Resources
Resources
Forms, Guides and tools to help you move shipments with confidence
E.C.I Onboarding
Complete this form to begin the onboarding process with Earth Services. Once submitted, the information provided will be used to generate your Customs Power of Attorney and New Client Information Sheet, allowing our team to properly set up your account and begin assisting with your import, export and other logistics needs!
Market Insights
Stay informed with updates on trade trends, freight conditions, regulatory changes, and logistics developments that may impact your shipments.
Downloadable Forms
Access the forms and documents needed to get started, manage shipments, and support customs, import, export, and logistics processes.
Glossary
Understand common shipping, customs, and logistics terms with simple definitions designed to make industry language easier to navigate.
How To's
Find step-by-step guidance for common shipping tasks, document preparation, quote requests, and customs-related processes.
Knowledge Hub
Explore helpful articles, guides, FAQs, and educational resources created to support smarter shipping and compliance decisions.
FAQ's
What documents do I need to import?
The documents needed for import can vary depending on the commodity, country of origin, and government agency requirements. In most cases you should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, arrival notice, and any required permit, certificates, or product-specific documents. Our team can review your shipment details and let you know what is needed before arrival.
What is a Customs Power of Attorney?
A Customs Power of Attorney allows Earth services to act on your behalf for customs-related business. This authorization is required before a customs broker can submit entries, communicate with U.S. Customs, or handle other customs transactions for your shipments.
Do I need customs bond?
Most importers are required to have a customs bond when importing goods into the United States. A bond acts as a financial guarantee to U.S. Customs that duties, taxes, and fees will be paid and that import regulations will be followed. Depending on how often you import, you may need either a single transaction bond or a continuous bond.
What is an HTS Code?
An HTS code, or Harmonized Tariff Schedule code is a classification number used to identify imported products. This code helps determine the duty rate, taxes, and any special import requirements that may apply to your goods. Accurate classification is important for customs compliance and proper duty calculation.
What is ISF?
ISF stand for Importer Security Filing, also known as “10+2.” It is required for most ocean shipments entering the United States. ISF provides advance shipment information to U.S. Customs before the cargo is loaded or arrives, helping CBP assess security risk. Late, inaccurate, or missing ISF Filings can result in delays or penalties.
What is EEI/AES?
EEI stands for Electronic Export Information. AES, or the Automated Export System, is the system used to file that export information with the U.S. government. Certain export shipments require EEI filing before departure, depending on the value, destination, commodity, license requirements, and other shipment details.
How do I know if my shipment needs an export license?
Export license requirements depend on several factors, including what you are shipping, where it is going, who the buyer or end user is, and how the product will be used. Some products, destinations, or restricted parties may require additional review or a license before export. If you are unsure, contact our team before shipping so we can help guide you through the review process.
How do I request a quote?
You can request a quote by contacting our team with your shipment details, including origin, destination, commodity, weight, dimensions, ready date, mode of transportation, and any special handling requirements. The more complete the information, the faster and more accurately we can prepare your quote.
Who do I contact for urgent shipments?
For urgent shipments, please contact Earth Services directly by phone or email and include ‘URGENT’ in your message. Be sure to provide your shipment details, deadline, and any documents you already have available so our team can respond as quickly as possible.
Helpful Links
U.S Customs, Import Compliance & Tariffs
Export Controls, Licensing & Sanctions
Export Licenses
Bureau of Industry and Security, formerly Bureau of Export Administration
Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security
Department of State – Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
Department of Treasury – Office of Foreign Assets Controls
Department of State – Intellectual Property Enforcement
Trade Agreements, Policy & International Trade Agences
The U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA)
International Trade Administration (ITA)
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Department of Commerce – U.S. Commercial Service
Department of Treasury – International
Department of Energy – Policy and International Affairs
Small Business Administration – International Trade
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
Export-Import Bank
Transportation, Aviation & Cargo Standards
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
U.S Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Agriculture , Food & Regulated Commodites
Department of Agriculture – Foreign Agriculture Service
Food and Drug Administration – Office of Import Program
Food and Drug Administration
Environmental Protection Agency – International Programs
Wood Packaging Material Regulations
International Trade Organizations & Chambers
International Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Council for International Business
National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Associations of America, Inc.
ATA Carnet
Regional Trade Blocs & International Cooperation
CARICOM – Caribbean Community
MERCOSUR
The Organization of American States (OAS)
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
Foreign Trade Information System
Trade Data, Market Research & Business Support
National Trade Data bank
International Trade Administration (ITA)
Department of Commerce – U.S. Commercial Service
Small Business Administration – International Trade
Export – Import Bank
Labor, Adjustment & Economic Development
Department of Labor – Trade Adjustment Assistance
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)