The “How Does a Customs Broker Work?” Edition
Larry Lieberman explains how he navigates the bureaucracy, government regulations, and computer systems that stand in the way of getting seafood to your table.
Photo illustration by Slate. Photo courtesy Larry Lieberman
Listen to this episode of Working with guest Larry Lieberman:
On this episode of Slate’s podcast about work, host Adam Davidson talks with Larry Lieberman, president of New York Customs Brokers.
Lieberman explains how customs brokers work with importers to clear shipments through JFK International Airport and Port Newark Container Terminal.* His middle-man role (which he chalks up to sales and “putting out fires”) helps everything from toys to crab meat make its way into the country.
He also describes how the industry has changed since his grandfather got into the business during the Prohibition era—and since computers transformed global trade.
Email: working@slate.com
Twitter: @adamdavidson
*Correction, April 7, 2015: This article originally misstated that Larry Lieberman is a customs agent. Lieberman is a customs broker.
