Employee Spotlight: Laurie McCarthy—From Dispatcher to Vice President of Sales & Marketing
At American Shipping, we recognize that our people are the heart of our success. One outstanding example is Laurie McCarthy, who, after 17 years of growth and leadership, was promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing in May 2025.
Laurie’s logistics career began humbly. Originally from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, she returned to the state after high school in Florida to attend college, and quickly entered the transportation industry. Her first role was as a dispatcher at Roberts Express. From there, she held increasingly senior roles at Ryder, Mystic Logistics, and Harte-Hanks, where she gained deep experience in domestic transportation.
Her move into international logistics began at Yellow Transportation (later YRC) in California. There, she distinguished herself as a top performer, earning the 2006 Sales Gold Award. When YRC merged with Roadway, Laurie was approached by American Shipping and chose to join our company over another offer from NYK Logistics.
She started in 2008 as an Account Executive covering the West Coast. At that time, our sales team was just four people. By 2011, Laurie had been promoted to Regional Director of Sales, West Coast. Now, as Vice President of Sales & Marketing, she brings strategic leadership to our sales operations, helping guide over 250 clients through increasingly complex global trade environments.
Unpacking Tariffs: “If It Quacks Like a Duck…”
Laurie is widely known among clients and colleagues for her clarity and expertise in navigating tariffs—a topic that has become increasingly urgent for international shippers.
“Customers often call confused about how tariffs apply,” she explains. “They want to know if it’s based on the cargo’s departure date from China or its arrival date in the U.S. The truth is, even we’re waiting on updated guidance.”
As of May 12, 2025, the original 25% and 7.5% Section 301 tariffs remain in effect. “People assume it ended with the change in administration,” Laurie notes. “But that’s not the case—those tariffs are still very much active.”
Tariff layers can be complex. For example, a product that normally carries a 5% duty could also be subject to a 20% fentanyl tariff and a 10% reciprocal tariff from China (tariff rate was lowered from 125% to 10% for a 90 day pause starting May 14 to August 11), totaling 35%. “That’s actually a reduction from a potential 145% rate in some cases,” she explains, “but it's still a significant cost.”
Her team regularly assists clients who are shocked by duty invoices. "We sometimes get asked if there are loopholes or reclassifications to lower duties—but we won’t cut corners.” Laurie is resolute in her commitment to integrity: “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck—it’s a duck. We follow customs regulations to the letter. Playing games with classifications might work temporarily, but it comes back hard. Customs can go back five years and retroactively apply duties—and blacklist your company.” This unwavering commitment to doing things right is a cornerstone of Laurie's leadership.
Integrity, Innovation, and Insight
American Shipping continues to invest in tools that help clients stay ahead of changes. Our proprietary Amerisystems software, developed in-house, helps us adapt quickly to shifting regulatory demands and provide transparency to customers. Laurie notes that even larger firms lack this kind of flexibility.
She’s also realistic about the limits of reshoring. “Many say, ‘Let’s just make everything in the U.S.’ I support that in principle,” she says, “but we don’t have the infrastructure or trained labor. And if we did, the cost of goods would be unaffordable to the average consumer.” This realistic perspective provides our clients with a clear understanding of the challenges and trade-offs involved in reshoring strategies, ensuring they are well-informed and aware of the complexities.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Laurie and other team members just returned from a trip to Hong Kong for American International Cargo Asia’s 20th anniversary celebration. This exciting event is a testament to the company's growth and success, and Laurie's participation underscores her deep engagement with both her family and our customers.
“Balance is key,” she says. “We serve our clients best when we also show up for the moments that matter at home.”
We’re proud to celebrate Laurie McCarthy’s continued leadership at American Shipping. Her career reflects the values we stand for: integrity, accountability, and a relentless commitment to helping clients navigate change with confidence.
