Here at Export Logistics Guide (ELG), we receive a lot of questions from our readers looking for helpful information regarding specific types of shipments. We’ve decided to create a regular series where we offer suggestions. While we may not be able to answer all of your inquiries, we will be choosing some of the more interesting and offering our advice. However, remember that each shipment will be different and could require additional steps. Hopefully, you’ll find this series both helpful and interesting.
Dear ELG,
Our company is looking to ship a sample from our warehouse to the Netherlands and we are wondering what kind of paperwork would be needed. At this time I am not sure what the sample is for sure but that it will weigh 5-10 kgs and be a DG.
_________________________________________________________________
Dangerous Goods (DG) shipments require careful planning. I’ll give you a basic checklist and also provide additional information on why you need to do each step. [click to continue…]
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) will hold its 2009 Annual Conference, April 21-25th, 2009 at the La Quinta Resort and Conference Center, La Quinta, California. More than 600 members are expected to attend.
The SC&RA is an international trade association of more than 1300 members from 43 nations. Members are involved in specialized transportation, machinery moving and erecting, industrial maintenance, millwrighting, crane and rigging operations, manufacturing and rental.
Safety and best business practices are a mainstay of the organization.
Highlights of the Conference include the following:
* Products Fair with 56 exhibitors
* Rigging & Hauling Jobs of the Year Competitions
* Annual Awards & Recognition Dinner
* SC&R Foundations Fire & Ice Biker-themed Gala
* Golf, tennis and fun run/walk events
* President’s reception
* Receptions for International members, first-time attendees and spouses
Educational Sessions include the following:
* Redesigning our future: The Business of Nature, speaker Jean-Michel Cousteau
* You Can Make a Difference, speaker Terry Bowden
* Thriving in a High Performance Environment, speaker Derek Daly
* It’s All About the Economy, speaker Dr. Peter Ruane, President & CEO, American Road & Transporation Builders Association
Source
Effective March 23rd, 2009 – Ports America New Orleans will be open to truck traffic Monday – Thursday for export, import, empty container pick ups and deliveries. However, gate and container yard operations will no longer be accessible on Fridays.
Operating hours will remain the same Monday - Thursday opening at 0700, working through lunchtime, closing at 1700 daily.
Where necessary, vessel export delivery cut-offs will be extended to compensate for the 4 day work week to allow ample time for cargo to be delivered for vessel sailings.
Ports America employees will still be available via email and telephone 5 days a week, Monday – Friday.
I expect more adjustments will occur with carriers and terminal operators as a result of the global trade slowdown.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will begin enforcement of Phase II on April 1st, 2009.
Importation of certain types of wood products listed under Chapter 44 of the Harmonized Tariff Schdule will require a declaration submission at time of import.
The Lacey Act was first enacted in 1900, amended in 1981 to combat illegal trafficking of wildlife, fish or plants. In May of 2008, additional amendments were made making it illegal to import certain plants and plant products without proper declaration.
The declaration must contain the following:
- the specific name of the plant
- value of the importation
- quantity of the plant
- name of the country where the plant was havested
- for paper and paperboard products containing recycled content, the average percent of recycled content must be included
Declarations with false information are subject to prosecution. For complete details visit the APHIS website.
The 2009 navigation season is set to open on March 31st for the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway. Mark your calendar if you are interested in attending the opening ceremony at St. Lambert Lock to be held on the first day of operations March 31st.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the official opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. There are several celebrations scheduled to take place throughout the season to mark this historic event.
Source
The fourth annual roundtable hosted by the Truth about Trade & Technology (TATT) is tentatively scheduled for October 13-14th, 2009 in Des Moines, Iowa. TATT is a non-profit advocacy group led by American farmers who support free trade and biotechnology.
If you are interested in attending you must submit the nomination form by Monday, June 1st, 2009. Only farmers who are actively engaged in farming and agriculture production will be considered. Nomiations can by made on behalf of yourself or another individual.
Please go the TATT website to fill out a nomiation form and view additional details.
A conference you won’t want to miss if you’re involved in the transportation industry.
Many experts of the commodities and logistics field will be attending this very vital conference in New Orleans April 28-30th, 2009.
Representatives from the ports, stevedores, transportation companies, commodity producers, importers, exporters, port authorities, and customs brokers will be taking part.
Distinguished speakers include Bobby Jindal, James Carville and Ray LaHood.
Source
Marine terminal operators at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are reporting that most import cargo is being properly claimed using PortCheck. However, export cargo is experiencing delays.
Cargo must be claimed with PortCheck. “Exporters” are urged to claim their cargo with PortCheck to avoid delays and being turned away at the gate. [click to continue…]