Business Details
46 Years
experience
Global Freight Forwarding Solutions | Midwest Transatlantic Lines
For over four decades, Midwest Transatlantic Lines has specialized in delivering comprehensive global logistics solutions tailored to client needs. Our team of experts, many with over 15 years of industry experience, provides personalized freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and supply chain management services. As an employee-owned company since 2021, our commitment to excellence is reinforced by shared ownership, ensuring clients receive dedicated service from a team invested in long-term success. We operate from strategically located facilities in Berea, Ohio, with a network of global partners spanning 10,500 offices worldwide. Our core values of knowledge, dedication, reliability, and positivity guide every decision, supported by certifications including ISO standards, TSA approval, and IATA agency status. With 75,000+ TEUs moved annually and 3.5 million+ kilos of air freight handled yearly, we combine technical expertise with personalized service to solve complex logistics challenges.Our milestone achievements include becoming Cleveland's largest independent international freight operation and maintaining C-TPAT certification for secure supply chains. We prioritize compliance with regulatory requirements through licenses as a U.S. Customs Bonded CFS, NVOCC, and hazardous materials handler. Client relationships are built on transparency, with proactive communication ensuring expectations are consistently exceeded. This combination of global reach, technical expertise, and personalized service has earned us long-term partnerships spanning 30+ years with industry leaders worldwide.
Services
Air Freight
Ocean Freight
Domestic Transportation
Hazardous Materials
Crating & Packing
Warehousing
Customs Brokerage
Cargo Screening
Transportation Consulting
Insurance Procurement
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We operate as an employee-owned company ensuring dedicated service from invested professionals
- Our team maintains 15+ years of average logistics experience with specialized certifications
- We handle 75,000+ TEUs annually through a global network of 10,500+ partner offices
- Our specialists hold hazardous materials certifications with biennial retraining compliance
- We maintain dual certifications as both TSA-approved cargo screeners and C-TPAT members
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Licensed Customhouse Broker
- U.S. Customs Bonded Container Freight Station (CFS)
- TSA Approved Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF)
- IATA Cargo Agent
- Licensed NVOCC: OTI #2365NF
- Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
- Hazardous Materials Certified
What people say
Very professional team
Reliable partner
Efficient and competent
Best and most honest agents
Dynamic and exceptional group
Services
Air Freight
We provide comprehensive air freight solutions for time-sensitive shipments, including LCL, FCL, OOG, and break bulk cargo. Our TSA-certified screening facility ensures compliance while our global network enables competitive pricing. With 3.5 million+ kilos moved annually, we specialize in urgent deliveries for high-value goods across 10,500+ partner offices worldwide.
Ocean Freight
Our ocean freight services handle 75,000+ TEUs yearly through weekly consolidated container services. We manage full and less-than-container loads between major trade lanes including China-US corridors, Europe-India routes, and transcontinental movements. Specialized handling available for out-of-gauge cargo and hazardous materials with proper certifications.
Hazardous Materials
Certified handling of dangerous goods across all transport modes with biennial staff re-certification. We ensure compliance with IATA, IMDG, and 49 CFR regulations through documented procedures and specialized packaging. Our team provides safety data sheets and coordinates emergency response plans for chemical shipments.
Customs Brokerage
Full-service customs compliance with licensed brokers managing documentation and duty optimization. We handle import/export declarations, tariff classification, and trade agreement certifications. Our C-TPAT membership expedites inspections while ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory requirements across 20+ years of cross-border operations.
Warehousing
We offer 100,000 sq ft of bonded warehouse space with secure blocking and bracing techniques for cargo protection. Services include inventory management, container loading, and order fulfillment with climate-controlled storage options. Our facilities maintain 24/7 security monitoring and direct truck/rail access for efficient distribution.
People
Tom Lazzaro
President
Tom Lazzaro leads Midwest Transatlantic Lines with strategic vision, overseeing global operations and business development. With extensive industry experience, he drives innovation in logistics solutions while maintaining client relationships. His leadership focuses on expanding service capabilities and ensuring operational excellence across all departments.
Robert Gareau
COO
As Chief Operating Officer, Robert Gareau manages day-to-day logistics operations and service delivery. He ensures compliance with regulatory standards while optimizing transportation networks. With decades of freight industry experience, he maintains our commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction through process improvements and team development.
Robert Nara
CFO
Robert Nara oversees financial operations, maintaining fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation. He manages budgeting, accounting, and financial planning while supporting business growth initiatives. His expertise ensures sustainable expansion and investment in infrastructure to enhance service capabilities across our global network.
Questions
What documentation is required for international shipments?
Required documents vary by cargo type and destination, typically including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
Can you handle hazardous materials transportation?
Yes, we're certified to handle hazardous materials across all transport modes with trained staff and proper safety protocols in place.
Do you offer cargo insurance options?
We provide cargo insurance procurement services with competitive rates through our global network of insurance partners.
What Incoterms do you support?
We assist with all Incoterms 2020 rules, advising on responsibility allocation and documentation requirements for your specific shipment needs.
How do you handle TSA cargo screening requirements?
As one of America's first Certified Cargo Screening Facilities, we perform TSA-compliant screening in-house for secure airline tendering.
Can you arrange door-to-door transportation?
Yes, our global partner network enables complete door-to-door logistics solutions worldwide with coordinated multi-modal transport.