Both Peacock Tariff Consulting and Flexport provide tariff and customs work, but the engagement profiles differ. Flexport fits logistics-first businesses using integrated platform tools. Peacock fits SMB and lower-mid-market clients ($5M-USMCA50M revenue) needing strategic tariff work – classification, valuation, USMCA qualification, IEEPA refunds, audit response – at SMB pricing.
B2B buyers research by comparison. This page lays out where Flexport is the right choice, where Peacock is the right choice, and how to decide which fits your actual need. We do not bash competitors; we lay out the trade-offs honestly.
Both firms (or firm types) do real tariff work for real clients. The question is fit – engagement size, scope, pricing model, and the specific kind of expertise needed.
When Flexport is the right choice
Use Flexport when these conditions apply:
- Logistics-first business model where Flexport runs the freight
- Standardized tools (tariff calculator, refund calculator) for self-service
- Volume-based platform pricing
- Forward freight planning and ocean/air booking integrated with tariff lookup
When Peacock is the right choice
Use Peacock when these conditions apply:
- Strategic tariff work independent of logistics provider
- Multi-region (US/CA/UK/EU) advisory where Flexport is US-centric
- Custom analyses (M&A DD, USMCA stress-test, audit response) outside platform scope
- Independent of any logistics or freight provider – no platform-vendor incentives
Pricing model comparison
Flexport uses platform / volume-based pricing. Peacock uses transparent per-project fixed-fee or contingency pricing (see /pricing/). Both work; the right structure depends on how integrated tariff work is with your logistics flow.
Engagement speed comparison
For project work, Peacock typically engages within 1-2 weeks of initial inquiry. Flexport platform onboarding is fast (days) but customization to specific situations is limited.
When you need both
These engagement types are not always mutually exclusive. Common patterns:
- Logistics platform handles freight and entry; Peacock handles strategic tariff work outside the platform scope.
Bottom line
Choose Flexport if your needs match the conditions in section 1. Choose Peacock if your needs match section 2. Both serve real clients well; the right answer depends on your actual situation. The free 15-minute scoping call is the lowest-cost way to confirm fit.
Frequently asked questions
Are you the same as Flexport?
No. Peacock is an independent boutique tariff and customs advisory firm based in Orillia, Ontario. Flexport is a different firm/firm-type with a different business model.
Do you compete directly with Flexport?
For SMB and lower-mid-market engagements, yes – we offer a faster, lower-cost alternative. For enterprise engagements at scale, the firms we compare to are typically the right choice.
Can I use both?
Often yes. See “When you need both” above. Many clients use Peacock for routine tariff strategy and Flexport for specific situations where their model is the right fit.
How do I decide?
Match your situation against the “when Flexport” and “when Peacock” lists above. Or book a free 15-minute scoping call – we will tell you honestly if your engagement fits us better than Flexport or vice versa.
Do you ever recommend clients to Flexport?
Yes – when the engagement profile genuinely fits them better. We do not refer for fee or revenue share; the recommendation is honest.
Get started
Not sure if Peacock is the right fit? Book a 15-minute scoping call. No pitch.