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Uneven compliance with new cargo handling rule
A year after new cargo handling safety measures were introduced to protect the safety of ships and workers, many countries have not complied.
The regulations, known formally as Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) Verified Gross Mass (VGM), require that the verified gross mass of any packed container must be declared before it is loaded on a vessel. They were introduced after overweight containers caused accidents and losses in multiple ports around the world.
These regulations are not an optional requirement or an indication of best practice, but rather a legal obligation, and enforcement needs to happen more consistently if compliance is to reach higher levels.
For more information, contact Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions.
U.S. investigation of China trade imminent
The United States is preparing to launch an investigation of Chinese companies suspected of engaging in unauthorized use of U.S. intellectual property. It is also threatening to punish China, with the imposition of duties, for impeding U.S. exports.
The motivation for these changes could be both economic and political as the U.S. is trying to pressure China to exert more influence on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
For more information, contact Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs.
Cheese import quotas increased
For the first time since the 1970s, Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) for fine cheese and industrial cheese have been increased as part of the recently concluded Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union.
A 16,000 tonne increase for fine cheese will be divided equally between Canadian cheese manufacturers and cheese retailers/distributors, while a 1,700 tonne increase for industrial cheese goes entirely to food production companies.
Qualifying parties must apply for a portion of the new quota allocation to Global Affairs Canada on/before September 8, 2017.
For more information, contact Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs.
Norway building crewless container ship
Norway is building a $25 million crewless container ship that will navigate itself. The vessel, dubbed the "Tesla of the Seas", will use a system of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), radars, cameras and sensors to exit and enter ports and navigate around other boat traffic.
Compared to a conventional container vessel, the crewless ship will cost about three times more to build, but up to 90% less to operate, primarily through sharp reductions in fuel and crew costs. Norway is a leader in the race to build the world’s first crewless vessels, known formally as Autonomous cargo ships. Semi-autonomous cargo ships could begin operations in the second half of 2018, and become fully autonomous by2020.
For more information, contact Chris Barnard, Vice President – Projects & Market Development.
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Our mystery city is known for this
world famous dessert. |
How many clues do you need to name the capital city that has a dual title?
- This city is known as both the “city of music” and the “city of dreams”.
- This city’s airporthandles230,000 flightsand22 million passengersperyear.
- Major international organizations, including the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have offices in this city.
- This city is the only world capital with major wine production within the citylimits.
- The world’s oldest zoo is located in thiscity.
- This city is the site of the world’s first snow globe manufacturing facility, opened in1905.
- Maria von Trapp, made famous byThe Sound of Music, was born in this city.
- The number of people in the main cemetery is double the living population.
 Click here to see the answer
For more information about freight to/from this city, contact Debbie McGuire, Manager – FreightSolutions.
If you’re not able to control your freight, you should at least know who to contact if something goes wrong
Remember, you are always free to appoint someone locally to monitor and handle shipments on your behalf, even when your supplier has made the freight arrangements.
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Marion Bradnam, General Manager – Customs Services, Universal Logistics USA
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At Your Service: Marion Bradnam, General Manager – Customs Services, Universal Logistics USA
Marion Bradnam joined Universal Logistics USA in 2013, to lead our U.S. Customs Operations team. With over 25 years of industry experience, Marion knows what steps need to be taken to ensure your shipments enter the U.S. without delay.
Expert help on U.S. import requirements is available whenever you need it. Just call (800) 767-8525 and ask to speak with Marion Bradnam, General Manager – Customs Services, Universal Logistics USA Inc.
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