FOREIGN TRADE
ZONE (FTZ)

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Duty
Deferral
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Streamline Logistics
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Enhance Security
Looking down a laneway inside a warehouse with racks of freight

Are FTZs right for
your Supply Chain?

Are you importing goods from other countries?

If your business relies on imported products, an FTZ could provide valuable benefits.

Do you want to reduce or defer duties?

An FTZ allows you to defer duties until goods enter the domestic market—or even avoid them altogether for re-exported items.

Do you need storage in a transit country?

If your supply chain requires temporary storage before final delivery, an FTZ can facilitate this efficiently.

Do you require storage or a bonded carrier?

Your goods are for immediate distribution, storing them in an FTZ could add unnecessary costs. In some cases, a bonded carrier or customs-bonded warehouse might offer a simpler, more cost-effective alternative.

Can you consolidate shipments?

Would consolidating multiple smaller shipments with different delivery dates into one reduce clearance fees? Check if this is possible within your operations.

Does your product require re-work or handling?

If you import components from various suppliers for assembly, kitting, or packaging before distribution (e.g., assembling parts in the U.S. for export to Canada), an FTZ can support these activities while deferring duties.

Improve cash flow by
deferring duties with FTZs

Businesses across various industries leverage FTZs to optimize their supply chain processes. With an FTZ, a range of production and logistical activities can occur prior to the goods entering the domestic market and the payment of duties.

Find out if an FTZ is right for your business?

What customers are saying:

TRAFFIX is willing to innovate to continue to drive value by utilizing technology to help out with improving performance and to bridge the gap in knowledge to continually improve.

Mucci Logistics Manager

During a time of hyper-growth, one of our company’s biggest challenges was finding carriers to reliably get our products out the door and delivered on time. The TRAFFIX team has done a great job finding quality carriers that deliver on time and in full.

Thomas Foods USA VP of Operations

Our needs in the North American market are frequently changing and therefore our suppliers must be flexible. TRAFFIX has done a great job of that procuring drayage capacity and bonded warehousing space.

Longi Solar Technology Co., Ltd Procurement Manager

From the first few test shipments, TRAFFIX outperformed our existing carriers, including our asset-based providers. Since then, they have demonstrated a level of proactive communication and problem solving that sets them apart.

Senior Manager Logistics Sazerac Company Inc

Anything we ask, they work very hard to put together. The TRAFFIX team is always identifying areas that can be improved and offering solutions.

World Market Domestic Logistics Director

📢 listen to traffix on marketplace 📰

“companies seek tariff shelter in foreign trade zones”

TRAFFIX’ Director of Warehousing Solutions, Tim Huizinga, recently spoke with Sabri Ben-Achour of Marketplace about how Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) can help importers navigate new tariffs while safeguarding their cash flow.

Read the full article here or catch the full show wherever you listen to podcasts.

Book your consultation!

Book Your Consultation

Defer or reduce duties with a custom FTZ solution –
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why choose traffix?

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Collaborative Partnership

TRAFFIX’ team of experts are committed to the business success of our clients. We apply our years of experience to solving complex challenges and delivering results.

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The Right Capacity

While some brokers prioritize maximum capacity, TRAFFIX prioritizes the right capacity. Experience peace of mind knowing your freight is handled by our meticulously vetted premium carriers.

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Expertise

Each member of our dedicated truckload team brings a minimum of 5 years of experience, ensuring a proactive approach to freight management.

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24/7-365 Support

Whether you need a tracking update or an after-hours load covered, our dedicated team is available to assist regardless of the day or time.

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Visibility

Success in your supply chain relies on timely pickups, deliveries, and real-time visibility. TRAFFIX offers tech tracking and tailored updates to meet your needs.

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Integrity

We’re not focused on one-time transactions. We aim to establish lasting partnerships built on trust, reliability, communication, expert advice, and dedication to delivering high-performance results.

Ready to Get your Custom FTZ Solution?

Foreign-Trade Zones present a strategic opportunity for businesses to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce operational costs, and manage duties. Learn more ➡

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a foreign-trade zone?

A Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated area within a country (this could be an industrial park, a single warehouse, a yard, etc.) that is treated as being outside the country’s customs territory for duty purposes. Goods stored or processed within an FTZ are not subject to customs duties until they are formally imported into the domestic market.

FTZs are often strategically located near ports of entry or major distribution hubs, allowing companies to streamline their supply chain with faster and simpler distribution of goods.  Importers can defer payment of customs duties on items imported into an FTZ until the goods leave the zone to be transported domestically to the final destination, offering a strategic advantage in some supply chain operations.

Contact us today to learn more!

What can be stored in a foreign-trade zone?

Any foreign or domestic merchandise not prohibited by law may be placed in a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), whether dutiable or not. However, items that are illegal to import, subject to unlicensed regulation, or deemed harmful by federal agencies or the FTZ Board are prohibited. Quota-subject goods may be stored or manipulated in a zone but cannot be used to bypass import quotas. Book your consultation today!

My product requires rework and assembly, can I still use an FTZ?

Yes, Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) allow for a wide range of activities, including assembly, rework, repair, and repackaging. However, if your process involves substantial transformation or changes the customs classification of the product, it qualifies as “production activity” and must be specifically authorized by the FTZ Board. Note that retail trade is not permitted within FTZs.

How can FTZs help to save me money?

Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) help companies reduce costs while enhancing supply chain efficiency and compliance. They offer several financial advantages, including:

  • No duties on imported goods that are re-exported

  • Delayed duty payments on goods entering the U.S. market

  • No duties on waste, scrap, or defective parts

  • Lower merchandise processing fees (MPFs)

  • Streamlined, more efficient supply chains

Your Trusted Transportation Partner

Award-Winning Service

TRAFFIX has earned numerous service awards, showcasing our commitment to excellence. Here are a few of our accolades.