A web-based tool built to help Livingston process bulk e-commerce imports, validate shipment data, and prepare ready-to-file submissions for U.S. Customs.
Automated validation checks
Reduction in processing time
From prototype to deployment
Overview
Livingston International is a Canadian customs broker and a leader in global trade management, customs compliance and freight solutions.
We started working directly with Livingston in 2021, after years of working with SmartBorder, which Livingston acquired. Since then, we’ve supported integration, modernization, and new product initiatives, including during Livingston’s acquisition by Purolator.
Partnership started, still active today.
Kaizen engineers and designers currently working.
Active logistics projects
CONTEXT
Section 321 and Entry Type 86 created a faster customs path for low-value goods entering the U.S. Instead of going through a traditional import flow, qualifying purchases could be cleared through a simplified process.
That opened a new opportunity for Livingston: support the customs clearance of high volumes of e-commerce purchases coming into the U.S.
People buying goods from abroad, under $800 per person, per day.
The team preparing parcel data for customs submission.
The agency reviewing declarations to allow goods into the country.
Challenges
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project Goal
The goal was to create a web-based e-commerce clearance tool, integrated with Livingston’s internal systems, to help teams classify, validate, correct, and format large shipment datasets for U.S. customs submission.
Our Approach
We started by clarifying the product’s value proposition, target users, business goals, and core workflow. The goal was to support Livingston’s new e-commerce clearance service with a tool operators could use daily without adding unnecessary process complexity.
Our UX team prototyped the core flow: creating classification projects, uploading customer data, reviewing missing information, and understanding what needed attention. That helped validate the product direction before moving into development.
Import agents could start classification projects through FTP, email, or Excel upload. From there, the system organized, validated, and formatted bulk shipment data, flagged missing information, and categorized issues by risk level and confidence.
Customers received automated email and SMS updates with shipment status, while agents had a clearer way to track validation issues and project progress. That reduced manual follow-up and gave both sides better visibility into where shipments stood.
This tool helped Livingston launch its e-commerce clearance service. After launch, the team expanded from 2 to 8 developers to continue evolving the platform, including work on a customer portal for shipment tracking.
Impact
Incoming data was automatically checked, flagged, and grouped by priority before operator review.
Automated validation and prioritization helped operators review and prepare shipment data faster.
Validation moved fast enough to take the product from prototype to deployment in one month.
Testimonial
Senior Software Consultant at Livingston International
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