SAMUEL SHAPIRO & CO INC
License: 655 (Permitted)
Est. 1915
About SAMUEL SHAPIRO & CO INC
Samuel Shapiro & Co Inc is one of the most established customs brokers in the United States, founded in Baltimore, MD in 1915. Operating for over 100 years, Shapiro provides customs brokerage, regulatory compliance, freight forwarding, and tariff consulting to importers and exporters across a wide range of industries. Licensed under CBP filer code 655, the firm has grown from a single-room Baltimore office into a full-service trade compliance and logistics operation. Their services span ocean freight, airfreight, customs bonds, cargo insurance, and purchase order management, making them a comprehensive resource for U.S. importers navigating complex supply chains and evolving trade regulations.
Samuel Shapiro & Co Inc has operated as a licensed U.S. customs broker out of Baltimore, Maryland since 1915 — making it one of the longest continuously operating customs brokerage firms in the country. Founded by Sam Shapiro, who earned his broker's license at age 20, the company has grown from a one-room Baltimore office into a multi-service trade compliance and logistics provider serving importers of all sizes across virtually every industry sector.
For importers seeking a customs broker near Baltimore or along the East Coast, Shapiro offers a depth of experience that few firms can match. The Port of Baltimore is a major entry point for a wide range of imported goods including automobiles, machinery, consumer goods, and agricultural products, and Shapiro's long-standing presence at this gateway positions them well to support importers of record with formal and informal entry customs clearance, importer security filing (ISF 10+2), and HTS code classification on 10-digit tariff schedules.
Shapiro's customs and compliance services include customs brokerage, regulatory compliance consulting, tariff consulting, customs bonds (both single entry bond and continuous customs bond options), and cargo insurance. Their Classification Advisory Module helps importers resolve complex Schedule B vs HTS code questions, which has become especially critical as Section 301 China tariffs and Section 232 steel and metals duties have reshaped import cost structures. Shapiro actively publishes tariff news and compliance alerts — including guidance on forced labor and Withhold Release Orders (WROs) — keeping clients informed of shifting trade policy.
On the logistics side, Shapiro provides ocean freight, airfreight, domestic freight, and export services, along with freight forwarding and purchase order management through their proprietary POM+ and GlobalFlex™ platforms. Their Shapiro 360° logistics management offering integrates these services into a coordinated supply chain solution for mid-market and enterprise importers.
For importers pursuing duty recovery, Shapiro's expertise in duty drawback programs — including manufacturing drawback and unused merchandise drawback — provides a meaningful avenue to reclaim duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed. Understanding import bond requirements, managing importer of record responsibilities, and evaluating section 321 de minimis eligibility are additional areas where Shapiro's century of experience translates into practical guidance.
With CBP license/filer code 655 and a Baltimore headquarters reachable at 410-539-0540, Samuel Shapiro & Co Inc remains a foundational name in U.S. customs brokerage and trade compliance.
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Details
- Year Established
- 1915
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Samuel Shapiro & Co Inc been operating as a customs broker in Baltimore?
Samuel Shapiro & Co Inc was founded in 1915, giving it over 100 years of experience as a licensed U.S. customs broker based in Baltimore, Maryland — one of the longest operating customs brokerage firms in the country.
Does Shapiro help importers with duty drawback claims?
Yes. Shapiro has expertise in duty drawback programs, including manufacturing drawback and unused merchandise drawback, helping eligible importers recover duties paid on goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed.
Can Shapiro assist with tariff classification and Section 301 China tariff compliance?
Yes. Shapiro offers a Classification Advisory Module and dedicated tariff consulting services, including guidance on Section 301 China tariffs, Section 232 steel and aluminum duties, and proper 10-digit HTS code assignment.
What types of customs bonds does Samuel Shapiro & Co Inc offer?
Shapiro can arrange both single entry bonds and continuous customs bonds, helping importers meet CBP's import bond requirements based on their shipment volume and entry frequency.