West Coast Ports Update: Negotiations Continue Contrary to some of the reports, both the PMA and ILWU confirmed that contract negotiations started on May 12th and have not been interrupted. From their joint statement: Both parties remain at the table and are working to reach agreement on a new coast-wide contract. The current six-year contract expires on June 30, … [Read more...]
USPPI Requirements
USPPI Requirements A couple of the questions we frequently get asked are: what does the term USPPI mean and what are the responsibilities for exporting overseas? This is especially true for routed export transactions. The USPPI is the U.S. Principal Party of Interest – basically the entity in the USA who is receiving the benefit of an export shipment. This can be a seller … [Read more...]
West Cost Ports: Congestion Surcharges Clarified
West Cost Ports: Congestion Surcharges Clarified The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) clarifies rules pertaining to congestion surcharges planned by trans-Pacific carriers in the event of U.S. West Coast work stoppages. From the JOC summarizing FMC rules regarding port surcharges: The congestion surcharges must be published in tariffs for at least 30 days before the … [Read more...]
Update on West Coast Port/Strike
Update on West Coast Port/Strike As of today, the ILWU and PMA are still in negotiations for their new labor agreement to replace the existing agreement expiring on June 30. The negotiations cover all US West Coast ports (including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, Tacoma) but not those in Canada or along the US East/Gulf Coasts. Although some form of … [Read more...]
How to Compare Freight Quotes
How to Compare Freight Quotes How do you compare freight quotes to make sure you really are seeing the bottom line cost and comparing them equally? The best way to protect yourself and ensure you are seeing a true cost from your forwarders is to provide the most accurate information possible and also define the terms of the quote and what your expectations are in … [Read more...]