I N D U S T R Y   R O U N D U P

 C O M P A N Y   C O R N E R

Door to Door – For Less

Third and final part of a three-part case study on how to reduce freight costs on shipments from the Far East

	Part Two of this three part Case Study covered the physical movement of a shipment from origin to destination.

In Part One, we saw how ABC Electronics changed the terms of sale for a product purchased in China from CIF (Toronto, Canada) to FCA (Yantian, China). After comparing CIF and FCA pricing from their supplier, it was quickly determined that ABC could reduce shipping costs by 30 per cent by taking control of their freight.

In Part Two, we looked at the steps involved when ABC Electronics purchased their product from overseas, and the physical movement of their shipment from origin to destination.

In the third and final part of this case study, we examine arrival at first port of call in Canada; Customs clearance procedures and transport from port to door. Note how our joint responsibility for freight forwarding and customs clearance provides the following benefits:

• start to finish management of the shipment
• avoidance of transit delays caused by non-compliance and/or failure to complete proper paperwork
• a duty savings of $945
• client kept informed with regular En Route updates

Part Three

Well before the vessel physically arrives on Canadian shores, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will have determined which containers/shipments to hold for wood packaging review/examination. These targets are imposed to ensure any wood packaging materials are in accordance with ISPM No. 15 Regulations and are based on conveyance and cargo data electronically transmitted to Customs prior to vessel loading.

Prior to the vessel docking in Vancouver, Universal proactively submits a Request for Release to the CFIA with copies of the House Bill of Lading and Wood Packaging Declaration from each shipper in the container. Since full documentation was provided in advance of vessel arrival, the CFIA may elect to waive the physical examination.

Ed’s Footnote:
CFIA examinations are conducted at the first port of arrival; Customs examinations are usually conducted at the port of clearance. CFIA is responsible for monitoring and examining incoming shipments to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations on wood packaging, drug interdiction, prohibited goods, Customs and other government department regulations.

Under International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures – ISPM No. 15, Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade – wood packaging materials must be specifically treated/marked. In the event of non-compliance with this regulation, if even one shipment in a consolidated box container is non-compliant the entire container can be refused entry to Canada (and immediately re-exported).


Ed’s Footnote:
Freight costs for re-export will be prorated and bourne by each shipper – in this scenario, you pay for freight twice -- and still haven’t received a shipment. Freight charges are payable again on subsequent import, which means you will pay for freight three times even though your shipment may have been completely compliant.

It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure packaging is compliant. Container examinations are at the full discretion of the CFIA and Customs and will vary depending upon the nature of the commodity (e.g. machinery, food, etc.) along with the country of origin/export. Shipments may be examined by one or both parties with delays of five to 10 days for each.

Ed’s Footnote:

Under ISPM No. 15, all non-manufactured wood packaging (pallets, crates, dunnage, etc.) must be heat treated/fumigated and covered by proper documentation, i.e. Fumigation Certificate and Phytosanitary Certificate. Failure to comply with ISPM No. 15 will require the goods to be re-exported from Canada.

All treated wood packaging must be marked in accordance with the regulations:

XX represents the International Standards Organization two- letter country code for the country in which the wood packaging is produced

000 represents the official certification number issued to the facility producing the compliant wood packaging by the National Plant Protection Organization

YY represents the treatment carried out (e.g. HT for heat treated wood or MB for methyl bromide treated wood).

Good news. Thanks to the earlier steps taken by Universal, CFIA waves examination at the port of Vancouver which would have been a probable 5-day delay.

Ed’s Footnote:

Had the container been held for CFIA examination, the exam costs of approximately $1,000 would have been pro-rated across all shipments and the container would have been delayed 5 – 10 days, pending the exam.

In some instances containers which had been fumigated prior to shipping must be let stand to air-out until noxious fume levels have dissipated enough for CFIA officers to safely enter the container. Depending on gas levels, this process can take anywhere from 1 – 6 days or more. The container is held by CFIA during the process.

Following arrival at the dock in Vancouver, it takes approximately two days to unload the vessel. As containers come off the vessel those that have been released by the CFIA are moved for loading onto rail, a process that can take 1 - 5 days (or more), depending on time of year and the volume of containers at the port. Rail to Toronto takes 5 days, provided there are no delays due to equipment breakdowns, mud/rock slides, accidents, flooding or ice. In the worse case, delays can last several weeks.

The customs documentation is passed internally to Universal’s Ocean Clearances Team to arrange for customs release (in most cases prior to the containers physically leaving Vancouver). ABC’s shipment, which consists of 5,000 interchangeable chisels for portable power tools, was provided the following documentation from XYZ Manufacturing:

Canada Customs Invoice
Commercial Invoice
Certificate of Origin
Packing List
Wood Packaging Declaration
Fumigation Certificate
Phytosanitary Certificate

The chisels are classified under Harmonized System Tariff Classification 8207.90.10.00. On review of the documentation, Universal notes the supplier did not provide a Form ‘A’ Declaration of Origin. This Declaration provides for duty-reduction on qualifying goods manufactured in China (and other beneficiary countries) that are shipped direct to Canada on a through Bill of Lading. In this case, the Form ‘A’ would reduce duty payable from 9% to 0%. Our Ocean Clearances Team contacts ABC and XYZ to obtain the form.

The Form ‘A’ is emailed by XYZ the following day as original forms are not required. Based on the unit price of $2.10 x 5,000 units – obtaining this Form ‘A’ results in a realized duty savings of $945.

With all necessary customs documentation now in-hand, Universal prepares and transmits a Marine PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) release request to Customs. The release request contains all relevant shipment details concerning the goods, importer and exporter, which allow Customs to review and make their release decision prior to the physical arrival of the shipment at the port of clearance in Toronto.

Upon receipt of the PARS release request, Customs made their decision while the container is still en route from Vancouver to Toronto. However, it is only on arrival in Toronto and after physical de-stuffing of the container that Customs’ release decision will be known.

Once the container has arrived in Toronto and has been de-stuffed at the warehouse, the warehouse operator transmits the shipment arrival information to Customs via the Release Support System (RSS). Instantaneously the warehouse operator will receive a message back advising the release decision Customs had made while the container was en route to Toronto (i.e. to either release the shipment for delivery or to hold it for Customs examination).

When ABC’s arrival information is transmitted into RSS the warehouse operator receives a “Hold for Examination” message back from Customs. The Marine Exam Team at Customs is automatically alerted, via RSS, as to the cargo arrival and the examination decision.

Ed’s Footnote:

Had an outside freight forwarder been used, there is a good chance our Ocean Clearances Team would not have been able to submit a release request until the goods had physically arrived in Toronto, as opposed to being able to take that step when the container was still in Vancouver.

At the same time the warehouse operator receives their message, Universal receives an update to our PARS release request, advising the goods are “Referred for Examination” and ABC are notified. Examinations generally take 3 - 4 days, assuming only one party (i.e. Customs) is involved. Add any of the Other Government Departments (OGDs) into the mix and the examination can be significantly longer.

Ed’s Footnote:

Customs typically have five business days to examine marine cargo and make their final release decision. However, storage fees are payable to the warehouse for goods that remain longer than the free-time provided, based on shipment weight/measure (Customs will not pay storage fees).

The Exam Team arrives at the warehouse 3 days later with ABC’s PARS release request information in hand to compare with the actual freight. The freight is physically opened, the contents are reviewed and the packages are counted. The shipment is found to be in order with the PARS release request information and there is no evidence of prohibited goods.

Ed’s Footnote:

Had extra goods been found, Customs would have applied an automatic AMPS Penalty of $2,000, or 5% of the value of the non-declared items (first infraction) for failure to account for all goods (i.e. smuggling).

The shipment is customs released and the release date/time is entered into the RSS by Customs – as this update can take several hours, Customs will also provide the warehouse operator with a stamped copy of the release so the goods are immediately available for delivery.

Universal receives the updated release message and arranges for delivery of the goods to ABC. We provide the nominated carrier with freight and consignee details. The carrier then contacts the consignee for a delivery appointment (where required) and picks up the shipment from the warehouse for delivery. Since the goods are picked up prior to storage fee commencement, there are no additional costs to ABC. The shipping process ends with Universal providing an En Route update to ABC on the shipment ETA.

Brian Rowe, General Manager – Customs Consulting Services, says this three-part series provides important insights for anyone looking to find better ways to reduce freight costs and manage transit times. "The real savings are achieved by taking control of your freight," he notes. He also recommends that companies take advantage of the free SMART Reviews on customs brokerage and freight offered exclusively by Universal Logistics. "There is no better way to find and cut the hidden costs in your supply chain," he says.

Looking for the hidden savings in your supply chain?
Start with a SMART Freight Review

It is hard to remember a time when there was so much economic turmoil. But you may be able to thrive on this chaos by altering how you manage your shipments. Get started now by ordering a SMART Freight Review, available exclusively from Universal Logistics. There is no cost or obligation for this market-tested service, which has helped numerous companies save thousands of dollars – or more.

The SMART Freight Review includes a preliminary assessment of selected transactions covering a specific period of time or trade lane, and recommendations on how to reduce your freight costs and better manage transit times. You implement the changes and reap the savings. It’s that easy. And it is absolutely free.

Trade and economic trends have worldwide impacts

Click one of the following links to read articles on the most important trade and economic trends:

• Canada’s worldwide trade surplus declines
• U.S surface trade with Canada and Mexico declines
• Wall Street collapse has major impact on logistics business
• Asia Pacific air freight volumes continue to crumble
• World-wide economic slump depresses imports
• Slumping China market could lead to lower shipping rates
• Global rankings of shipping terminals about to change

Canada’s worldwide trade surplus declines

A report from Statistics Canada says the country’s trade surplus with the world declined to $4.9 billion in July from $5.6 billion in June, as the growth in imports surpassed the growth in exports.

Canada’s exports continued to rise, increasing 2.2% to $44.3 billion in July, as volume increased 1.7% and prices rose 0.5%. The value of exports has been on the rise throughout 2008, largely reflecting rising export prices.

Imports rose 4.6% to $39.4 billion, the fourth consecutive monthly increase. The growth was due to rising volume, which was up 3.6%, while prices increased 1.0%. Import prices have been on the upward trend for the past nine months, while volume movements have been trending upward since April 2008.

Exports to the United States rose 3.1% to $34.2 billion. Imports increased 8.0% to $25.3 billion, yielding a trade surplus with the US of $8.9 billion, down from $9.7 billion.

Exports to countries other than the US decreased 0.7%, while imports from these countries as a group declined 0.9%. Trade deficit with countries other than the US narrowed to $4.0 billion from $4.1 billion.

U.S surface trade with Canada and Mexico declines

The Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that U.S. surface transportation trade in goods with NAFTA partners in Canada and Mexico totaled $71.6 billion in July, down 3.4% from June but up 15.0% from a year before. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline and accounts for about 88% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico.

Surface trade between the US and Canada totaled $46.9 billion in July, up 19.8% from July 2007. Exports by truck increased 16.2% by value while imports by truck rose 2.6%.

According to the DOT, the value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in July was up 68.1%, compared to July 2003 and 123.6% from July 1998, including 129.8% increase for imports and a 116.2% rise for exports.

Wall Street collapse has major impact on logistics business

The collapse of major US-based global investment banks on Wall Street has led to a clear downturn of demand in air, sea and road freight since the end of last year. Further job losses and caution in the banking system can only have a dampening effect in the U.S. and many other parts of the world.

It is also quite possible that the financial crunch will affect merger and acquisition activities in the logistics sector.

The one positive trend is the decline in oil prices, which dipped well below $100 a barrel, primarily because of lower economic growth and worsening general sentiment worldwide.

Asia Pacific air freight volumes continue to crumble

Worldwide air cargo traffic in August fell by 2.7% year-on-year. That continued a trend of declining volumes seen over the past two months. It is also worth noting that the ATK (available tonne kilometres) figure has risen by 1.1%, suggesting margins might be softening even further.

In terms of regional performance, Asia Pacific did notably badly in August, with a 6.8% fall compared to August 2007. That followed a similar-sized fall in July. With the region accounting for almost half of all global air freight, the Asia Pacific figure had a heavy influence on the overall industry downward trend.

In contrast, North America experienced a modest increase in volume of 0.8% during August, although that represented a slowdown from the 4.5% growth figure for the year to date. Europe saw a modest shrinkage of 0.9% for the month under review, continuing a trend of modest falls in traffic.

The biggest decline, however, was in Latin America, which saw a 13.2% fall year-on-year. That trend was apparently influenced by exceptional issues connected with the state of the airline industry in Brazil. Only the Middle East continued the large increases in volume that the sector has become used to, with a year-on-year increase in August of 11.4%. More moderate growth in passenger numbers hints of the beginnings of a downturn.

World-wide economic slump depresses imports

Economic weakness that began in the U.S. has spread to industrialized economies. Domestic demand in the larger economies generally weakened in the second quarter of this year, leading to faltering imports, a trend that should eventually ease the capacity restraints for shipping.

What is striking about this decline is the number of larger economies where imports tumbled, and the uniform steepness of that drop. In Germany, imports fell in the April-June period by 5.3% and GDP dropped 2%. Japan saw a similar drop in GDP, and imports took a hit of more than 10%.

With industrialized-economy imports down, key Asian trading nations like Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China are already feeling the effects. If the impact is this rapid, it follows that extension of this trend will have a broad impact on near-term global growth.

Slumping China market could lead to lower shipping rates

China is grappling with slowing demand as consumers in the U.S. and Europe cut spending in the wake of the mortgage-debt meltdown. Exports have already begun to slow, a trend that should eventually lead to lower shipping rates for ocean freight to the U.S. and Canada, says Dave Lychek, title for Universal Logistics.

China’s growth for the first nine months of the year was 9.9 per cent, compared with 11.9 per cent for all of 2007. Economists have cut forecasts for 2008 to as low as 9 per cent.

Global rankings of shipping terminals about to change

China’s export volumes and some major terminal construction could threaten Singapore and Hong Kong in the global ranking of ports under threat. According to some forecasts, Shanghai will overtake Singapore in 2008 as the world’s number one container port.

Shenzhen, the three-port grouping in southern China (comprising Yantian, Shekou and Chiwan), may overtake Hong Kong as the world’s third largest container port in the near future. Shenzhen’s already substantial throughput will be boosted by the Shenzhen Da Chan Bay container terminal project, which will add a further 10m TEUs of annual capacity to the gateway.

Container volumes to/from north-east China are also expected to grow fast over the next few years, due to a major expansion at the port of Qingdao.

Although China continues to dominate as the world’s manufacturing centre, production facilities are also moving to other Asian countries, particularly Vietnam, which is diversifying into high tech manufacturing. Computer components manufacturer Intel, for example, has announced that it is opening a major new plant near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Universal executives travel to Frankfurt to help launch BookFreight – a world-wide network of book freight forwarding specialists

Here’s some great news for our many clients in the book publishing business. Universal Logistics is now part of BookFreight, a partnership of well established freight forwarders from Canada, the United Kingdom, United States, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Germany and Singapore. “Universal is a founding member of BookFreight and the sole Canadian representative, a competitive advantage that will allow us to provide an even higher level of service to our valued book industry clients,” notes Paul Glionna, Vice President - Operations.

Paul Glionna (left) and Mark Glionna, Vice President – Client Relations, (right) visit the BookFreight display at the Frankfurt Annual Book Fair, held October 15-19, 2008.	Mark Glionna (right) shares a laugh with fellow BookFreight member Martin Watts of World Transport Agency (UK).

Mark Glionna (far left) and Paul Glionna (far right) pose with BookFreight members.

Book and Periodical Council endorsement

For the 13th consecutive year, the Book and Periodical Freight & Distribution Committee is recommending Universal Logistics as their international freight forwarder and customs broker.

Anne McClelland, Executive Director of the Book and Periodical Council, said Universal Logistics has earned the Council’s continued confidence on the strength of a full compliment of customs brokerage services at competitive prices, AMPS consulting and ocean and air consolidation services from the UK, and other international printing centres, such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

“Your continued dedication to education and seminar training on issues of particular interest to our industry has been invaluable,” said Ms. McClelland. “Universal has provided our membership with the tools required to help streamline and maximize their operational capabilities. Your partnership approach to compliance and your ability to bring representation from Canada Customs to discuss those issues specific to our industry are unique. We value the tradition of fine service Universal has provided to the publishing trade and look forward to developing our ongoing relationship.”

For more information contact Mark Glionna, Vice President – Client Relations

Short-sea service launched

A new short-sea service between Halifax and the Great Lakes was launched this summer, when the Canadian-flagged Dutch Runner made its inaugural call to Montreal to unload breakbulk and project cargo and containers from overseas. The ship made its way through the St. Lawrence Seaway and into the Great Lakes to take on cargo in St. Catharines and containers in Toronto.

“Solid interest for the concept of short-sea shipping is materializing,” said vessel owner Aldert van Nieuwkoop.

Lisa Raitt, president and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority, said short-sea shipping is good for both business and the environment. “By moving containers on the water, transport trucks are removed from our congested highways, curbing their carbon emissions,” she said. “If you need to move something into or out of the Toronto area, this is definitely the way to do it in a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable way.”

U.S. enacts Mandatory Electronic Export
Declarations October 1

Effective October 1, 2008, U.S. Customs began enforcement of mandatory filing of Electronic Export Information (EEI) declarations, part of the Automated Export System (AES).

Most shipments originating from the US and destined for Canada are exempt from the EEI filing. However, goods exported under the following conditions will still require the AES filing:

• Sent to Canada for storage, but ultimately destined for other countries
• Moving through Canada to a third destination
• Requiring a Department of State export license
• Subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), but exempt from license requirements
• Requiring a Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security export license
• Rough diamonds

Even when an export declaration is not required under AES, the first page (top right hand legend) of the bill of lading, air waybill or other commercial loading document must indicate the AES applicable exemption number. The applicable exemption for goods destined for Canada is 30.36. The complete regulation and list of AES exceptions can be found in the Federal Register (refer to page 31555 for exception lists).

For shipments destined to Canada that do not require AES filing, the documents must state “NO EEI 30.36” to advise the carrier and US Customs of the AES exemption.

For more information, please contact Brian Rowe, General Manager – Customs Consulting Services.

The deadline for 2009 NAFTA Certificates (December 31, 2008) is coming up fast. If you miss it and make a claim for preferential treatment without a valid NAFTA Certificate, you will be subject to an AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalty System) transactional penalty of:

1st infraction - $1,000.00
2nd infraction - $5,000.00
3rd infraction - $10,000.00
Subsequent infractions - $25,000.00

You also need to remember that a 2008 Blanket Certificate is not valid for 2009 shipments.

For more information on NAFTA please also refer to www.naftanow.org.

We can handle the entire process for you with our convenient – and increasingly popular – NAFTA Management Service. For more information, please call (905) 882-4880 and ask to speak with Darren Lair, Customs Consulting Services.

Testing for formaldehyde delays marine container shipments

Expanded testing of shipping containers for formaldehyde by The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is resulting in delays for Canada’s importers and exporters.

Customs officers have been required since June to test all marine containers pulled for inspection - approximately three per cent of hundreds of thousands annually - for the presence of formaldehyde in order to protect employees from any possible exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Almost every container has tested positive, however, resulting in lengthy delays before they are ventilated and then cleared for delivery to their final destinations.

"The CBSA recognizes that the testing and ventilation of containers is causing delays with the movement of containers and is taking immediate action to address the current state of our operations while still ensuring the health and safety of our employees," spokesperson Tracie LeBlanc said from Ottawa.

The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA), the Shipping Federation of Canada and the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters, say the introduction of testing for formaldehyde has caused and continues to cause “serious harm” to the entire importing and exporting community.

For more information contact David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services

Second fee reduction at Toronto Pearson airport

Effective January 1, 2009, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is reducing landing fees and terminal charges paid by airlines at Toronto Pearson International Airport. With the 25 per cent decrease in all-cargo landing fees announced earlier this year, the total projected savings in 2009 will be $28 million.

Two airlines reduce fuel surcharge

Alitalia reduced its fuel surcharge to CAD 1.01 per kilo, effective October 1, 2008. The surcharges (fuel surcharge of CAD 1.01 per kilo and the security surcharge of CAD 0.16 per kilo) should be calculated on the chargeable or volume weight of the shipment.

Austrian Airlines has decreased its current Fuel Surcharge from CAD 1.05 to CAD 1.00 per kilogram for air waybills issued on or after October 1, 2008. The airline says it will monitor fuel prices closely and make adjustments as necessary.

For more information contact Islay Fairholm, Supervisor – Airfreight Services.

New Certificate of Conformity Regulations now required for U.S. Consumer Products

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has removed the requirement of foreign manufacturers and private Labelers to be identified on Certificates of Conformity for consumer products entering the U.S. Instead, the Certificate is now required to reflect the importers identifying information. This new rule pertains to goods manufactured or produced on or after November 12, 2008.

Consumer Products encompass a wide variety of goods including childrens products, wearing apparel, toys, sporting goods, refrigerators, furniture, hazardous materials, all-terrain vehicles, etc., and are defined, complete with exceptions, in the Consumer Product Safety Act (see page 5 of the following link) www.cpsc.gov/businfo/cpsa.pdf.

The new regulations, pursuant to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 enacted on August 14, 2008, permit testing of consumer products by the foreign manufacturer so long as Certificates are issued with the importer's information. Importers who rely on foreign testing are advised to ensure contracts/purchase orders identify required tests and Certificate requirements as liability protection.

Under the CPSIA regulations the U.S. importer is to furnish or make available an electronic copy of the Certificate of Conformity to all distributors/retailers of the Consumer Product. Failure to abide with the regulations, after a period of adjustment, will result in entry refusal or destruction of goods.

FAQs issued by the CPSC can be found at www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/sec102FAQs3.pdf

Canada signs free trade agreement with Colombia

On November 21, 2008, Canada and the Republic of Colombia signed a free trade agreement (FTA) that will provide Canadian businesses with unprecedented open access to the Colombian market. The agreement eliminates tariffs on Canadian exports, a change that is expected to make Canadian goods more competitive in a range of sectors, including mining, agriculture and agri-food products.

Two-way trade between the countries exceeded $1.1 Billion in 2007.
More information from the government of Canada.

Going the extra mile

Our employees regularly attend key industry events – even if it means travelling to the four corners of the earth. Here is a review of the most recent trips:

September 22 – Paul Glionna, Vice President – Operations, travels to Vancouver to attend the FIATA 2008 World Congress, which featured a Forum on Infrastructure, Today’s Challenge for Tomorrow’s Sustainable Transport.

Mark Glionna, Vice President – Operations (right), was a key participant in the 2008 annual conference of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers.

October 19-21 - Mark Glionna, Vice President - Client Relations, and Michael Glionna, President, fly to Vancouver to attend the annual conference of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB). Mark Glionna spoke at the event on managing compliance and was re-elected as a Director of the CSCB National Board, a two-year term, effective October 2008. Delegates said his presentation and the remarks by other speakers were “informative”, “refreshing” and “fascinating”.

November 3 – Mark Glionna and Paul Glionna travel to Hong Kong and Taiwan to attend the annual conference of the Certified Transportation Network (CTN), a worldwide group of international logistics providers. “The CTN helps strengthen the worldwide connections we need to meet and exceed client expectations,” says Paul Glionna.

Universal Logistics employees appointed to key industry committees

Paul Glionna, Vice President – Operations, has been appointed Regional Education Chair for the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA). “This is an important role because education is vitally necessary to keep up with the constantly changing aspects of the logistics business,” says Mr. Glionna.

Chris Cartan, Manager – Customs Operations, has been appointed to a committee of customs brokers that meets regularly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) counterparts to address issues related to air, ocean, truck, courier and postal clearances within the GTA. “I welcome this appointment because I not only get a chance to comment on industry issues, but also gain insights that help shape how we deliver customs brokerage services,” says Mr. Cartan.

Mark Glionna, Vice President – Client Relations continues to chair the Customs Verification & Services (CV&S) committee for the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB). This is a joint committee with representation from CBSA and customs brokers to ensure Customs Policy is implemented consistently and effectively across Canada.

Mark Glionna also sits on committees representing the CSCB at a National level, meeting with CBSA in Ottawa to discuss Importer/Border security and Administrative Monetay Penalty System (AMPS) issues.

	Brenda Munroe – Client Relations

AT YOUR SERVICE

After spending seven years in sales for Universal Logistics, Brenda Munroe has joined our Client Relations team, created to implement our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) program.

“I welcome this opportunity to work with our existing clients, which is all about ensuring that they are aware of every way we can help them reduce freight costs, manage transit times and avoid costly penalties for non-compliance, ” says Brenda.