For nearly three decades, Peter Adeli and City Business have been at the heart of Los Angeles’ shipping and import industry. Since founding his business in 1995, Adeli has witnessed firsthand the dramatic shifts in global trade, logistics, and consumer demand—and through it all, he has grown from a single location to five, becoming the trusted voice for LA shipping.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership
Peter Adeli’s journey began with deep roots in Los Angeles. A proud USC alumnus, Adeli understood the city’s business landscape from an early age. His education and local connections gave him unique insight into the needs of LA’s booming import sector, particularly in the historic Los Angeles Fashion District—a global hub for apparel, textiles, and wholesale trade.
When Adeli started City Business in the mid-90s, the Fashion District was undergoing a transformation. As manufacturing moved overseas, businesses needed reliable partners to handle the influx of imported goods. Adeli recognized this shift and positioned his company as a logistics lifeline for designers, retailers, and wholesalers navigating the complexities of international shipping.
Starting with just one location, he built his reputation on transparency, expertise, and customer-first service. His deep understanding of customs regulations, freight forwarding, and supply chain logistics made City Business an indispensable partner for importers in the Fashion District and beyond.
Adapting to a Changing Industry
Over the years, Adeli has seen the import business evolve in major ways:
- The Rise of Fast Fashion & E-Commerce: The explosion of online retail and quick-turnaround fashion trends demanded faster, more flexible shipping solutions. Adeli’s proximity to the Fashion District allowed him to tailor services for brands needing rapid inventory turnover.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Events like the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent port congestion tested the resilience of importers—but Adeli’s expertise helped clients navigate these challenges without losing momentum.
- Technological Advancements: Automation, real-time tracking, and digital customs filings revolutionized the industry. City Business stayed ahead by integrating the latest tools while maintaining the personal touch that local businesses relied on.
Through each shift, Adeli’s commitment to personalized service ensured that clients—whether small boutique owners or large fashion distributors—received tailored solutions.
Expanding to Serve a Growing LA
What began as a single office near the Fashion District has now grown into five strategic locations across Los Angeles, allowing City Business to serve a wider range of clients with efficiency and reliability. From warehousing to freight forwarding, customs brokerage to final-mile delivery, Adeli’s company offers end-to-end shipping solutions that keep goods moving smoothly.
His expansion mirrored the growth of LA’s trade economy, particularly in the Sourcing at MAGIC trade show and the increasing influence of downtown LA’s fashion and textile industries. By staying rooted in the community, Adeli ensured that City Business wasn’t just a vendor—but a trusted partner in the success of local businesses.
Why LA Businesses Trust Peter Adeli
- Three Decades of Local Expertise: Few in LA’s shipping industry understand the city’s unique trade dynamics like Adeli.
- Fashion District Insight: His long-standing relationships with designers, manufacturers, and retailers make him a go-to expert for apparel logistics.
- USC Connections & Community Ties: As a Trojan, Adeli has built a network that extends beyond shipping—supporting local entrepreneurs and staying engaged in LA’s business growth.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Adeli and his team prioritize communication, ensuring clients are informed every step of the way.
Today, City Business Shipping (CBShipping.com) remains a pillar of the LA import community, helping businesses thrive in an ever-changing trade environment. For those looking for a trusted partner in shipping, Peter Adeli’s legacy of reliability and growth speaks for itself.Need expert shipping solutions in Los Angeles?
📞 Contact Peter Adeli and City Business today:
👉 https://cbshipping.com/pages/contact
Written in partnership with Tom White
