Live from WERC 2024: Custom Bonded Warehousing with Meiborg 3PL

In a special podcast episode recorded at WERC 2024 in Dallas, Texas, Kevin Lawton of The New Warehouse Podcast sits down with Uma Taylor, the Business Development Manager at Meiborg Inc., a prominent 3PL (Third Party Logistics provider). Uma shares her journey into logistics, details about Meiborg’s growth, and provides crucial insights into custom bonded warehousing.

A Unique Path to Logistics

Uma’s journey is compelling. Originally in governmental advocacy and compliance in Malaysia, she was recruited by the U.S. Department of Commerce and has helped these governments close several large deals with companies over the years. After moving to Houston, Uma had to start over and started as a freight cashier, rapidly rising through the ranks to her current role at Meiborg as their Business Development Manager. Her story underlines the importance of starting from the bottom and gaining extensive industry knowledge—a valuable lesson for new graduates and professionals. She stresses the importance of how her on the floor experience now helps her in an elevated role.

Custom Bonded Warehousing: What You Need to Know

Uma delves into the essentials of custom bonded warehousing—a crucial element in global trade logistics.

Understanding Custom Bonded Warehousing

A custom bonded warehouse is a secure station where goods not cleared by customs can be stored, avoiding immediate duties or taxes until products are sold or moved. “This facility is crucial, especially for goods facing customs issues or quotas,” Uma states.

Benefits and Challenges

Custom bonded warehousing allows businesses to navigate customs regulations efficiently. It provides a secure environment for goods pending clearance. Uma highlights common items like solar panels, which often face scrutiny due to forced or child labor grounds.

However, such facilities require strict compliance and meticulous documentation. “Every piece must be reported and verified multiple times to avoid fines and ensure compliance,” Uma clarifies.

Strategic Importance

Uma advises businesses, especially importers, to align with custom bonded warehouses to save costs and avoid hefty port storage fees. Building relationships with bonded warehouses offers security and better management of goods pending customs clearance.

Collaboration Over Competition

Uma emphasizes the industry’s collaborative nature, stressing the importance of relationships with other custom bonded warehouses—even competitors. “My competitors are my friends; we work together to handle excess and share leads,” she remarks. Having strong partnerships with those who might be considered competitors can actually help you succeed more in the logistics world.

Listen to or watch the episode and leave your thoughts in the comments.

For more information on Meiborg 3PL head to their site here.

To connect with Uma Taylor find them on LinkedIn here.

For more coverage from WERC 2024 check out this episode featuring Big Joe Forklifts.