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

The dirty, ugly secret of freight shipping

Failing to take control of your freight can cost you thousands of dollars – and the following case study, based on an actual freight shipment, provides the proof.

The case study begins with a review of what happened when the company allowed the shipper to arrange the freight shipment. You will see some of the most common dirty, ugly (and costly) secrets of freight shipping and how those problem areas were corrected when the company took control of its freight with the assistance of Universal Logistics. The only alteration involves the company name, which was changed, for privacy reasons, to “ABC Company”.

ABC Company agreed to freight shipping, on prepaid terms, from Hong Kong. This meant the freight was controlled by the shipper, not ABC company, and the shipping terms covered the movement of the freight to the Toronto terminal only. On arrival in Toronto, Universal Logistics, as the customs broker, received an invoice from the forwarder carrying the cargo, including charges for Canadian Terminals and BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor). This was notable for two reasons: CAD Terminals are typically prepaid for cargo from Hong Kong and BAF is not billed separately. The amount charged for these two items was roughly US $1,500.00.

Further review of the commercial invoice indicated that there were charges for freight, totaling $3,000. Combining both charges, the consignee was outlaying roughly US $4,500 in freight charges -- or about $1,500 more than market levels.

By changing the terms from *CFR to **FOB, the client was able to take control of the freight and engage Universal Logistics to provide, prior to shipping, a quotation for the freight costs. In addition, the commercial invoice was revised to reflect the true value of the goods, not an amount distorted by inaccurate freight costs. Moreover, by having Universal Logistics coordinate the freight, the consignee received shipment updates from the date of departure to final delivery at destination.

Cost certainty. Savings of $1,500. Regular shipment updates. Door-to-door management of your freight. That’s proof it really does pay to take control of your freight.

*CFR (Cost & Freight)
Title, risk and insurance cost pass to buyer when delivered onboard the ship by seller who pays the transportation cost to destination port.

**FOB (Free On Board)
Risk passes to buyer, including payment of transportation and insurance cost, once delivered onboard the ship by the seller.

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

Solid balance sheet means you can continue to
expect industry leading products and service

You hear a lot these days about companies struggling with financial problems and being forced to make cuts that ultimately lead to reduced service. The logistics sector has been particularly hard hit. But a combination of prudent financial management and solid management of operations has allowed a few companies, including Universal Logistics, to operate with no cutbacks in services.

“We’re committed to maintaining – and even improving – the client service that has allowed us to capture a growing share of market, despite the tough economic environment,” notes Michael Glionna, President of Universal Logistics. “We owe a debt of thanks to our employees and senior management. All of them have demonstrated the forward thinking and extra effort that every company needs to be successful in this challenging economic environment.”

Mr. Glionna said the company’s recently released SMART Reviews are proof positive that Universal Logistics is increasing services when other competitors are cutting back. “We have put a lot of time and resources into our two new SMART Freight Review and SMART Customs Review services and initial results are very promising.”

Continuing investment in employee training is another indicator of the company’s solid performance. To learn more, read our article on the freight designations recently acquired by a large group of Universal Logistics employees and managers.

The new Customs Audit process – shorter, faster
and potentially more damaging

Until now, a Customs Audit was an 18-month process involving on-site visits by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), seemingly endless requests for information, a review of internal systems/information, a walkthrough of your premises and a formal presentation of the results. This process was very visible for operations and all levels of management within an importer's organization, and CBSA’s presentation of their findings left the importer knowing what was wrong and what was needed to correct the errors.

Now imagine an audit process that does not involve on-site visits, the flashing of a badge at the front door, the requested security clearance to enter/extract your systems information and the presentation of their findings. Instead, the entire audit process is conducted with one letter requesting information. That’s what you can expect with the new audit procedure, called a Desk Audit. It is a simple, fast and effective way for the CBSA to conduct multiple verifications without tying up resources in lengthy reviews. The Desk Audit process also allows CBSA to review/monitor many more importers than was ever possible with a full blown audit of each importer.

The previous full audit process was a true “multi-program” review that involved everything from Origin/Marking and Tariff Classification to GST status and Valuation. Desk Audits, in contrast, look at one program only, which is why they can be completed in a quarter of the time.

The challenge now is to ensure that the audit finding is communicated to everyone who has to act on that finding. For example, someone in the Accounting Department may have supplied Customs with all the requested information. But did the findings get passed throughout proper channels? Was there a valuation or tariff issue that requires correction to past transactions and, most important, did that information get passed to your customs broker, a necessary step to file the corrections?

Many importers assume, incorrectly, that all correspondence from Customs automatically goes to their customs broker. The truth is the broker doesn’t know about the audit unless you tell them.

You also have to ensure that the requirements of Customs’ findings are met in full. This means you need to correct not only past transactions, but also all future transactions of same/similar goods. Failure to do so will result in AMPS penalties, as “Reason to Believe” has now been established. Put simply, if you repeat an error that was identified previously during an audit, CBSA assumes that you knowingly made the error.

Anywhere from 2 - 18 months after the initial audit, the CBSA will return to do a Monitoring Review to ensure you have met your requirements. If there was a requirement to correct past transactions, CBSA will select up to 25 transactions from that correction period and demand that you supply the applicable adjustment information. Failure to comply will result in the application of penalties.

If there was a valuation or tariff classification change, CBSA will select transactions that took place after the audit to ensure you implemented the required changes. All transactions selected will be more than 90-days old and thus outside your time-limit to adjust without penalty. If the error(s) still persist, penalties will be issued and you may have to go through another Desk Audit or, even worse, a full audit of your entire import system.

Remember, while Desk Audits can appear to be completely harmless requests for information, proper handling is a must to avoid potentially disastrous results. Management and your customs broker should be involved in every step in the process. Ensure your broker reviews all information before it is sent to the CBSA. Your broker should also review CBSA’s requirements to ensure they are correct. That’s right. Customs aren’t always correct and their mistake could potentially cost you money or have you in Appeals for years.

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

Cargo Examinations – nowhere to hide

Video Probes, Laser Range Finders, Submersible Cameras. This isn’t the James Bond travel kit. It is the new arsenal of advanced technology used by the CBSA to check every class of product and mode of transport. Here is a quick review of some of the more advanced systems:

Mobile Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System
The mobile Vehicle and Cargo Inspections System (VACISTM) is a truck-mounted, gamma-ray, mobile scanning system that captures an image of a marine container, rail car or truck contents. It gives the equipment operators an image similar to an X-ray. The mobile VACISTM can quickly scan a shipment to detect suspected contraband, weapons and other dangerous goods.

This investment in new technology further enhances the CBSA’s ability to stop dangerous goods from entering Canada. This new technology is safe, secure, and fast. The VACISTM units use a low-level radiation source to penetrate the vehicles and their cargo. With the assistance of gamma ray scanning, operators view radiographic images of marine container shipments on a computer to quickly and easily identify hidden compartments associated with the transportation of stolen or illegal goods. VACISTM units enable operators to determine if commercial cargo is consistent with the declared manifest.

The CBSA has purchased 12 units, which are strategically located at various seaports, airports and land border crossings in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

For other examinations, the CBSA will use the Pallet Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS), a self-contained stationary gamma-ray scanning system that captures images of pallets and large pieces of freight in customs commercial examination facilities. The CBSA has purchased three of these units, which have been installed at marine container examination facilities in British Columbia; Montreal, Quebec; and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Radiation detection equipment adds another layer of security at marine ports
A radiation detection portal is a set of two four-metre-high panels that are anchored to the ground and positioned to allow a container to pass through. This design makes it possible to do mass screening of cargo containers to determine if radiation is present.

Carborne
The carborne unit is normally used during a secondary examination of a container. This mobile screening system is mounted onto the roof of a vehicle and can search for radioactive materials, identify the type of radiation and transmit the data 24 hours a day to a team of analysts and scientists for interpretation.

X-ray systems
The CBSA has an extensive inventory of various X-ray systems, including baggage, mobile and roll-in cargo systems. The CBSA uses X-ray systems in all modes of transportation for both traveler and commercial streams.

Contraband Outfitted Mobile Examination Trucks
Contraband Outfitted Mobile Examination Trucks (COMETs) are used to transport CBSA officers and their contraband detection equipment to examination sites and to provide a mobile office to conduct enforcement activities.

Flexible videoprobes
Used to search for undeclared currency and contraband.

Fibre scopes
Used at all land border, marine and airports to view areas of vehicles and cargo that are not visible to the naked eye.

Submersible cameras
Used at marine ports and major commercial border crossings to inspect ships, containers and tractor-trailers.

Mirror kits
Used to inspect the undercarriage of vehicles and other hard-to-reach areas.

Density meters
Used at major border and marine ports to determine the density of a surface or object. The meters can discover hidden walls and help the CBSA detect contraband.

Laser range finders
Used to measure the inside of commercial containers.

Trace detection technology systems and hand-held systems
Used for identifying trace amounts of narcotics and explosives residue.

Remote Operated Vehicles
Remote Operated Vehicles are used for under-vessel inspection in marine operations.

Detector Dogs
Detector dog teams are located across Canada. These teams help protect Canada's health and safety by detecting illegal narcotics, firearms and currency. They also help prevent harmful pests and diseases by detecting illegal plants, fruits, meat and animals.

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

Port Review – Montreal & Halifax

Port of Montreal

Linked to more than 100 countries around the world by many shipping lines, the Port of Montreal is located on one of the largest navigable waterways in the world – the St. Lawrence River – and offers the shortest route between major European and Mediterranean ports and North American markets. Situated 1,600 kilometres inland from the Atlantic, it is the international port closest to North America’s industrial heartland.

Of all the ports along the North American East Coast, Montreal is the one that offers, year-round, the fastest most direct and most economical access to the major markets in Central Canada, the US Midwest and the US Northeast. Ships need only stop at one port – Montreal – to access these vast markets. Nearly all shipping lines offering regular service to the Port of Montreal fully unload and load their vessels here, offering considerable savings in time and money. Transatlantic, rail and road links interconnect to shorten distances and reduce door-to-door cargo transportation costs.

A leader among container ports serving the North Atlantic, every year the Port of Montreal handles more than 20 million tonnes of highly-diversified cargo: containerized and non-containerized general cargo, grain and other dry bulk, petroleum and other liquid bulk products.

Facts & Figures

• Four modern container terminals
• Large, open areas for handling dry bulk, including a terminal at Contrecoeur, some 40 kilometres downstream from Montreal
• Two multipurpose terminals
• 15 transit sheds for non-containerized general cargo and dry bulk
• A grain terminal with storage capacity of 260,000 tonnes
• Berths for petroleum products and other liquid bulk
• A railway network with more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) of track serving almost every berth
• A passenger terminal for cruise ships
• Cranes with heavy-lift capacities
• Special ramps for roll-on/roll-off cargo
• Interconnect to transport cargo from point of origin to final destination in the most efficient manner possible.
• Regular services have made Montreal their primary port of call in North America.
• Montreal-based shipping lines have invested close to $1 billion in their fleets.
• The Montreal Port Authority operates its own highly efficient rail network on port territory. This network offers direct access to almost every berth, with over 100 kilometres (60 miles) of track and six locomotives.
• The port’s railway network is directly linked to the yards of both trans continental railways – Canadian National and Canadian Pacific, eliminating the intermediate transhipment that is unavoidable at many other ports, and allows for rapid loading of standard as well as double-stack and spine cars.
• Approximately 60% of the containerized traffic moving through the Port of Montreal is carried inland by rail, mostly to and from markets in Ontario and the US Midwest.
• The Port of Montreal provides shippers with transit times of 10 hours to Toronto, 25 hours to Detroit and just over 30 hours to Chicago.
• Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railways offer regular double-stack service between the Port of Montreal and the Toronto, Detroit and Chicago regions and offer double-stack services to Vancouver.
• The Port of Montreal’s facilities are located just minutes away from a network of highways leading to major centres throughout North America, Toronto and the farthest regions of Central Canada are only hours away.

Port of Halifax

The Halifax harbour is one of the deepest and largest natural harbours in the world. It is the first mainland port inbound to North America from Europe and the Mediterranean and the last mainland port outbound in the opposite direction. The port is ice-free year round. It is strategically located, approximately 100 km north of the Great Circle Route.

In terms of tonnage, Halifax was the 6th placed North American port on the Europe trade route and 11th on the Asia and Oceania trade route in 2001.

With a maximum depth of 55 feet, the Halifax harbour is the deepest harbour on the east coast of North America. While ships currently coming through the harbour are of the order of 5000 TEU, the port is already equipped to handle the 10,000 TEU ships expected in the future. Because of its proximity to the Great Circle route, it can be used as a First In Last Out port.

Facts & Figures

• Two modern container terminals with twelve gantry cranes
• Five cranes that can accommodate post-Panamax vessels
• A naturally deep harbour, with container berths in the range of 45 to 55 feet
• Ice-free port with minimal tides and no currents
• Advanced and comprehensive EDI system
• Excellent landbridge opportunities to the US and Western Canada
• Large volume of locally based reefer traffic for export
• Skilled, stable, productive workforce
• First inbound port and last outbound port on the North American continent enabling shortest ocean voyage for ships operating on the North Atlantic, pendulum services, and Suez routings
• Strategically located near major shipping lanes
• Halifax is one day closer to Southeast Asia (via Suez) than any other East Coast container port
• Internationally competitive bunker fuel prices
• No cabotage restrictions for transhipment to US
• No harbour maintenance tax or dredging-related assessments
• More than 20 direct liner services
• Excellent intermodal rail, truck, water and air connections
• On-dock rail service offering daily double-stacked departures to and from Montreal, Toronto and the US Midwest
• Excellent highway connections to all inland points in Canada and the US
• Direct and connecting air freight and passenger services to all national and international destinations through Halifax International Airport

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

Are your products subject to export controls?

Companies are having products detained by Canada Customs because the company was not aware that permits are required for any goods or technologies on Canada’s Export Control List.

Goods being exported from Canada that are subject to export control include the following:

• have a military application, including firearms and commercial “dual-use” goods
• used in the nuclear and chemical industries, space and aerospace technology
• goods manufactured in the United States, and raw logs

Export controls are designed to ensure that controlled items are not redirected to unacceptable uses or destinations where they could be used against Canadians or Canadian interests – and could destroy the reputation of the exporting company.

Find out more at: www.international.gc.ca/canadexport/articles/81218c.aspx.

Source: CIFFA eBulletin

Cargo crime on the rise

Latest statistics from the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region show 3,756 reported incidents of cargo crime during 2008, with a total loss value of more than US$214 million. This figure will continue to grow as incident data is still being collated for last year.

Just over 10% of the crimes were classified by TAPA as ‘major incidents’.

Source: Air Cargo News, March 20, 2009

A recent survey conducted by Reliance Security Services and Storage Handling Distribution magazine found that more than three-quarters of managers with responsibility for security in logistics businesses across the UK believed the current economic downturn would raise the level of crime affecting their businesses.

Of the three-quarters that expected an increase in crime, 85% believed break-ins would increase and 69% anticipated internal theft/fraud would rise, while more than half (52%) expected an increase in vehicle hijacking. Some 15% expected vandalism to increase, while 13% believed drugs-related issues affecting the industry would also rise.

Source: Transport Intelligence, April 8, 2009

Declines in trade activity continue to dominate most reports on economic activity. Here are reports from three sources:

• Canadian trade with the US declines in ‘08
• Truckload rates expected to fall four per cent
• Economy shows signs of recovery – Statistics Canada

Canadian trade with the US declines in ‘08

Trade with Canada’s largest trading partner, as a percentage of overall trade, was down 1.5% in 2008.

The US accounted for 67.5% of Canada’s total merchandise trade in 2008, down from 67.2% the previous year and 74% in 2003. That decline has been offset somewhat by higher trade volumes with other countries. In 2008, Canadian exports to countries other than the US accounted for 22.3% of total exports, up from 14.3% in 2003. Asia-Pacific countries, mostly Japan, lead the way with Brazil also playing a significant role.

Canada has also increased its imports from countries other than the US, a trend that’s continued for seven years now. In 2008, 47.6% of Canadian imports were from countries other than the US, up from just 39.4% in 2003. Imports from other countries rose 10.7% in 2008 over the previous year.

China remains Canada’s second most important trading partner for imports, behind the US.

Source: Canadian Transportation & Logistics, April 6, 2009

Truckload rates expected to fall four per cent

Rates for truckload services will fall about four per cent this year as US shippers seek to lock low-spot market pricing into long-term contracts, a transportation industry analyst said.

The analyst said rates are “in the shipper’s favour for now” as demand is falling faster than carriers can pull capacity from the market. With talks for annual contracts typically occurring in the spring, the tough spot market could put a cloud over the truckload carriers for the rest of 2009.

“Shippers appear to be increasingly positioning themselves to take advantage of the current soft freight market”.

Source: CIFFA eBulletin

Economy shows signs of recovery – Statistics Canada

After two consecutive months of deficits, Canada posted an unexpected trade surplus in February, reports Statistics Canada.

Exports rose 5.2% to $33.1-billion during the month "as all sectors increased and auto makers resumed production." Imports increased 1.1% to $33-billion, led by machinery and equipment, it said.

Overall, Canada recorded a trade surplus of $126-million, following deficits of $1.15-billion in January and $652-million in December.

For more information on the above articles, please contact David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services.

Importer Security Filing (10 + 2)

The U.S. Customs’ Importer Security Filing (ISF) program, also known as “10+2”, was implemented on January 26, 2009 to protect the US from weapons being transported to the U.S. on an ocean container.

U.S. Customs is allowing a 12-month delayed enforcement period to allow time for the trade community to adjust. Customs is working with the US import community and ocean carriers to ensure that compliance is achievable.

Source: The Safe Port Act of 2006 – Importer Security Filing (10 +2)
Source: The Journal of Commerce, April 3, 2009

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

NAFTA trade plummets

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico took its steepest dive ever in January to the lowest monthly dollar amount since January 2004.

Surface trade fell 27.2%, compared with a year earlier, to $47.5 billion in January, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the US Department of Transportation.

The plunge comes after six months of progressive declines in trade among the three countries. Surface trade declined 0.3% in the final six months of 2008, and 9.4% in the October to December period compared to 2007.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 10.3% in January from December.

About 88% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land by truck, rail and pipeline. US Surface Transportation Trade with Canada totalled $29 billion in January, down 31.1% compared to January 2008. US Surface Transportation Trade with Mexico totalled 18.5 billion in January, down 20% compared to January 2008.

Source: The Journal of Commerce, March 31, 2009

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

SIMA Update

Each year a variety of commodities are reviewed by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) to determine whether or not the goods are being “dumped” into Canada. Dumping is the action of selling goods in a foreign market at less than the fair market value.

These investigations stem from Canadian manufacturer complaints and if applicable will result in much higher rates of duty applied to the imported commodity.

For a list of current dumping investigations, refer to the CITT:
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/i-e/menu-eng.html

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

New pet food import requirements

New procedures have been released by The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for the import from the U.S. to Canada of pet food, pet treats, and compound pet chews containing bovinae or non-bovinae ingredients. The new procedures, including the documentary process, are expected to be law by June 30, 2009.

All imports of pet food must be covered by a valid import permit. CFIA is encouraging importers to submit their permit applications and supporting documentation for bovinae or non-bovinae as soon as possible. Once the application has been received, the importer will receive the applicable questionnaires that need to be completed by the U.S. exporters.

Products containing bovinae will also require a facility inspection of the U.S. exporter by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and each shipment must be accompanied by an original Health Certificate.

The procedures and documentary process for pet food containing bovinae ingredients is available at: www.cscb.ca/listinfo/Import_bovinae_PF_USA.pdf.

The procedures and documentary process for pet food containing non-bovinae ingredients is available at: www.cscb.ca/listinfo/Import_non_bovinae_PF_USA.pdf.

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

Import tariff reductions on machinery and equipment

With the passing of the Federal Budget on January 28, 2009, import tariffs have been eliminated on a wide range of machinery and equipment. The duty reductions are effective for goods imported on or after January 28, 2009, and apply to 214 tariff classifications. Of the 214 affected tariffs, 138 have new classification numbers, the balance remain the same.

Recognizing that these tariff reductions are a crucial benefit for our clients, our Customs Consulting group implemented these changes immediately so you could reap the savings. This involved updating your import database (Client Tariff Resume), which can be viewed on-line at any time with our Inside Trac service.

The full list of tariff provisions can be found in "Annex 5 Notice of Ways and Means Motion to Amend the Income Tax Act" at www.budget.gc.ca/2009/plan/bpa5b-eng.asp.

Another key change involves many food tariff classifications, which have been altered to differentiate "organic" and "non-organic" imports. The duty on these items remains the same.

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

Standard Trading Conditions

The Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) strives to establish a high level of professionalism within the freight forwarding industry. In addition to educational programs and a code of ethics, members must adhere to the Association’s Standard Trading Conditions. These trading conditions outline the rights, responsibilities and most importantly the risks between the freight forwarder and their client.

Basic forwarder responsibilities such as exercising reasonable care in handling of its obligations, completing such duties in a timely manner and acting with due regard to the interests of the client, are listed in great detail.

While the conditions govern the practices of the forwarder, as a client there are some very important points to be aware of. The customer’s responsibility for providing accurate information is addressed as well as the requirement to ensure proper packaging and the handling of dangerous goods.

The role of each party in terms of the insuring of cargo is also covered. A key point here is that the onus is on the client to give the forwarder clear instructions to insure cargo, prior to the tender of goods for transport.

Further to this point, in the event of a claim, the conditions define the time frames for notification of claims. Failing to advise of a claim within the applicable time period may result in the claim being barred.

Limitation of liability outlines the compensation for any claim in which the forwarder is deemed liable. The CIFFA Standard Trading Conditions set this limit at 2 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per kilo of gross weight, of the goods subject to the claim. The conditions also clearly outline the forwarders liability for consequential or indirect loss, including loss of market.

The above is a brief synopsis of the CIFFA Standard Trading Conditions. As they do impact both forwarder and client, we strongly recommend you review and understand these guidelines.

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

Meeting your needs by investing in employee education

The logistics business has never been more complex or challenging, with issues ranging from fuel spikes to pirate attacks. We have responded by increasing the emphasis on employee training. Following is a review of freight training courses that have been completed recently or are in progress:

• Five employees have achieved the Professional Freight Forwarder Designation (PFF)
• One employee has achieved the CIFFA Module 1 & Module 2 – Advanced Certificate In International Freight Forwarding
• Sixteen employees have achieved the CIFFA Module 1 – Certificate In International Freight Forwarding
• Two employees are certified in Ocean Certificate in Dangerous Goods Handling
• Two employees are certified in Air Certificate in Dangerous Goods Handling

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

Travelling the world to support BookFreight and see
first-hand the latest developments in the publishing industry

Universal Logistics was well represented this past year at three of the world’s most important book fairs, held in Frankfurt, London and New York.

We made the trips to support BookFreight, a worldwide network of freight forwarders specializing in the book trade (Universal is a founding member and the sole Canadian representative). We were also interested in seeing first hand the latest developments in the publishing industry, one way we ensure Universal Logisitics remains the leading provider of customs brokerage and freight forwarding services for the Canadian publishing industry.

Our travels began in October 2008, when Mark Glionna, Vice President – Client Relations and Paul Glionna, Vice President – Operations, flew to Germany to attend the Frankfurt Book Fair, held October 15-19. The next stop was the London Book Fair, held April 20-22. Mark and Paul attended once again along with David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services. The final stop was BookExpo America, held May 28-31 in New York City. Our attended included Mark (three in a row!) and John Leis, Client Relations.

“Attending the Fairs provides insights you just can’t get anywhere else,” said Mark Glionna. “We will apply that market intelligence to our UK lane and to our growing business out of Hong Kong and China.”

Mark Glionna (middle left) and Paul Glionna (middle right) at the entrance of the London Book Fair, one of three publishing fairs visited by Universal staff in the past year.

Universal and WTA out on the town in NYC! L-R: Mark Glionna, Vice President – Client Relations Universal Logistics; John Sommer, Vice President World Transport Agency (WTA) Chicago; Martin Watts, Logistics Director WTA London; Lee Gardner, Commercial Manager WTA Chicago; John Leis, Client Relations Universal Logistics and Nick Ng, Director WTA Hong Kong at the BookExpo America.

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

	Brian Rowe General Manager – Customs Consulting Services

AT YOUR SERVICE

When it comes to customs brokerage knowledge, few, if any, members of the logistics industry can match the experience and expertise of Brian Rowe, General Manager – Customs Consulting Services.

If you are not sure what “Reason to believe” actually means or need some clarification with your Customs Compliance requirements, Brian will have the answer.