Jim Dickeson
Trade Compliance Professional
8305 SE 42nd Street, Mercer Island WA 98040 USA
206.275.3866
jim@dickeson.net
www.dickeson.net

Import / Export Compliance Expert - Licensed Customs Broker - 20+ Years Experience


Professional Experience:

Lynden International, Seattle, WA, 2006 – present 
Assistant Vice President Customs Services
Corporate Compliance Manager

Reduce regulatory risk of export forwarding and customs brokerage for 30 branch operation

- Audit using Customs’ ACE, Census’ AES, and Lynden’s system’s extracts
- Classify commodities to HTSUS, Schedule B, ECCN, ITAR
- Determine Commerce, State, and Treasury Department licensing requirements
- Develop computer-based training for Lynden’s Learning Management System
- Achieved Validation of C-TPAT program
- Instruct and mentor import and export staff
- Consult with internal and external customers on regulatory matters


Import Geeks LLC, Seattle, WA, 2005 – 2006 
Owner

Freelance import/export compliance consulting with several west coast firms, including

- Export assessment of nuclear power test equipment manufacturer
- Classification, origin and quota determinations for clothing importer


JPMorgan Chase Vastera, Inc. (formerly Vastera, Inc.), Dulles, VA, 2002 – 2005 
Senior Consultant

Consulted clients on import/export compliance and supply chain security throughout North America

- Performed compliance assessments and recommended solutions
- Trained staff and implemented internal controls
- Customs’ ITRAC data analysis in MS Access
- Won Customs protests and rulings requests
- Qualified clients for C-TPAT
- Qualified products for NAFTA
- Mentored junior level consultants


Stratus Technologies, Inc. (formerly Stratus Computer, Inc.), Maynard, MA, 1996 – 2002
Trade Compliance Specialist

Directed import and export compliance for computer manufacturer

- Controlled in excess of $100 million in annual customs penalty exposure
- Reduced customs inquiries by 90%; no penalties issued
- Created MS Access database of product classifications, available over intranet
- Improved transit times by streamlining clearance process
- Managed relationships with government agencies and service providers


Various Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers, 1982 – 1996 
Branch Import Manager

- Nissin International
- Kintetsu World Express (formerly Kintetsu Intermodal)
- Pandair Freight (acquired by Air Express International)
- Air Express International (acquired by Danzas, DHL)


Education:

- MBA, Syracuse University, 2006
- BBA, Wichita State University, 1981


Published Articles:

- The Myths and Realities of Import Compliance, 2002, 2005
- Lessons Learned Since the Mod Act, 2002


Affiliations:

- Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders Association of Washington State
- Export Chair for 2009 Western Cargo Conference of the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Associations
- Board Member, Seattle World Trade Club
- Toastmasters International
- AIESEC