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LATEST NEWS
07/15/10
Transmodal C-TPAT Update: The Importance of Cargo Security
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Dear Valued Client:
Cargo security remains U.S Custom's prime focus. Over the past year we have witnessed the implementation of the Importer Security Filing program among other things.
We are sending you this email as a reminder of the importance of cargo security. Here are some tips on how you can improve security in your own supply chain:
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Make sure all of your seals are PAS/ISO 17712 compliant.
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If you see or notice anything suspicious (including shortages or overages in your cargo), let us know. We will take appropriate steps to ensure the issue is properly analyzed and investigated.
- Participate in the C-TPAT program
C-TPAT is a partnership between U.S Customs and importers. Importers that participate in the program get benefits such as reduced numbers of cargo examinations.
For a complete list of C-TPAT benefits please click on the following link:
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07/15/10
Customer Advisory-Chittagong Port Update
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To Our Valued Clients:
Kindly note that the Chittagong port situation remains unchanged and not a single vessel can maintain her schedule. As informed earlier, the re-tender process is in place and the last date for submitting bids for the job of berth operators at Chittagong was today July 15th. However the CPA has announced yesterday a one week extension unitl July 22nd as the last date for submitting bids. With this development, we do not anticipate much improvement of port operations in Chittagong moving forward. As a result, the Carriers will continue to impose a PCS (Port Congestion Surcharge) of $100.00 per TEU for the foreseeable future The CPA has also relaxed certain criteria's in the bid process for the berth operator's job to enable a more competitive participation. This may likely result in inadequate or inexperienced companies participating in the bidding process and if awarded the job, apprehensions are high that the quality of the service from the company handling port operations in Chittagong will not be up to the service levels necessary to improve the daily operations within the terminals. With the tender process extended by a week, it is expected that the awarding and implementation will also be deferred and most likely go beyond the beginning of Ramadan, which commences August 10th/11th thus we can expect more slow downs and delays in working vessels over the next few weeks
The CPA is under intense pressure from all parties and we are hoping that they move along with the bid process/implementation as quickliy as possible.
Here is an update on weekly frequency and lead times for most major Carriers servicing Chittagong for your review
1) TO US & CANADA EAST COAST (Canada: HLX, TOR, MON and USA: NYC, SAV, CHS, NFK)
A. OOCL/HL/NYK:
1. Via Singapore: Cut off (Friday) weekly sailing
2. Via Colombo: Cut off (Friday) weekly sailing
B. HANJIN/COSCO/YML:
1. Via Singapore: Cut off(Tuesday) weekly sailing
C. MOL/HYMM/APL/HANJIN:
1. Via Singapore: Cut off (Tuesday) weekly sailing
2. Via Colombo: Cut off (Friday) weekly sailing
D MSC:
1 Via Singapore: Cut off (Tuesday) weekly sailing
E. CMS-CGM
1. Via PKL: Cut off (Tuesday) weekly sailing
F. Maersk:
1. Via TPP: Cut off (Friday) weekly sailing
2) TO US & CANADA WEST COAST (Canada: VCR and USA: LAX/LGB, OAK, SEA)
A OOCL/HL/NYK:
1. Via Singapore: Cut off (Friday) weekly sailing
B. HANJIN/COSCO/YML:
1. Via Singapore: Cut off (Tuesday) weekly sailing
C. MOL/HYMM/APL/HANJIN:
1. Via Singapore: Cut off (Tuesday) weekly sailing
D. CMS-CGM
1. Via PKL: Cut off (Tuesday) weekly sailing
E. Maersk:
1. Via TPP: Cut off (Wednesday) weekly sailing
We will continue to provide updates as we receive more information from our Bangladesh offices.
We thank you for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal Corporation
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06/29/10
Customer Advisory-Transpacific Market Update June 29, 2010
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Our Valued Clients:
We wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with additional information regarding the state of affairs in the Trans Pacific container shipping market.
Ocean freight imports continue to surge beyond current carriers capacity, in May cargo volumes increased 24%. As a result, space on vessels is at an all time premium and carriers continue to increase rates by way of additional surcharges.
Over the last few days, several of the major carriers have announced additional surcharges that will take place between July 15 and August 1.
The worlds largest containerized container carrier, Maersk, announced the following:
Maersk Line will be increasing our Transpacific Eastbound (Far East Asia to the United States and Canada) Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) with an effective date of August 1, 2010. Please see below for rate details:
PSS Levels as of June 15, 2010
$320 per 20' container
$400 per 40' STD
$450 per 40' HC
PSS Levels as of August 1, 2010
$640 per 20' container
$800 per 40' STD
$900 per 40' HC
MSC, the second largest containerized cargo carrier, has also announced the following:
"With capacity tight and vessel demand strong Mediterranean Shipping announced a general rate increase (GRI) on all cargo from the Far East to U.S as of July 18, 2010 :
Far East to U.S. East Coast $320 per 20', $400 per 40', and $450 per 40HC.
Far East to U.S. West Coast $400 per 20', $500 per 40', and $563 per 40HC.
Today, Hanjin announced that as of August 2, 2010, it will double its Peak Season Surcharge to $640 per 20' container'
$800 per 40' container
$900 per 40' HC container
We fully expect the rest of the carriers to announce similar increases in the coming days and weeks as imports continue to surge.
On a positive note, it does appear that the carriers are finally attempting to address the core problem by returning capacity into the trade. Last week Maersk, MSC, CMA, announced that they will re-deploy 6 x 6500 TEU vessels covering Xiamen, Shanghai, Quingdao, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung. We also understand that other carriers are in the process of doing the same.
Transmodal will continue to distribute market updates as they become available to us and we thank you for your continued support for all your shipping needs.
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06/17/10
Additional Vessel Space From Shanghai To U.S West Coast For Week 25
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Please be advised that with continued space constraints and shortage of equipment throughout Asia origins, Transmodal continues to work to secure additional vessel space where available
With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that Transmodal has secured 100 FEU's for the following vessel
Vessel: Hanjin Vancouver
ETD Shanghai port: June 27, 2010
ETA Long Beach port: July 11, 2010
If you wish to secure space on this vessel please contact Transmodal at (201) 316-1611 or email us at info@transmodal.net to confirm booking information and applicable rates for this sailing
As stated the market continues to face a serious lack of space and equipment throughout all Asia origins as we move into the peak shipping season, but be assured that Transmodal is working daily to secure additional vessel space from all Transpacific origins for our clients.
Thank you for your continued suppport and consideration of Transmodal for all your shipping needs
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06/12/10
Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Update For June 22, 2010
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Please be advised effective June 22, 2010 the fuel surcharge for air cargo moving out of Hong Kong will be decreased by all Air Carriers to the following levels:
North & South America: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Europe, Middle East: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Africa: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Southwest Pacific: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Thank you for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal for all your international shipping and supply chain managment needs
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06/01/10
Transmodal adds another licensed Customs Broker to its team
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Dear Valued Business Partner:
I am pleased to announced that Scott Peterson, of our Trade & Customs Services division, has received his U.S. Customshouse Broker License.
We are all very proud of Scott's achievement and with the addition of another Licensed Customs Broker to our team, we will continue to increase the level of service to our clients.
Please join me on congratulating Scott on this important milestone.
Should you wish to learn more about how Transmodal Trade & Customs Services can assist your company with its U.S. Customs and Trade Compliance needs, please visit our website www.transmodal.net or contact us at chb@transmodal.net.
Thank you very much and we appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Max A. Kantzer
C.E.O.
Transmodal Corporation
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05/22/10
Customer Advisory - Transpacific Market Update
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Dear Valued Clients
As we move closer to the Peak Shipping Season out of Transpacific origins allow us to update you on current market conditions
Vessel Space
Pacific Southwest (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland) These U.S destinations continue to be the most challenged when it comes to vessel space from Transpacific origins. Since before the Chinese New Year demand has easily outweighed the supply of space causing the rates to continue to spike as Carriers seek out the highest rate levels when allocating space. As we get closer to the Peak Season we expect things to become even tighter as we see no plans by the Carriers to increase space into these U.S port destinations.
Pacific Northwest (Tacoma, Seattle, Vancouver) Space to these specific destinations continues to be tight even after China Shipping and Evergreen split their joint service into two separate slings, and the CKYH Alliance (Cosco, K-Line, Yang Ming, Hanjin) brought bigger vessels into these destinations. Most of the additional space was needed for a spike in containers bound for Canada, but here again space demands are still running ahead of space availability, and will continue to affect cargo into this region in addition to IPI freight into the Midwest areas of the U.S like Chicago, Memphis, Minneapolis, etc.
All Water Service (U.S East Coast ports) Vessel space to U.S East Coast ports is not as problematic as other regions with the exception of South Florida ports, but the rates continue to increase and the slow steaming of vessels is causing significant increases to the overall transit times that continue to affect things as a whole. Increased capacity by CMA-CGM may alleviate some space issues for Houston, Miami, and Jacksonville, but rates will continue to increase and slow steaming will be continued by all Carriers
Equipment Availability This will likely be one of the biggest challenges as we move into the peak shipping season. Carriers are faced with equipment shortages for 40' HC and 20' containers across the boad and some carriers have already begun to impose equipment repositioning surcharges as to offset the cost of shipping empty containers back into Transpacific origins. These continued container shortages are also delaying the Carriers decision to increase vessel capacity in the Transpacific markets which will only result in continued space demands and rate fluctuations moving forward
Peak Season Surcharges Carriers have already begun announcing that the PSS surcharges will go in effect either on June 1st or June 15tt, depending on the carrier, which is obviously 2-4 weeks earlier then the past August 1st start date. Peak Season Surcharge levels of $320.00 per 20', $400 per 40', $450.00 per 40' HC, and $500.00 per 45' have been announced by several Transpacific carriers already
Transmodal will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated as we know more
Should you have any questions concerning the same, please do not hesitate in contacting us at anytime
We thank you for your understanding in this matter, and for your continued support of Transmodal for all of your shipping needs
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05/21/10
Customer Advisory - Chittagong Port Operations
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Dear Valued Clients
Please be advised that as of May 12, 2010 the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) in Bangladesh has taken over management of Chittagong Port operations which has resulted in a negative impact concerning the daily operations at the terminal
Feedback from various port operators including shipping lines, stevedores, and feeder operaters is making it clear that vessel schedules to and from Chittagong port are being affected
Labor unrest continues to develop as workers are not reporting to work as scheduled
Vessels are being forced to sit idle resulting in discharge and loading times going from the standard 2-3 days to as high as 4-6 days. These delays will no doubt have a negative impact on the sailing schedules of feeder vessels out of Chittagong that are schedule to connect with mother vessels
The BSAA (Bangladesh Steamer Agents Association) and the CPA (Chittagong Port Authority) had a meeting early this week where the BSAA listed their demands to the CPA that will allow normal port operations to resume
The CFTC (Chittagong Feeder Trade Committee) held meetings in Singapore and it is believed by many that port congestion surcharges will soon be imposed by the Carriers due to the continued delays of vessels at Chittagong and the subsequent negative impact on the schedule intergrity of those slings calling Chittagong
Transmodal will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated as we know more
Should you have any questions concerning the same, please do not hesitate in contacting us at anytime
We thank you for your understanding in this matter, and for your continued suppport of Transmodal for all of your shipping needs
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04/01/10
Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Update For April 6, 2010
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Please be advised effective April 6, 2010 the fuel surcharge for air cargo moving out of Hong Kong will be increased by all Air Carriers to the following levels:
North & South America: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Europe, Middle East: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Africa: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Southwest Pacific: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Thank you for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal for all your international shipping needs
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03/23/10
C-TPAT participants to get "front-of-the-line treatment" on port examinations |
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Dear Valued Client,
As you know, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary government-sponsored program designed to facilitate safe trade between the U.S and its Trading Partners.
The major criticism of the program has been the apparent lack of benefits for Importers. However U.S Customs has recently announced that C-TPAT participants will begin getting "front-of-the-line treatment" on port examinations.
We at Transmodal would like to congratulate all of those Importers that are current members in the C-TPAT program, particularly those that Transmodal has enrolled.
If you are not currently a C-TPAT member, we encourage you to participate in the program.
If you would like assistance in entering the program or would like more information about the program, please do not hesitate in contacting me at chris.peterson@transmodal.net.
Best Regards,
Chris Peterson
Vice President, Customs Brokerage and Regulatory Affairs
Direct Tel: 201-316-1633
Toll Free: 877-242-7979
Fax: 201-623-2438
chris.peterson@transmodal.net
www.transmodal.net
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02/26/10
Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Update For March 3, 2010 |
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Please be advised effective March 3, 2010 the fuel surcharge for air cargo moving out of Hong Kong will be decreased by all Air Carriers to the following:
North & South America: $0.57 per kilo - $0.26 per lb (HKG $4.40 per kilo)
Europe, Middle East: $0.57 per kilo - $0.26 per lb (HKG $4.40 per kilo)
Africa: $0.57 per kilo - $0.26 per lb (HKG $4.40 per kilo)
Southwest Pacific: $0.57 per kilo - $0.26 per lb (HKG $4.40 per kilo)
Thank you for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal for all your international shipping needs
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01/27/10
TRANS PACIFIC MARKET UPDATE |
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Dear Valued Client,
Further to our communication of 12/18/09, regarding the implementation of the Emergency Revenue Surcharge (ERC), it appears, the Trans Pacific carriers will now impose another round of rate increases due to the surge of cargo, coupled with the dramatic reduction in capacity.
Trans Pacific capacity has been reduced by, in some cases, over 50% compared to the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2009, during this same period, cargo volumes have surged by 25% to 35%. The result is now vessel space in the Trans Pacific is extremely tight, and we are getting increased notifications of bookings being rejected or containers are getting rolled. Several, well placed members of the shipping community have likened the current situation to that of 1997/98, where the Trans Pacific market saw space shortages, two to three week backlogs and rate increases of $1000 to $1500 per container.
Many carriers have already announced that as of February 1st (or sooner) they will apply an immediate rate increase of $350 to $450 per container to accept bookings, and if the cargo surge continues past Chinese New Year, they could conceivably impose additional increases at that time.
Transmodal will continue to monitor the situation and contact you in order to keep you updated on the situation.
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
We thank you for your understanding and look forward to being of continued service
Sincerely
Max A. Kantzer
Transmodal Corporation
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01/27/10
Requesting Rate Quotes From Transmodal Corporation |
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To Our Valued Overseas
Agents, Representatives, and Business Partners.
Everyone here at Transmodal understands the importance of supporting our overseas network and providing our business partners with the tools necessary for them to pursue business opportunities within their specific origins. Opportunities that ultimately benefit both parties if in fact the business comes to fruition.
With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that Transmodal will be implementing a new process for providing our overseas Agents, Representatives, and Business Partners, with rate quotes that they may require at any given time, for any of the services we provide.
Effective February 1, 2010 any requests for a rate quotation to Transmodal Corporation should be sent to the following email address
rates@transmodal.net
This includes rate requests for the following services we provide
FCL Export Cargo from the U.S to points Worldwide
LCL Export Cargo from the U.S to points Worldwide
FCL Import Cargo from points Worldwide into the U.S
LCL Import Cargo from points Worldwide into the U.S
Air Export Cargo from the U.S to points Worldwide
Air Import Cargo from points Worldwide into the U.S
FCL Inland trucking within the U.S
FTL Inland trucking within the U.S
LTL Inland trucking within the U.S
Warehouse services within the U.S
U.S Custom's Brokerage Services
Cargo Insurance Rate Requests
Streamlining all the rate requests we receive from our overseas network into one general e-mail address will allow us to provide complete rate quotes in a timely and efficient manner to all our overseas Agents, Representatives, and Business Partners.
If you should have any questions or need any additional information about our new rate request process, please do not hesitate in contacting us at anytime
Thank you all in advance for your understanding and cooperation in this matter
Sincerely,
Anthony Ambrosio
Vice President Sales & Marketing
Transmodal Corporation
Tel: (201) 316-1611
Anthony.Ambrosio@transmodal.net
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01/23/10
Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Update For February 1, 2010 |
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Please be advised effective February 1, 2010 the fuel surcharge for air
cargo moving out of Hong Kong will be increased by all Air Carriers to the following:
North & South America: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Europe, Middle East: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Africa: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Southwest Pacific: $0.62 per kilo - $0.28 per lb (HKG $4.80 per kilo)
Thank you for your support and consideration of Transmodal for all your international shipping needs's
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12/19/09
Transmodal's U.S Office Schedule For Holiday Season December 2009 |
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Please be advised that Transmodal's U.S based offices will be closing at 12:00pm on Thursday December 24, 2009 and will remain closed on Friday December 25, 2009 for the Christmas Holiday
Normal U.S operations will recommence on Monday December 28, 2009
Our U.S offices will also be closing at 12:00pm on Thursday December 31, 2009 and will remain closed on Friday January 1, 2010 for the New Year's holiday
Normal U.S operations will recommence on Monday January 4, 2010
We appreciate your understanding in this matter and we thank you for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal for all your international transportation needs.
Here's wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a healthy New Year
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12/19/09
Importers Security Filing (ISF) Update From Transmodal 12/18/09 |
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Dear Valued Client,
You may recall approximately a year ago, I first contacted you regarding the new Importer Security Filing (ISF or 10+2). The rule came into effect on January 26, 2009. Many of you elected to utilize Transmodal's ISF service and we congratulate you for developing an excellent track record with U.S Customs. Since that time, Transmodal has stayed on the cutting edge of the requirements of the new rule. We take great pride in our high rate of compliance and we have notified you about important changes in the rule and in CBP policies. For further review of the new rule, we invite you to visit our ISF section of our website at http://www.transmodal.net/services/customsclearance.html#ISF.
There you will find some useful resources such as an FAQ section, PowerPoint presentation, and a 20-page legal analysis of the rule along with a big picture comparison to other CBP programs such as Custom Entry, AMS, and AES. For the past eleven months, ISF filings have been made (or not made) without the possibility of penalty. All of this will change on January 26, 2010 when the penalty moratorium period expires. From that point, importers will face the possibility of up to $10,000 in penalties per bill of lading, as well as denial from loading, unloading, delay in release and increases in exams if the ISF is not completed properly. Importers now have 30 days to perfect their processes.
If you utilize Transmodal's ISF and freight services, you can rest assured that your ISF transmissions are complete and timely. If you do not currently have ISF filed or your current ISF filer does not have a good track record, now is the time to comply. CBP will take into account an Importer's attempts to comply during the phase-in period (now), but for those that ignored the law, the penalties will be heavy. If you have any questions or concerns or if you are interested in utilizing Transmodal's ISF service, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Finally, there are some ISF compliance issues to be aware of:
By far, the two biggest issues CBP sees during the interim period are Late Filings and Bill of Lading Mismatches (which, essentially, cause a late filing). Late filings can be avoided by making sure your suppliers and freight forwarders are providing complete and accurate information to your ISF filer at least 48 hours prior to loading. Most Bill of Lading Mismatches are due to improper SCAC and lowest b/l filed in AMS. It is paramount that foreign-based freight forwarders (if you do not use Transmodal's freight services) understand their obligation in providing this information. If you have questions regarding these or any other compliance issues, please feel free to contact me.
Best Regards,
Chris Peterson
Vice President, Customs Brokerage and Regulatory Affairs
Transmodal Corporation
Direct Tel: 201-316-1633
Toll Free: 877-242-7979
Fax: 201-623-2438
chris.peterson@transmodal.net
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12/18/09
TSA Members Announce "Emergency Revenue Charge" (ERC) |
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Dear Valued Client,
First off, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.
This week the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) Members have announced the implementation of an Emergency Revenue Charge (ERC) of $320/20', $400/40', $450.00/40'HC, $505/45' effective as of January 15, 2010.
According to published reports,TSA Carriers will keep this surcharge in effect until May 2010 at which time they intend to seek a General Rate Increase of $1,000.00/40'.
Jack Yen, President of Evergreen Marine said "We're looking at the ERC as a bridge to get Carriers through the first half of 2010, recognizing that the current rate levels do not cover the cost of operating in this trade".
Despite increase in cargo volumes in the second half of 2009, the steamship line industry continues to suffer massive losses. As previously stated, an estimated $20 billion dollars will be collectively lost in 2009.
TSA Members include APL, Hyundai, CSCL, K-Line, CMA-CGM, MSC, Cosco, NYK, Evergreen, OOCL, Hanjin, Yangming, Hapag-Lloyd and Zim. Maersk has stated they will be rejoining the TSA after a 5 year absence
We at Transmodal will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with updates when they become available.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate in contacting us at any time
Thank you very much for your continued support, and best wishes for 2010. |
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Sincerely,
Max A. Kantzer
Transmodal Corporation |
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11/02/09
Asia Airfreight Backlog Update |
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Further to our communication of October 30th, Transmodal continues to monitor the Asian Air Freight market and provides updated information to its clients.
As of today November 2nd, due to stronger than expected demand for certain products, coupled with diminished aircraft cargo capacity, the backlog of airfreight from the principal Asian hubs has grown and continues to grow to unprecedented levels.
This surge in demand for cargo space has pushed the airline operators to increase rates repeatedly (daily in some cases) to compensate for the strong demand.
As a result, in addition to increased airfreight rates transit times of 1-2 days have in some cases been extended to 5-7 days, and again rates are increasing on a daily basis.
Due to the current situation it will be necessary to readjust airfreight rates as dictated by the airline operators.
Given the market demand and extenuating circumstances, Transmodal has contracted additional freighter space from HKG to JFK and LAX that is available on a premium basis. If you would like further information on the premium available capacity, please immediately contact your account manager.
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10/29/09
| Far East Air Freight Update for November 1, 2009 |
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Please be advised that as we head into the holiday season the air freight markets out of the Far East continue to be under duress due to large backlog's of air freight. As steamship lines have decreased space in the transpacific ocean lanes over the last few months in an attempt to drive up ocean rate levels, and with the spike of overal cargo due to the upcoming holiday season, we are seeing large backlog's of airfreight in most major Far East origins including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Phillipines.
As these backlogs continue to increase, air carriers will be seeking further rate increases starting on November 1st as space demands continue to grow, and they will continue to seek additional rate increases on a weekly basis throughout the remaining weeks of the 2009 holiday shipping season.
With this in mind, Transmodal strongly encourages Importers to advice their supliers to contact our overseas offices for air freight bookings at least one week in advance and provide definitive shipment information including weight, dims, and x-factory dates to ensure space is available and to avoid any delays in cargo leaving origin airports
While normal transit times from Pacific Rim origins are still being achieved at this time there is no question that in addition to continued increases in the air rates over the next 6-8 weeks, we will see increases in the overall transit times of air cargo from Pacific Rim origins to U.S destinations
We appreciate your understanding in this matter and will keep you updated concerning any changes in to the current air freight markets out of Far East and any other origins
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10/15/09
Importers Security Filing (ISF) update |
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Pursuant to Transmodal Corporation's approach of keeping you informed about updates on the Importer Security Filing, U.S. Customs has released an updated ISF FAQ on its Website that answers questions about bond requirements.
As it pertains to you, an Importer, below are the 2 most significant points:
-All ISFs MUST be covered by a bond once CBP's flexible enforcement period ends on Jan. 26, 2010.
-A new ISF stand-alone bond may be filed as either a single transaction or continuous bond. Single entry ISF-only bonds will be set at $10,000 per bond. CBP has not finalized a formula for calculating continuous bonds.
To view CBP's revised FAQ in full visit:
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/cargo_security/carriers/security_filing/10_2faq.ctt/10_2faq.doc
One of Transmodal's In-House, licensed, U.S Custom Broker stands ready to assist you or anyone in your organization in becoming compliant with the Importers Security Filing (ISF), thus allowing you to keep your focus on the issues that will continue to move your business forward in these challenging economic times.
Whether we are handling the transportation, U.S Customs clearance, or ISF filing, Transmodal stands ready to provide 100% compliant ISF filing solutions for our clients. Contact Transmodal immediately and allow us to handle the filing requirements of the new ISF regulations for you.
Transmodal prides itself on our ability to manage any aspect of your core business needs that include transportation, logistics, and U.S Custom brokerage services, and we look forward to the opportunity to strengthen the security and visibility of your total supply chain today.
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09/04/09
Transmodal U.S Offices Closing For 4th of July Holiday |
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Please be advised that Transmodal's U.S based offices will be closed on Monday September 7, 2009 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Normal U.S operations will recommence on Tuesday September 8, 2009
Here is wishing everybody a safe and happy holiday weekend
Thank you for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal
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08/24/09
Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Update Effective For September 1, 2009 |
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Please be advised effective September 1, 2009 the fuel surcharge for air cargo moving out of Hong Kong will be increased to the following:
North & South America: $0.51 per kilo - $0.23 per lb (HKG$4.00 per kilo)
Europe, Middle East: $0.51 per kilo - $0.23 per lb (HKG$4.00 per kilo)
Africa: $0.51 per kilo - $0.23 per lb (HKG$4.00 per kilo)
South & Southwest Pacific:
$0.51 per kilo - $0.23 per lb (HKG$4.00 per kilo)
Thank you for your continued support of Transmodal for all your shipping needs |
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07/10/09
Importers Security Filing (ISF) Announcement From Transmodal |
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Customs recently disclosed to the importing community the penalty mitigation guidelines for ISF violations. They expect to publish a final rule on the subject next week. Below is a summary put together by the NCBFAA.
If your company utilizes Transmodal's Tier 1 ISF service, you can rest assured that your filings are done timely and accurately. If you are not utilizing our service, it is important to start right away. You can request more information on this service by emailing ISF@transmodal.net.
Important Information Regarding ISF
This is the fifth in our informational series on the implementation of the Importer Security Filing (ISF) or "10+2." Our membership and the industry at large continue to raise many questions and voice their concerns about the effects of these new requirements. As a service to our members, National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) subject matter experts (SME), working with senior managers at Customs and Border Protection, have continued to consider these issues as they arise and prepare responses to them. Members and others are strongly encouraged to forward any questions they have or issues they encounter regarding implementation of the ISF to eid@ncbfaa.org for resolution. Once the NCBFAA's SMEs have vetted these, the results will be shared with all and will become part of the information posted on-line.
ISF Mitigation Guidelines Expected to Be Published July 17
Customs and Border Protection expects the Importer Security Filing (ISF) Mitigation Guidelines to be published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2009. In its continuing partnership with the NCBFAA, CBP has briefed the Association on the contents of the mitigation guidelines to ensure that the membership is fully aware of the newest ISF developments.
Circumstances Initiating a Liquidated Damages Case:
There are four situations that may initiate the issuance of liquidated damages: the importers' failure to file an ISF as required by law; a late submission; an inaccurate submission; and the failure to withdraw a filing. Where law enforcement goals are clearly compromised, such as smuggling attempts, fraudulent activities, terrorist activities, and other actions clearly contrary to law, importers can expect to receive no consideration of circumstances for mitigation.
Failure to File an ISF:
CBP indicates that they may choose one of several paths for those shipments where there is a complete failure to file an ISF: the issuance of a Do Not Load (DNL) message to the carrier at the foreign port of lading; withholding permission issued to the carrier to unload the subject goods at the first U.S. port of arrival; delay in issuing permission to unload at the first U.S. port of arrival; issuance of a seizure notification; withholding Customs release of the goods allowing the goods to move to General Order (G.O.); and the issuance of a liquidated damages case.
An Inaccurate Submission of Information on an ISF:
A liquidated damages case will be issued in the amount of $5,000. In this area CBP has clearly attempted to allay fears by indicating that they will take into consideration how and from whom the ISF importer obtained the information for use in the ISF and the importer's ability to commercially verify the information received. CBP will continue to allow parties to present information that they believe to be reasonably true at the time of filing, and will continue to be flexible as long as the importer is able to demonstrate that it has taken measures to verify the information to the extent commercially possible. Additionally, CBP acknowledges that some data is beyond the control of the importer, such as rolled bookings and vessel diversions. In those cases CBP will take these factors into account when issuing liquidated damages cases. If there are successive filings of the ISF data to perfect or correct the data transmitted, CBP will consider only the filing closest to the allowed filing timeframe, which is typically the last ISF filed, for the purposes of issuance of liquidated damages. This clearly indicates that there will not be a per transmission penalty issuance. CBP also acknowledges that data may change somewhat during the transaction itself, and that the correction process is designed to allow for reporting of changed information prior to arrival in the U.S.
A Late Submission of an ISF:
A liquidated damages case will be issued in the amount of $5,000. As CBP expected, the phase-in period has demonstrated several commercial challenges in obtaining all of the information required in a timely manner. CBP indicates that they will be fair in evaluating the timeliness of the filing and will continue to work with those parties who have participated in the process to date. The filing of provisional data is always an option for importers and by only utilizing the filing closest to the timeline of filing for the issuance of liquidated damages, CBP encourages all importers to file data based on that which is commercially available to meet the timelines.
The Failure to Withdraw a Filing:
A liquidated damages case will be issued in the amount of $5,000. CBP has indicated that it is important that importers and filers withdraw an ISF when it is known to be invalid. This may be a result of the cancellation of an order, the discovery of a significant change in the information necessitating a new ISF filing, a complete change in routing, or for other commercial reasons.
Mitigation Amounts:
There is a possibility of a total of $10,000 in liquidated damages per ISF filing. These may be mitigated based on several factors. For the first violation, CBP may cancel the liquidated damages case for the payment of $1,000 - $2,000. For second and subsequent violations, CBP may cancel the liquidated damages case for the payment of $2,500.
Mitigation Factors:
CBP will outline six mitigation factors for use in determining cancellation of liquidated damages cases. A summary is provided below:
1) Evidence of progress in implementing ISF compliance during the phase-in period.
2) The number of ISFs compared with the number of violations.
3) C-TPAT Tier 3 and Tier 2 importers will receive consideration of up to 50 percent mitigation for violations.
4) The importer has demonstrated that remedial actions have been taken to address the circumstances surrounding the violation.
5) Inaccurate filings due to circumstances beyond the importer's control, such as vessel diversions and rolling bookings completely due to carrier actions.
6) Receiving incorrect information from another party in the supply chain, if this information is found to be incorrect at a date later than allowed under the correction timeline. Under certain circumstances the liquidated damages may be canceled without payment.
Aggravating Factors:
There are four aggravating factors that will be outlined in the guidelines. A summary is provided below:
1) The lack of cooperation with CBP.
2) Smuggling attempts and other actions contrary to law in association with the shipment.
3) Multiple errors on one ISF.
4) A rising error rate calculated over all ISFs.
Bond Guidelines Due
Bond Guidelines are still being worked on internally at CBP and are expected to be issued a few weeks after the mitigation guidelines. While the mitigation guidelines do spell out a likely limit of liability in that there is a possible total of $10,000 in liquidated damages that may be issued, the Single Transaction Bond process and the ISF stand alone continuous bond limit of liability is expected to be fully outlined in the Bond Guidelines
If you should have any questions or need any additional information concerning the above, please email us at ISF@transmodal.net
Thank you for your understanding and continued compliance in this important regulatory program
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07/06/09
Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Update Effective For July 14, 2009 |
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Please be advised effective July 14, 2009 the fuel surcharge for air cargo moving out of Hong Kong will be as follows :
To North America & South America:
$0.51 per kilo - $0.23 per lb (HKG$4.00 per kilo)
To Europe & The Middle East:
$0.51 per kilo - $0.23 per lb (HKG$4.00 per kilo)
To Africa:
$0.51 per kilo - $0.23 per lb (HKG$4.00 per kilo)
To South East Asia & Southwest Pacific:
$0.51 per kilo - $0.23 per lb (HKG$4.00 per kilo)
Thank you for your continued support & consideration of Transmodal for all your shipping needs
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06/30/09
Transmodal U.S Offices Closing For 4th of July Holiday |
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Please be advised that Transmodal's U.S based offices will be closed on Friday July 3, 2009 in observance of the 4th of July holiday.
Normal U.S operations will recommence on Monday July 6, 2009
Here is wishing everybody a safe and happy 4th of July holiday weekend
Thank you for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal
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06/30/09
Hong Kong Special Admnistrative Region Establishment Day |
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Please be advised that in celebration of the "HKSAR Establishment Day" our Hong Kong offices will be closed on Wednesday July 1, 2009 and resume normal operating hours on Thursday July 2, 2009
We thank you for your understanding in this matter, and for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal Corporation for all your international shipping needs
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06/22/09
Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Update For June 30, 2009 |
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Please be advised effective June 30, 2009 the fuel surcharge for air cargo moving out of Hong Kong will be as follows :
North & South America: $0.41 per kilo - $0.19 per lb (HKG$3.20 per kilo)
Europe, Middle East: $0.41 per kilo - $0.19 per lb (HKG$3.20 per kilo)
Africa: $0.41 per kilo - $0.19 per lb (HKG$3.20 per kilo)
South & Southwest Pacific:
$0.41 per kilo - $0.19 per lb (HKG$3.20 per kilo)
Thank you for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal for all your international transportation needs
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04/02/09
China Offices closings for Ching Ming Festival on April 4, 2009 |
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Please be advised that in celebration of the "Ching Ming Festival" our Hong Kong offices will be closed on Saturday April 4, 2009 and resuming normal operating hours on Monday April 6, 2009
We thank you for your understanding in this matter, and for your continued support and consideration of Transmodal Corporation for all your international shipping needs
Thank you for your consideration of Transmodal for all your international shipping needs |
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3/16/09
Fuel Surcharge update For Hong Kong effective March 26, 2009 |
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Please be advised effective March 26, 2009 the fuel surcharge for air freight out of Hong Kong will be as follows:
To North & South America:
$0.31 per kilo - $0.14 per lb
To Europe, Middle East:
$0.31 per kilo - $0.14 per lb
To Africa:
$0.31 per kilo - $0.14 per lb
To South & Southwest Pacific:
$0.31 per kilo - $0.14 per lb
For all rate and service inquiries please contact:
Anthony Ambrosio
Vice President / Sales & Marketing
Direct : (201) 316-1611
Mobile: (551) 579-2088
Anthony.Ambrosio@transmodal.net
Thank you for your consideration of Transmodal for all your international shipping needs |
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2/26/09
| Clean Truck Fee (CTF) for the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach |
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Clean Truck Fee (CTF) for the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach now in effect
The Clean Truck Program is part of the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) of the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which aims to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants by 45% by 2012
All trucks 1988 and older are now banned from the marine container terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. All trucks 1989 and newer are subject to the Clean Truck Fee (CTF) which will be used by the ports to help defray the costs of enforcing this program including the ban on older trucks coming in and out of the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles
All cargo owners conducting business at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are now required to claim cargo through PortCheck.
PortCheck is a not-for-profit company created by the West Coast Marine Terminal Operator Agreement (WCMTOA) to collect the Clean Truck Fee (CTF) on behalf of the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach for the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). PortCheck will use an automated system to collect the CTF from cargo owners. Cargo owners already registered in PierPASS program will automatically be uploaded to PortCheck. Cargo owners that are automatically uploaded from PierPASS to PortCheck will have to accept PortCheck's terms and conditions before their account is activated with PortCheck.
Under the Clean Trucks Program, the cargo owner (the party named on the Ocean Bill of Lading) is responsible for paying the CTF fees.
There are two Clean Trucks Fees as follows:
$35.00 per 20 foot container
$70.00 for a container larger than 20 feet
Effective immediately Transmodal Corp (f/k/a Freight Savers Shipping) will be moving forward as follows:
Import Shipments:
For our clients that we are currently advancing the Pier Pass Charges for now, Transmodal Corp (f/k/a Freight Savers Shipping) will now be advancing the CTF fees on your behalf as well and thus including the CTF fee on our freight invoices to you.
For shipments on Transmodal Corp (f/k/a Freight Savers Shipping) HOBL's that terminate in the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and are destined for local Los Angeles door areas which we are not arranging door delivery on, the current party currently advancing Pier Pass fees on your behalf should now be advancing the CTF fees on your behalf as well and billing the CTF fees to you.
Shipments transiting the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and moving to inland points via rail moves are also subject to the CTF fees, and here again, Transmodal Corp (f/k/a Freight Savers Shipping) will be advancing the CTF Fee on your behalf and thus invoicing the CTF fee to you accordingly.
Export Shipments
Our clients shipping exports under a Transmodal Corp (f/k/a Freight Savers Shipping) HOBL that involves the containers being moved directly into the terminals at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles will be invoiced the CTF fee accordingly
Our clients shipping exports under a Transmodal Corp (f/k/a Freight Savers Shipping) HOBL from U.S inland rail points that involve the container transiting through the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles for export out of the U.S will be invoiced the CTF fee accordingly
If you should any questions concerning the Clean Truck Fee (CTF) and the applicable charges associated with this ground breaking legislation, please do not hesitate in contacting us at anytime as we are always at your service
We appreciate your understanding in this matter, and we look forward to the participation and compliance with the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) currently underway in the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
Thank you for your consideration of Transmodal Corporation for all your shipping needs |
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