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Customs, Community and Collaboration - Reflections from the Vermont Border Trade Event

  • Writer: William Ferrara
    William Ferrara
  • Oct 7, 2025
  • 3 min read

How Bonded Warehouses are a solution to the current turbulent trade environment.


On September 25th, the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT) brought together U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Vermont state leadership, Canadian trade experts, and industry professionals for a full day of dialogue, learning, and collaboration in Burlington, Vermont—culminating in a behind-the-scenes tour of the Highgate Springs Port of Entry.


I had the privilege of moderating the CBP Q&A session, where Assistant Director of Field Operations Tim Lacasse joined me for an engaging discussion on the evolving trade landscape and the opportunities ahead. The conversation was both timely and candid—acknowledging the uncertainty created by rapid policy shifts, while highlighting the essential role of partnership between CBP and the trade community.



A Shared Commitment to Vermont’s Border Future


It was also an honor to introduce Senator Peter Welch and Representative Becca Balint, who underscored Vermont’s critical role in North American trade.


As I noted in introducing Senator Welch, he has long been a champion for practical, bipartisan investment in infrastructure and community prosperity—including the modernization of our northern ports of entry such as Highgate Springs, which is now set for a major rebuild to better handle growing cross-border trade and travel.


Representative Balint spoke with equal conviction about Vermont’s deep economic connection to Canada, and her efforts to advocate for fair and predictable trade policies that protect Vermont businesses and working families.


Their presence sent a powerful message: trade isn’t an abstract policy issue—it’s a local, lived experience that shapes our jobs, communities, and competitiveness.



Inside the CBP Dialogue


During the Q&A, ADFO Lacasse and I covered several core topics central to both industry and CBP:

  • Collaboration and Transparency — How open communication and local engagement build trust and improve outcomes for all stakeholders.

  • Infrastructure Investments — The impact of federal funding and workforce expansion, including the 5,000 new CBP officers recently authorized by Congress.

  • Predictability in Policy — The importance of consistent guidance amid Executive Orders, shifting tariffs, and evolving trade regulations.

  • Balancing Enforcement and Facilitation — How CBP is addressing fraud risks while keeping legitimate trade moving efficiently.


The dialogue reaffirmed that strong partnerships are the foundation for resilient supply chains. Even as policy and markets shift, trust between government and industry remains the constant that drives progress.



When Uncertainty Becomes the Norm—Adaptability Is the Advantage


Throughout the day, many companies shared the same concern: uncertainty in trade policy has led them to delay shipments, reroute production, or absorb higher duties while waiting for clarity. These challenges highlight why flexibility—and informed strategy—are now competitive differentiators.


Enter the Bonded Warehouse: a measured, proven approach to mitigating risk while maintaining flexibility.


Too often, bonded warehouses are misunderstood. Many still believe they are:

  • Too expensive (they’re not)

  • Only available through third-party providers (they’re not)

  • Too time-consuming to establish (they’re not)


Our earlier blogs have shown that bonded warehouses offer companies control, cash-flow advantages, and a way to respond quickly to policy changes without surrendering compliance or agility. They are not a reactive tool—they are a proactive strategy for navigating volatility.


Read more about the benefits of bonded warehouses:

  • The Strategic Value of a CBP Bonded Warehouse

  • Bonded Warehouses vs. FTZs: Finding the Right Fit for Your Supply Chain

  • Debunking the Myths: Why Bonded Warehouses Are More Accessible Than You Think



The Takeaway


The Vermont event embodied what collaboration should look like: Customs, Community and Collaboration in action.


From congressional support for port modernization to CBP’s transparent engagement with trade partners, to industry’s willingness to adapt and innovate—the message was clear: success at the border starts with shared responsibility and continued dialogue.


At Harbour Island Consulting, we’ll continue helping companies understand and leverage tools like bonded warehouses, Free Trade Zones, and tailored compliance strategies to remain both secure and competitive—no matter how uncertain the policy environment may be.


William A. Ferrara

 
 
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