Travis Smith

Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) is an international surety agency providing Customs bonds, marine cargo insurance, and other trade-related products direct to companies that import into the United States. Current managing partner, John Michel, founded TRG in 1991. John served as national underwriter for one of the largest Customs bond companies from 1985 to 1991. Through this experience, he realized that certain products and services that were traditionally provided by the customs brokers could be provided directly from the insurance agency, resulting in lower prices and higher levels of expert customer service. The difference between TRG and other markets for import-related products is our marketing approach, which is reflected in our prices and excellent customer service. We contact importers directly, and our goal is to introduce and educate. The first goal TRG set and met was to be a leader in the U.S. Customs bond market by providing courteous, professional service and competitively priced bonds from highly rated insurance companies. In due time, we added marine cargo insurance, a natural complement to the Customs bond, and then free online reporting to our clients. As reflected in our mission statement, TRG will continue to develop and offer additional products and services that benefit international traders.