Source Logistics’ New FTZ Capability Brings Relief for Importers

For foreign brands entering and expanding in the U.S., today’s trade environment is more complex and uncertain than ever. Between shifting tariff policies, evolving global trade dynamics, and increasing regulatory scrutiny on specific categories like food and health & beauty, importers are operating in a state of constant vigilance. Supply chain volatility, especially at the U.S. border, can affect landed costs, delivery timelines, and even product availability, directly impacting brand performance in a competitive retail landscape. 

In times like these, smart logistics strategy becomes more than operational - it becomes a lever for resilience and growth. That’s why Source Logistics is proud to introduce Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) capabilities at its Laredo, Texas warehouse, offering customers a powerful new tool to manage risk and unlock cost advantages in uncertain times. 

What is an FTZ, and Why Does It Matter? 

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a designated location in the United States that is legally considered outside of U.S. Customs territory. This means imported goods can be stored, assembled, relabeled, or repackaged within an FTZ without incurring customs duties or excise taxes until they leave the zone and formally enter U.S. commerce. 

If goods are re-exported from the FTZ, no duties are paid at all. If they're transformed or assembled into a product with a lower duty rate, importers may benefit from inverted tariff savings. For many consumer product brands (particularly in food & beverage, health & beauty, and general merchandise) this can translate into significant savings and greater operational flexibility. 

The Power of FTZs + 3PL Expertise 

FTZs are complex to manage independently. That’s where 3PL partners like Source Logistics can make a game-changing difference. 

By combining 25+ years of 3PL expertise with newly activated FTZ capabilities in Laredo, a major gateway for North-South trade, Source Logistics gives foreign brands the ability to reduce costs, defer duties, streamline compliance, and create a more predictable import pipeline into the U.S. 
 
For brands navigating variable tariffs, FDA inspections, or sudden delays at border crossings, an FTZ-enabled warehouse can act as both a buffer and an accelerator, holding inventory duty-free until demand or clearance conditions align, and ensuring faster response times to U.S. market needs. 

Why Laredo, Why Now? 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Port of Laredo is the number one port in the nation among more than 450 airports, seaports, and border crossings - with $339 billion in total trade with the world in 2024. Its proximity to key manufacturing zones in Mexico and direct access to U.S. highway networks makes it a strategic FTZ location. 

By activating this capability now, Source Logistics is helping its clients build resilience into their supply chains ahead of further regulatory shifts. As trade policy continues to evolve, brands leveraging FTZs can better insulate themselves from financial shocks, and reinvest those savings into growth. 

Certainty Starts with Smarter Logistics 

At Source Logistics, we understand that for foreign brands, entering and scaling in the U.S. is about more than crossing borders, it’s about navigating complexity with confidence. Our new FTZ services in Laredo are part of our ongoing commitment to deliver certainty, efficiency, and competitive edge to our clients. 

If your brand is feeling the pressure of rising duties or unpredictable customs clearances, it may be time to explore how FTZ-enabled warehousing can change the game. 

Why Choose Our FTZ Facility? 

• Cost Savings 

• • Defer duties until goods leave the FTZ, improving cash flow. 

• • Eliminate double tariffs on re-exported or transformed goods. 

• • Reduce overall landed costs with smarter duty management. 

• Compliance & Risk Reduction 

• • Built-in SQF, FDA, and Customs expertise ensures regulatory peace of mind. 

• • Strict quality and safety protocols to protect your brand reputation. 

• • Proven track record with top retailers and club stores. 

• Speed to Market 

• • Integrated warehousing, fulfillment, transport and FTZ clearance keeps goods moving. 

• • Avoid costly port delays with seamless customs handling. 

• • Faster shelf placement for major retail and club store partners. 

• Flexibility You Can Count On 

• • Multi-temperature storage for diverse product lines. 

• • Seasonal surge and promotional event readiness. 

• • Scalable operations tailored to growth-stage brands. 

• Bilingual Brand Support 

• • From customs clearance to retail execution, our bilingual experts provide full LATAM-to-U.S. support, bridging cultural and regulatory gaps so you can focus on growth. 

 
Talk to our team today to find out how Source Logistics can help you reduce risk, improve cash flow, and deliver confidently into the U.S. market.