MODE Global Advisory Mastering Global Trade

MODE GLOBAL ADVISORY: MASTERING GLOBAL TRADE: EVALUATING A 3PL’S INTERNATIONAL CAPABILITIES PREPARED BY SHARON JOHNSON, CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER, MODE GLOBAL

©2025 MODE Global, LLC MODE Public

WHY INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE IS CRUCIAL In today’s rapidly shifting global trade environment, tariff management and international compliance are not just operational concerns—they are critical drivers of business performance and competitive advantage. Geopolitical volatility, evolving trade agreements and intricate regulatory frameworks can dramatically impact costs, margins and market access. The depth of your third-party logistics (3PL) partner’s international trade expertise is now a decisive factor in your ability to control costs and mitigate risk.

Your 3PL’s approach to the shifting international trade market directly affects your landed costs, compliance risk and supply chain resilience. Yet, many organizations overlook the importance of thoroughly evaluating their 3PL’s international trade capabilities, instead focusing only on basic transportation services and missing critical differentiators.

The following questions will help you determine whether your current or prospective 3PL has the advanced capabilities necessary to navigate today’s complex international trade environment and whether it may be time to consider a move to another. Each question targets a core aspect of tariff management and trade compliance that separates true strategic partners from basic service providers.

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HOW TO ENSURE A 3PL IS PREPARED FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE DISRUPTIONS Asking these five questions is essential in evaluating if a 3PL has the proper international trade expertise, including responsiveness and understanding of major tariff adjustments.

1: In what ways does the 3PL utilize its supply chain network to reduce tariff exposure and optimize total landed costs for international shipments?

A 3PL’s ability to seamlessly transition between transportation providers in its network from different localities—and utilize other trade tools, such as bonded warehouses and foreign-trade zones (FTZs), is fundamental to effective tariff mitigation and cost optimization. Each locality can trigger distinct duty rates and compliance requirements based on origin, destination and the existence of preferential trade agreements. A sophisticated 3PL can work with importers to minimize duties, optimize transit times and control inventory costs, in effort to deliver measurable value in a dynamic global trade environment.

2: What contingency routing solutions does the 3PL provide to maintain supply chain continuity when tariffs or trade disputes disrupt established lanes?

Supply chain resilience hinges on a 3PL’s capacity to rapidly deploy alternative routing strategies in response to sudden tariff changes, trade disputes or sanctions. Leading logistics partners maintain extensive, multi-modal carrier networks and global reach, in an effort to quickly pivot and safeguard service levels and competitive pricing during periods of geopolitical volatility to mitigate bottom-line impact.

3: How does the 3PL’s technology platform and/or processes enable timely tracking and management of tariff-related costs across global supply chains?

Advanced technology and/or process integration are essential in today’s dynamic trade environment.

Without the right partner, shippers’ risk significant compliance penalties and overpayment of duties.

The best 3PLs offer tools to help shippers respond quickly to changing tariff situations.

4: What is the 3PL’s depth of specialized customs broker expertise which it can offer to ensure compliance with country-specific trade regulations and documentation requirements?

Customs compliance is essential for navigating the complexities of international trade while minimizing risk and cost. Beyond basic entry filing, effective 3PLs possess in-depth knowledge of special trade programs, anti-dumping and countervailing duties, free trade agreement qualification, and country-specific documentation. Failure to comply can result in significant fines, shipment delays and, in the extreme, loss of import privileges, making specialized expertise across multiple trade lanes indispensable.

5: How does the 3PL foster strategic partnership to help shippers proactively adapt to evolving trade agreements and tariff structures?

A transactional 3PL relationship limits a shipper’s ability to anticipate and respond to shifting trade regulations and tariff structures. With international trade agreements in constant flux, shippers need logistics partners who regularly monitor regulatory developments and can translate them into actionable supply chain strategies. A consultative, partnership-driven approach can help to ensure alignment with broader business objectives and sustained competitive advantage.

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ELEVATING YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP International trade management requires more than just software, carrier networks or regulatory knowledge—though these are all critical components. What truly matters is having a logistic partner who understands your business and that behind every shipment are real business challenges, market opportunities and people counting on timely delivery.

At MODE, we have witnessed how asking the right questions can spark meaningful dialogue, resolve complex situations and drive logistics relationships beyond transactions into true collaboration. In today’s complex global trade environment, success demands more than simply moving freight—it requires a partner who is prepared to help you navigate tariff changes, address compliance challenges and adapt quickly to shifting geopolitical landscapes.

We believe the strongest partnerships are built on transparency, shared goals and mutual success.

We solve complex shipping challenges because we take time to understand yours.

HOW MODE CAN HELP MODE Global (“MODE”) stands out as a leading multi-modal logistics provider, offering shippers access to one of the industry’s largest truckload brokerages, complemented by robust intermodal, ocean and air freight solutions—all integrated under the MODE enterprise. Through its corporate family of companies and brands (including MODE Transportation, SUNTECKtts, Avenger Logistics and Green Manalishi Transportation1), MODE empowers shippers to dynamically select the most cost-effective and compliant mode for each shipment, maximizing flexibility and maintaining high service standards and visibility.

When tariff regimes shift, shippers relying on single-mode 3PLs may experience costly delays and operational disruptions. By contrast, MODE’s multi-modal platform is built with the goal of enabling rapid, compliant adjustments—which may include temporarily storing goods in a bonded warehouse or FTZ until a more favorable tariff rate is available or rerouting goods via expedited ocean or air to have goods entered prior to any higher tariff rates. MODE’s experience and integrated approach is designed to support supply chain continuity and cost control, all while focusing carefully on adherence to evolving trade regulations.

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MODE Global, LLC operates through separate legal entities, including Green Manalishi Transportation, LLC.

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HOW MODE CAN HELP (CONT.) As a multibillion-dollar enterprise and the top non-asset intermodal provider in the U.S., MODE delivers the network scale and geographic breadth essential for robust supply chain resilience.

MODE’s multi-brand platform can connect shippers to tens of thousands of carriers across North America and worldwide, in effort to enable swift implementation of alternative routing strategies as tariff conditions evolve. MODE’s partnerships and internal expertise can help support shippers with rapid scenario modeling, empowering shippers to assess cost and compliance impacts of various routing options. When new trade barriers or tariffs arise, MODE is available to collaborate closely with shippers and carriers to leverage its expansive network and identify the most advantageous routing options.

MODE’s industry expertise and technology solutions aim to provide shippers with comprehensive visibility into their tariff obligations and costs. This data-driven approach is designed to enable shippers to consider tariff implications, optimize routing and make confident, cost-effective decisions to help maintain compliance and avoid penalties in a rapidly changing trade environment. MODE’s experienced team monitors regulatory developments in effort to help shippers respond efficiently and minimize tariff impact.

The strategic addition of customs brokerage Green Manalishi Transportation underscores its commitment to delivering end-to-end international trade solutions. This acquisition enables MODE to manage documentation, classification and compliance across diverse jurisdictions, while providing visibility throughout the customs clearance process. MODE’s customs specialists are available to collaborate directly with transportation teams to help ensure compliance considerations are addressed throughout the process, aiming to reduce costly delays and support efficient import operations.

MODE distinguishes itself as a strategic business partner, not just a service provider. MODE’s scale supports ongoing investment in trade compliance knowledge and technology, while its multi-modal capabilities enable the rapid deployment of comprehensive solutions as trade conditions change. This partnership approach is designed to help clients build resilient, adaptable supply chains that can thrive amid global trade uncertainty.

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HOW MODE CAN HELP (CONT.) Your supply chain deserves a partner who is as invested in your success as you are. We invite you to start a conversation with MODE—ask the questions that matter, and discover how our experience, technology and multi-modal capabilities can help you navigate today’s global trade complexities with confidence.

We look forward to being your trusted partner for all things supply chain.

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NEED HELP NAVIGATING THE CHANGES? If you are a current MODE customer, please reach out to your dedicated MODE family of brands representative. If you are not a customer and need help with your supply chain, please reach out to our Solutions Experts.

NOTE: This document provides information about MODE Global's international shipping capabilities and is intended for informational purposes only. This guide does not constitute a binding offer of services or legal advice.

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