Yes. The Offices of Michael S. Cooke, CHB. provides ISF filing services for ocean cargo, which is required by CBP at least 24 hours before a vessel departs a foreign port bound for the US.
Can Michael S. Cooke assist with HTS code classification for my products?
Yes. HTS code classification is a core service offered by the firm, helping importers correctly identify the appropriate codes for their goods to ensure accurate duty assessment and CBP compliance.
What types of imports does this Long Beach customs broker typically handle?
Given the firm's location near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, it has significant experience with Asia-origin imports including consumer goods, electronics, textiles, apparel, and machinery and equipment.