R L SWEARER COMPANY, INC

Founded in 1915, R.L. Swearer Company, Inc. stands among a rare group of U.S. customs brokers that have operated continuously for more than 100 years. Based in Sewickley, Pennsylvania — just northwest of Pittsburgh — the company holds CBP license/filer code 344 and has built a reputation as a reliable full-service customs broker and freight forwarder serving importers and exporters throughout the tri-state region and nationally.

For importers navigating the complexities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, R.L. Swearer offers the kind of hands-on expertise that comes only from decades of practical experience. From preparing and filing customs entries to managing importer of record requirements, the firm handles the documentation and regulatory work that allows businesses to focus on their core operations. Whether a shipment qualifies as a formal or informal entry, requires a single entry bond or a continuous customs bond, or involves partner government agency review, R.L. Swearer's licensed brokers understand how to move cargo through CBP efficiently and correctly.

HTS code classification is a foundational part of customs compliance, and accurate classification directly affects duty rates, admissibility, and potential eligibility for programs like duty drawback. R.L. Swearer assists clients in determining correct tariff classifications under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule — an area where errors can trigger costly delays, penalties, or compliance audits. Importers sourcing manufactured goods, industrial equipment, or consumer products from overseas markets rely on this expertise to maintain clean compliance records with CBP.

As a freight forwarder in addition to a licensed customs broker, R.L. Swearer also holds FMC registration, allowing the company to coordinate ocean freight logistics alongside the customs clearance process. This dual capability means clients working on ex-works or FOB purchase terms — where the importer bears greater logistics and risk responsibility — have a knowledgeable partner familiar with the full freight and clearance lifecycle.

Located near Pittsburgh, R.L. Swearer is well-positioned to serve manufacturers, distributors, and importers operating in the industrial heartland of Western Pennsylvania. Companies importing machinery, equipment, raw materials, steel, and related industrial goods will find the firm's century-plus of operational history and its understanding of CBP entry types, importer security filing obligations, and customs compliance requirements to be a significant asset. For any business looking for an experienced customs broker in the Pittsburgh area, R.L. Swearer Company represents one of the region's most tenured and established options.