West Coast Port Update: Union Ordered Back to Work AND More... From JOC: An arbitrator has ruled that ILWU members at LA-Long Beach must return to work after refusing to cross picket lines set up by the Teamsters union at two terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, according to the Long Beach Press Telegram. Members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union had … [Read more...]
West Coast Port: Congestion Surcharges & Customs Guidelines on Diversions
West Coast Port: Congestion Surcharges & Customs Guidelines on Diversions Congestion Surcharges From JOC.com: U.S. Federal Maritime Commission [FMC] Chairman Mario Cordero said that they have contacted the container lines this week for specifics on their planned congestion surcharges prior to potential work stoppages at West Coast ports. “What we want to make sure … [Read more...]
Import Document Requirements
Import Document Requirements Now that you have secured your supplier overseas, now it’s time to determine what documentation will be required to import your goods into the United States. Importing into the United States is a bit more cumbersome than exporting from the USA. The 1st thing you will need to do is determine who will file the entry documents to the US Customs … [Read more...]
Importer of Record
Importer of Record You may have heard the term “Importer of Record (IOR)” before, but what does that really mean? Per the Business Dictionary, the definition is below: Customs term for the entity responsible for (1) ensuring the imported goods comply with local laws and regulations, (2) filing a completed duty entry and associated documents and (3) paying the assessed … [Read more...]
What is a Freight Forwarder?
What is a Freight Forwarder? In the simplest of terms, a freight forwarder (sometimes known as a NVOCC - non-vessel operating common carrier ) is a travel agent for your cargo yet there is so much more than that. Some say that a freight forwarder is an 'architect of transport' and some are experts in supply chain management. The legal definition at 49 U.S.C. § 13102 (8) … [Read more...]