About RENATO ZAPATA III
Renato Zapata III is a CBP-licensed customs broker based in Laredo, Texas, operating under filer code ADY. As president of Renato Zapata & Co — an international freight forwarding and customs brokerage firm with roots spanning more than 80 years — he brings over three decades of hands-on experience in customs clearance, import/export compliance, warehousing, distribution, and transportation. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Renato is well-positioned to assist importers and exporters navigating the high-volume US-Mexico trade corridor that runs through the Laredo port of entry, one of the busiest land border crossings in the United States. His firm's multigenerational history in Laredo reflects deep institutional knowledge of cross-border trade operations.
Renato Zapata III holds an active CBP customs broker license (filer code ADY) and operates out of Laredo, Texas, a city that serves as one of the most critical land ports of entry along the entire US-Mexico border. As president of Renato Zapata & Co, a customs brokerage and international freight forwarding firm originally founded by his grandfather more than 80 years ago, Renato carries forward a legacy of border trade expertise that is rare in the industry. With over 30 years of personal experience in the import/export business, he has developed comprehensive knowledge of customs entry preparation, HTS code classification, and CBP compliance requirements that importers of record depend on.
Laredo's geographic position makes it the primary gateway for commercial truck traffic crossing from Mexico into the United States, handling billions of dollars in trade annually. Brokers operating in this market require fluency in the regulatory frameworks governing land-border entries, including formal versus informal entry thresholds, single entry bonds, continuous customs bonds, and Importer Security Filing obligations. Renato's tenure in this environment means he understands the pace and complexity of high-volume cross-border logistics firsthand.
Beyond entry preparation, Renato Zapata & Co offers services spanning warehousing, distribution, and transportation coordination — making the firm a practical choice for importers who need more than just customs paperwork. Whether a shipper is navigating partner government agency requirements, working through HTS code classification for the first time, or seeking guidance on CBP entry types explained in plain terms, an experienced Laredo-based broker with established relationships at the port can make a measurable difference in clearance times and compliance outcomes.
Renato earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Mary's University and is fully bilingual in English and Spanish — an important capability for importers working with Mexican suppliers, manufacturers, or freight partners. He is an active member of the Laredo community, with involvement in organizations including the International Good Labor Council and the Laredo Noon Lion's Club.
For importers searching for a customs broker near the Laredo port of entry with demonstrated experience in US-Mexico trade, cross-border freight forwarding, and a multigenerational track record in the business, Renato Zapata III and his firm represent a well-established option in one of America's most active trade corridors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Renato Zapata III been a licensed customs broker?
Renato Zapata III has been an active licensed customs broker since at least November 2002, with over 30 years of broader experience in the import/export industry. His firm, Renato Zapata & Co, has operated in Laredo for more than 80 years.
What port of entry does Renato Zapata III primarily serve?
Renato Zapata III is based in Laredo, Texas, and primarily serves the Laredo port of entry — one of the highest-volume US-Mexico land border crossings in the country, handling a significant share of US-Mexico commercial truck trade.
Does Renato Zapata III offer freight forwarding in addition to customs brokerage?
Yes. As president of Renato Zapata & Co, he oversees an operation that combines international freight forwarding with customs brokerage, as well as warehousing, distribution, and transportation services.
Is Renato Zapata III bilingual?
Yes. Renato is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, which is particularly valuable for importers coordinating with Mexican manufacturers, suppliers, or freight partners across the US-Mexico border.