STL Brokerage Services LLC

STL Brokerage Services LLC is a licensed U.S. customs brokerage based in Saint Louis, Missouri, holding CBP filer code NCK. The firm is operated by Nick Kausch, a licensed customs broker serving commercial importers who need accurate, compliant customs clearance for shipments entering the United States. Saint Louis sits at a major inland freight crossroads, with proximity to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and strong ground connections to gateway ports including Chicago, Memphis, and Louisville. This positioning makes STL Brokerage Services a practical choice for importers routing goods through Midwest distribution networks.

For importers focused on compliance, STL Brokerage Services handles the full customs entry lifecycle. This includes Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) submissions, which must be filed at least 24 hours before ocean vessel loading and are a mandatory requirement for all ocean freight shipments entering the U.S. Late or missing ISF filings can trigger CBP penalties, making accurate and timely ISF filing a critical service for any ocean importer. The firm also assists clients with HTS code classification — identifying the correct 10-digit tariff code that determines the applicable duty rate, admissibility requirements, and any partner government agency involvement.

Understanding importer of record requirements is essential before the first shipment arrives. STL Brokerage Services can help commercial importers navigate IOR obligations, continuous customs bond requirements, and CBP entry procedures. A continuous customs bond covers all entries filed within a 12-month period and is generally required for importers with annual duty liability exceeding $10,000 — the firm can assist with bond procurement and renewal.

For importers handling high-frequency or high-volume shipments, understanding entry types matters. Type 86 entries, used for Section 321 de minimis shipments valued under $800, have specific eligibility rules and filing requirements that differ from formal consumption entries. STL Brokerage Services can advise on whether section 321 de minimis treatment applies to a given shipment and how to structure recurring import programs accordingly.

The firm also has the capacity to assist importers exploring duty drawback programs — a refund mechanism that allows importers to recover up to 99% of duties paid on goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed. Unused merchandise drawback is among the most straightforward drawback claims and can represent meaningful cost recovery for manufacturers and distributors who re-export inventory. Working with a qualified duty drawback broker early in the import process ensures records are maintained in the format CBP requires.

Additionally, STL Brokerage Services can assist importers in situations involving CBP detentions or errors in prior entries, including prior disclosure CBP filings — a voluntary self-disclosure mechanism that can significantly reduce penalties when an importer discovers a prior compliance issue. Importers searching for a customs broker near me in the St. Louis, Missouri area will find in STL Brokerage Services a licensed, accessible professional capable of handling both routine clearances and more complex compliance matters.