Ken Hamanaka/ Crosswinds Intl.
Ken Hamanaka / Crosswinds Intl. is a United States-based freight forwarding and customs brokerage firm with a long-standing presence in the North American trade community. The company traces its origins back to 1962 when Ken Hamanaka opened its doors in Los Angeles, following his U.S. Customhouse Broker license obtained in 1961. Over the decades, the firm expanded across major logistics hubs and evolved into a multi-modal provider capable of handling both air and ocean shipments, as well as specialized cargo.
Historically, the company established a strong footprint near key maritime and airfreight infrastructure in Southern California, moving from its early downtown Los Angeles location to Long Beach in the 1970s to take advantage of proximity to the terminal facilities and the growing ocean carrier network. In 1990, Crosswinds Intl. relocated again to a facility near major air and ocean routes, reflecting the need to consolidate air and sea operations under one roof. After two decades of growth, the organization ultimately purchased a dedicated building in El Segundo, positioned to optimize access to the airport, the ocean terminal, and other critical logistics resources.
The firm operates as an all-inclusive transport service provider, offering door-to-door coverage that encompasses purchase order processing through final delivery. This approach includes intelligent routing options for international shipments and a broad range of modes, including air freight, ocean freight, and charter services for both import and export activities. The company demonstrates capability in handling project cargo, which requires careful planning and coordination across multiple stakeholders, as well as specialized shipments such as live animals and valuable works of art.
Crosswinds Intl. emphasizes its professional staff and the use of sophisticated software systems to generate the necessary documentation that supports global trade. Typical documents produced in the course of international shipments include commercial invoices, packing lists, letters of credit, bank drafts, certificates of origin, export licenses, and consular forms. The combination of regulatory compliance, multi-modal routing, and comprehensive documentation support positions the firm as a capable partner for complex freight requirements.
Although the historical narrative centers on projects and office relocations in California, the company’s core offering remains anchored in providing reliable freight forwarding and customs brokerage services to importers and exporters. Its long-standing presence in the U.S. logistics landscape underscores a track record of aligning operational capabilities with the evolving needs of global trade, including the management of both routine shipments and large-scale, time-sensitive moves.
Overall, Crosswinds Intl. presents itself as a seasoned NVOCC and licensed customs broker with the capacity to coordinate air and ocean movement, execute specialized cargo solutions, and deliver end-to-end documentation and compliance support for clients navigating international commerce.
