The U.S. Trade Representative is considering the possible reinstatement of previously extended exclusions granted under Section 301 investigation of China’s acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation by excluding certain products from the additional duties implemented throughout multiple tranches. Section 301 penalties on specific imports [...]
The backlog of shipping containers delayed at terminals, inland yards, and rail ramps across the United States has grown immensely over the past six months and deteriorating chassis availability in almost every major city in America has been a primary issue preventing the delivery of importing or exporting goods. While [...]
Pursuant to the General Notice (83 FRN 40864) published in July 29, 2021 various changes to user fees within the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985 will take effect on October 1, 2021. The Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) ad valorem rate of 0.3464% will NOT change. The MPF minimum and maximum for formal entries [...]
Due to the extreme backlogs and congestion in ocean freight along trans-Pacific trade routes, international shippers have begun turning to airfreight, maxing out capacity from select origins and driving early peak season demand. PORT CONGESTION COVID lockdowns combined with severe year-round weather impacted supply chain operations at both origin and [...]
I. TERMINAL CONGESTION Ports across the United States are dealing with severe terminal congestion issues, maxed out rail yards, limited warehousing, and chassis shortages caused by a never-ending consumer demand for import goods. As vessels stack the horizon waiting to berth at marine terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach, [...]
On August 6th, the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbot, signed a proclamation exempting truckers from hours of service regulations (FMSCR Part 395, Title 49) for drivers servicing the Port of Houston, declaring a regional emergency. As reported last week, the Port of Houston was impacted by technical issues for several [...]
On Aug. 4, during a Detroit Field Office virtual trade week event, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advised trade to be on the lookout for the Federal Register notice that will officially launch the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Trade Compliance program, putting an end to Importer Self-Assessment. The [...]
On July 27, 2021, the Port of Houston suffered a significant technical failure on systems used to operate both Barbours Cut and Bayport Container Terminals just before the truck gates opened at 7:00 a.m. TIMELINE OF EVENTS 7:00 a.m. – Barbours Cut and Bayport Container Terminals systems failure reported. 10:00 [...]
Extreme delays and wait times at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport have caused some ground service providers to temporarily suspend the acceptance of new air import cargo deliveries this week. Due to congestion, waiting times, and loading delays, import recoveries from several airlines and ocean handlers are taking an average of [...]
The Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will increase by 2.2 percent starting August 1, 2021, according to the West Coast MTO Agreement (WCMTOA). The change is in line with the 2.2 percent rise in longshore salary and assessment rates that went into [...]
