RICHARD T. CAVE

Richard T. Cave is a CBP-licensed customs broker based in San Marino, California, operating under filer code CFA. San Marino sits within the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area, placing this broker in one of the most import-intensive regions in the country. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach together handle more containerized cargo than any other port complex in the United States, making a locally licensed customs broker in this region an important resource for importers of record across a wide range of commodities.

For businesses importing goods through Southern California, working with a licensed individual broker can offer a more direct relationship than larger brokerage houses. Richard T. Cave can assist importers with the foundational requirements of U.S. customs compliance, including formal and informal entry preparation, proper HTS code classification using the 10-digit schedule, and accurate valuation of imported goods. Understanding the difference between a formal and informal customs entry — and when each applies — is one of the first decisions importers must navigate, and having a knowledgeable broker on call helps avoid costly delays.

ISF 10+2 filing (Importer Security Filing) is a mandatory requirement for ocean shipments arriving in the U.S., and must be submitted at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded at a foreign port. Timely and accurate ISF submission is critical to avoiding CBP penalties and cargo holds. Importers working with Richard T. Cave can expect guidance on meeting these pre-arrival requirements.

The Los Angeles area serves as a primary gateway for imports from Asia, including electronics, consumer products, textiles and apparel, and machinery and equipment. Importers sourcing goods from China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and other Pacific Rim countries regularly clear shipments through this region. A locally based broker with knowledge of Southern California port operations and CBP procedures at the LA/Long Beach port complex is a practical asset for these supply chains.

Additional areas of customs broker support can include advising on continuous customs bonds versus single entry bonds, coordinating with Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) such as the FDA or USDA when shipments require additional agency review, and providing guidance on duty savings programs such as duty drawback — including manufacturing drawback and unused merchandise drawback — where applicable. For lower-value shipments, Section 321 de minimis provisions may apply, and understanding how these thresholds interact with standard entry filing is part of sound import compliance planning.

Importers in the greater Los Angeles area or those routing cargo through the Ports of LA and Long Beach who are searching for a customs broker nearby can reach Richard T. Cave directly at 626-642-0433.