About Rhonda A. Whitley
Rhonda A. Whitley is a licensed U.S. customs broker based in Chesapeake, Virginia, operating under CBP Filer Code 86A. Located in the Hampton Roads region, she is positioned to serve importers moving goods through the Port of Virginia — one of the largest and fastest-growing container ports on the East Coast. Chesapeake's proximity to the Norfolk International Terminals and Portsmouth Marine Terminal makes it a strategic hub for East Coast import activity spanning consumer goods, machinery, and general merchandise. Importers in Virginia and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region can reach Rhonda directly at 757-448-8829 for customs clearance assistance and entry filing services.
Rhonda A. Whitley holds an active CBP customs broker license (Filer Code 86A) and operates out of Chesapeake, Virginia, placing her at the center of one of the most strategically significant port regions on the Eastern Seaboard. The Port of Virginia — encompassing Norfolk International Terminals, Virginia International Gateway, and Portsmouth Marine Terminal — handles tens of millions of tons of cargo annually, making the Hampton Roads area a critical gateway for importers bringing goods into the United States from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
For importers navigating the complexities of U.S. customs regulations, working with a locally licensed broker like Rhonda offers a significant practical advantage. A licensed customs broker assists with customs entry preparation, ensuring that the correct CBP entry type is selected — whether a formal entry for commercial shipments above the de minimis threshold or an informal entry for lower-value goods. Understanding the difference between formal and informal entry customs procedures is essential for cost-effective importing, and proper HTS code classification is at the core of that process. Accurate 10-digit HTS code assignment determines duty rates, eligibility for trade programs, and compliance with partner government agency requirements from agencies such as the FDA, USDA, and EPA.
Importers working with Rhonda can expect guidance on foundational compliance requirements including importer of record obligations, continuous customs bond procurement, and Importer Security Filing (ISF) — the 10+2 filing that must be submitted before cargo is loaded aboard a vessel bound for the U.S. Failing to file ISF on time can result in CBP penalties, cargo holds, and delays at the port.
The Chesapeake and Hampton Roads corridor sees a broad mix of import categories, from consumer goods and electronics to machinery, equipment, and raw materials. Importers should also be aware of duty management strategies such as the duty drawback program, which allows qualifying importers to recover duties paid on goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed. Both manufacturing drawback and unused merchandise drawback are established mechanisms under U.S. customs law that experienced brokers can help clients pursue.
For importers searching for a customs broker near the Port of Virginia, Rhonda A. Whitley represents a licensed, locally present option in Chesapeake, VA. She can be reached directly at 757-448-8829 to discuss your specific importing needs, entry requirements, and clearance timelines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ports does Rhonda A. Whitley serve as a licensed customs broker?
Based in Chesapeake, VA, Rhonda A. Whitley is well-positioned to serve importers moving freight through the Port of Virginia, which includes Norfolk International Terminals and Virginia International Gateway — major East Coast container facilities. As a CBP-licensed broker, she holds a national license valid at any U.S. port of entry.
How do I contact Rhonda A. Whitley about customs clearance for my shipment?
Rhonda A. Whitley can be reached by phone at 757-448-8829. Her CBP Filer Code is 86A. It is advisable to contact her as early as possible before your cargo arrives, particularly for ISF filing deadlines which require submission 24 hours prior to vessel loading.
What is the difference between a formal and informal customs entry, and which applies to my shipment?
Informal entries generally apply to shipments valued under $2,500 and involve a simplified process, while formal entries are required for higher-value commercial shipments and involve full HTS classification, bond requirements, and potential exam by CBP. A licensed broker like Rhonda can determine the correct entry type for your goods.
Can Rhonda A. Whitley assist with HTS code classification for my imported products?
Yes. HTS code classification — assigning the correct 10-digit code from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule — is a core customs broker service. Accurate classification affects your duty rate and compliance with CBP and partner government agency requirements. Misclassification can result in penalties or delays.