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...]
West Coast Strike? Possible Port Congestion Surcharges
West Coast Strike? Possible Port Congestion Surcharges Contract negotiations between the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) are scheduled to commence on May 12, 2014. Talks are scheduled to run continuously for at least two weeks or until both sides agree on a new labor contract. The current labor contract expires on … [Read more...]
Export Basics: Doing Business Online
Export Basics: Doing Business Online - this 7th in the series E-commerce for E-exporting What is e-commerce? It is buying and selling online through the Internet. The transaction is completed through an electronic network featuring computer systems—the vendor’s, a Web host’s, and the buyer’s—all of which are linked to the Internet. Your company should be familiar with … [Read more...]
Potential West Coast Dock Strike
Potential West Coast Dock Strike Contract negotiations are scheduled to begin face to face on May 12th with the existing contract expiring on July 1st. What are some of the issues? Jurisdiction Pay & Benefits Chassis Business Based on past experience, what to plan for: Slowdowns are expected Backlogs at the ports Extended rail transit … [Read more...]
West Coast Port 2014 Contract Talks to Begin May 12th
West Coast Port 2014 Contract Talks to Begin May 12th The president of the PMA (Pacific Maritime Association) said that the U.S. West Coast employers’ organization will begin contract negotiations with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union on May 12th. Retailers and the Agriculture Transportation Coalition wanted negotiations to start as soon as possible so that … [Read more...]