[NCBFAA] President’s Recap: Helping Trade Find Its True North

Host: Lori Mullins & Karen Damon Published: September 2, 2026 Length: Approximately 13 minutes Summary Trade is moving faster than ever—and for customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other trade professionals, keeping pace with tariff and regulatory changes has become a daily challenge. In this special Simply Trade collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Lori Mullins, NCBFAA Social Media Chair, sits down with NCBFAA President Karen Damon for the association’s monthly President’s Recap: “Helping Trade Find Its True North.” Karen shares her perspective from more than 30 years in the industry and discusses one of the biggest challenges facing customs brokers today: the speed at which tariff and regulatory changes are being implemented. She explains why NCBFAA is advocating for more advance notice and clearer communication so brokers, importers, staff, and software providers have adequate time to prepare for compliant implementation. The conversation also explores NCBFAA’s role on Capitol Hill, increased customs enforcement, the broker’s role as a “force multiplier,” continuing education requirements for licensed customs brokers, and the importance of becoming actively involved with local trade associations. For anyone navigating today’s rapidly changing trade environment, this episode highlights why education, advocacy, compliance, and industry participation matter. Main Topic / Discussion The central theme of this President’s Recap is how the trade community can navigate rapid regulatory change while maintaining compliance and facilitating legitimate trade. Karen explains that timing is one of the greatest challenges surrounding tariff changes. Brokers must simultaneously understand new requirements, educate clients, train employees, and work with software providers to implement changes correctly. NCBFAA is advocating for more consistent advance notice of tariff changes, including sufficient time between Federal Register notices, CBP communications, and implementation. The association is also seeking better channels for addressing operational readiness and compliance questions. The episode also examines the customs broker’s increasingly important role in enforcement. Karen describes brokers as a “force multiplier” that can support CBP’s goals of protecting revenue and enhancing national security when verification requirements are clear and equitable. Advocacy and Industry Representation With NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference sold out, Karen emphasizes the importance of members engaging directly with lawmakers and educating Congress about issues affecting brokers, forwarders, NVOCCs, employers, importers, and exporters. NCBFAA’s committees, counsel, and staff also continuously monitor regulatory developments and communicate important changes to members through alerts and educational resources. Continuing Education and the 2027 Triennial Licensed customs brokers should also be preparing for continuing education requirements associated with the upcoming triennial reporting cycle. Karen encourages individual licensed customs brokers to understand their education credits, reporting requirements, and recordkeeping obligations rather than waiting until the deadline approaches. Get Involved Locally Karen closes with a simple message for customs brokers, freight forwarders, and NVOCCs: your voice matters. Participation in local associations provides opportunities for education, industry collaboration, advocacy, and professional connection—and strengthens the broader trade community. Key Takeaways • The speed of tariff and regulatory changes is creating significant operational challenges for customs brokers, their clients, employees, and technology providers. • NCBFAA is advocating for greater advance notice and clearer communication before major tariff changes take effect. • Customs brokers can serve as a “force multiplier” for CBP by helping facilitate compliant trade, protect revenue, and support national security. • Licensed customs brokers should prepare now for continuing education and recordkeeping obligations connected with the upcoming triennial reporting cycle. • NCBFAA committees, counsel, staff, and member communications help the industry monitor and respond to regulatory developments. • Participation in local trade associations gives industry professionals a stronger collective voice and creates opportunities for education, advocacy, and collaboration. Resources & Mentions • National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) • NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI) • Lori Mullins - LinkedIn • Karen Damon - LinkedIn Credits Host: Lori Mullins Karen Damon Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]