Triangle vs Customs Broker

An honest comparison to help you choose the right USMCA compliance approach

The Short Version

Use Triangle When...

  • You import regularly (monthly+)
  • You have multiple product SKUs
  • Your products are straightforward
  • You want instant analysis (5 min)
  • Budget is a concern
  • You need ongoing policy monitoring

Use a Broker When...

  • You have complex supply chains
  • You face CBP audit risk
  • You need legal defense
  • High-value single shipments ($500K+)
  • Automotive or textiles (strict rules)
  • Previous compliance issues

Best Practice: Use Triangle for analysis + broker for validation = 65-75% cost savings

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureTriangle PlatformCustoms Broker
Cost per Analysis$3-10$200-500
Time per Analysis5 minutes1-2 weeks
24/7 Availability✓✗
Policy MonitoringAutomated DailyOn Request
Certificate GenerationInstant1-3 days
Audit Defense✗✓
Legal LiabilityUser ResponsibilityShared Liability
Complex Rulings✗✓
Best ForRegular importers, multiple SKUsHigh-risk, complex cases

Real Cost Comparison

Small Business

$5M annual imports, 15 SKUs

Broker Only
$5,000-8,000/yr
Triangle + Validation
$1,500-2,500/yr
Save 60-70%

Medium Business

$20M annual imports, 50 SKUs

Broker Only
$12,000-18,000/yr
Triangle + Validation
$4,000-6,000/yr
Save 65-70%

Large Business

$100M annual imports, 200 SKUs

Broker Only
$180,000-220,000/yr
Triangle + Validation
$100,000-120,000/yr
Save 45-50%

Choose Based on Your Risk Level

🟢

Low Risk - Platform Only

Simple supply chains (5-10 components), clear qualification (70%+ RVC), stable suppliers, lower values (<$50K)

$49-299/mo
🟡

Medium Risk - Platform + Broker Review

Moderate complexity (10-20 components), borderline RVC (55-65%), first-time claims, medium values ($50K-200K)

Platform + $200-400
🟠

High Risk - Platform + Broker Partnership

Complex chains (20+ components), multiple transformations, high values ($200K+), CBP audit history

Platform + $200-400/hr
🔴

Very High Risk - Full Broker Management

Automotive/textiles (high scrutiny), Section 301 exposure, questionable documentation, previous penalties

$500-2,000+/mo

Our Honest Recommendation

We are not trying to replace your customs broker. We are trying to make their job easier (and cheaper for you). Use Triangle for the heavy lifting - HS classification, RVC calculation, certificate drafting - then have your broker validate the high-stakes decisions. You get the best of both worlds: speed and cost savings from software, expertise and liability protection from professionals.

Calculate Your Savings

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