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...]
What is AES Rehost?
What is AES Rehost? There has been a lot of discussion recently about changes to the Automated Export System (AES) and how it relates to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The AES system was developed back in 1994 and so the system needs to be updated with technology and platform. ACE is commercial trade processing system designed to automate border processing, … [Read more...]
Basic Information Required to Obtain a Freight Quote
Basic Information Required to Obtain a Freight Quote When gathering information to obtain an international freight quote, there are a few bits of information you will need to help the freight forwarder offer the quickest and cheapest price possible. Mode of transport How are you planning to ship your goods? Typically ocean freight is more economical (unless a shipment … [Read more...]