In mid-1892, the Port of Hamilton faced a crisis. The only customs broker had disappeared, throwing his clerk, William H. Lyne, out of work and abandoning the numerous importers using Hamilton as a major distribution point. The Customs Port Collector approached William to assume the customs brokerage licence for Hamilton. William Lyne (1859 - 1952) and Robert Harte (1857 - 1943) formed the partnership of Harte & Lyne, in August 1892, to provide customs brokerage services to foreign importers warehousing and distributing through the port of Hamilton.

Over the years Hamilton became a manufacturing city. Robert Harte retired. William H. Lyne sold the firm to his son, John H. Lyne (1895 - 1965). The company's focus changed to provide customs services primarily to manufacturers located in the Hamilton area. Through sub agents, customs clearance services were offered at ports other than Hamilton.

In the late 1950's, Don Greene of Tridon Limited and other clients developed export markets for their products. John retired and sold the firm to his son, William C. Lyne (1924 - 1996). William sought out the best local talent for his partner. Jack McCullough, Traffic Manager of Studebaker Automotive, accepted William's offer. The company offered international freight forwarding services and established relationships with European agents.

The family tradition continues. In 1981, Alyce K. Lyne became a partner and joined her father. Sadly William C. Lyne passed away in 1996.

Today, importers want greater control and less risk when purchasing overseas. They need assistance with the Incoterms, letters of credit and freight services. Exporters recognize that it is important to take "customs" out of customer service. More exporters are selling on a "delivered duty paid" basis. They require foreign customs services.

Recent changes in the Customs legislation of the United States of America and Canada create increased risk for importers. Both countries have moved from "Informed Compliance" to "Enforced Compliance", based on audits and stiff penalties for all infractions.

In 2000, due to growing demand from our customers, Harte & Lyne Limited established an office in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.