History and Membership

Our association was organized in 1990 when The San Diego Association and the San Ysidro Brokers Association became one.  The San Diego Brokers started as a loosely formed group in 1966 meeting when they was a problem with Customs.  The spearheading members were Presley Jenkins of Shreve and Hays and Ben Ketchum of Fritz. Others in their membership were Paxton, Frank P Dow, Rene Romero and Porter International.  The San Ysidro Brokers Association was formed in 1982 by Fernando Camacho and Leonor Ferrer of Ferrer Brokers, Inc. and it dealt mainly with issues alongside the border.  Some of the other initial members were Greitzer Brokers, Cal Pacifico, Schenkers, Barbara Todd, Joffroy, and Romero Brokers. 

Main Activities

we currently serve the Ports of San Diego, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico and Andrade. Our membership consists of 45 local and national brokers and several associate members.  We have several working committees; Education, FDA, Agriculture, WESCCON and Pacific Coast Council.  The education committee is responsible for setting up seminars and training with different government agencies and experts in the field.  These seminars are usually well attended and participants earn CCS credit towards their yearly certification.  Along with our regular monthly meetings, we also have bi-monthly Quality Circle Meetings with local CBP staff to discuss issues, problems, implementation of new programs, etc.  These meetings have proven to be very productive to both the trade and to Customs.  Our association established a community ‘back-to-school’ program that sponsors between 35 and 50 middle school children. We provide funds to purchase uniforms and school supplies at the beginning of every school year. Our members volunteer their time to aid the children in choosing their supplies.

Future Plans

We have pledged our commitment to our members to work with the different governmental agencies and interested parties affecting our trade.  We will continue to promote our professional development by extending our educational program. And we are especially looking forward to hosting WESCCON this October 2008.