Customs & Logistics News
Recent Editions
U.S.
February 15, 2018
C-TPAT (Customs – Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) Notice
C-TPAT, which was launched by U.S. Customs (CBP) in 2001, is a voluntary, incentive based security program. C-TPAT criteria for Importers is risk based, flexible and designed to help CBP achieve its twin goals of security and facilitation. It is important the Importers who are not C-TPAT already, to at least once a year review this matter and the feasibility of becoming a C-TPAT member. Your Trans American Account Manager can assist you in the process. Significant benefits exist for C-TPAT members, they include: (1) Reduced number of CBP inspections. (2) Priority Processing for CBP Inspections (Front of the line processing for inspections when possible). (3) Assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist that will work with your company. (4) Potential eligibility for CBP Importer Self-Assessment program on self-policing, not CBP Audits. All Trading Partners, whether a C-TPAT (Customs –Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) member or not, are reminded of the criticality of having security procedures in place at the point of stuffing, procedures to inspect, properly seal and maintain the integrity of the shipping containers and trailers. It is recommended that Trading Partners conduct periodic reviews with their personnel of the seven-point inspection process for empty containers prior to the loading the cargo, as well as the seventeen-point inspection process for all trailers/tractors. Further information for C-TPAT members can be found at the C-TPAT portal. Non-members can call their personal account managers for more information. Please be reminded that all loaded U.S.-bound containers and trailers for a C-TPAT Importer must have high security seals that meets or exceed the current PAS ISO 17712 standards. In addition, procedures must be instituted for identifying and reporting compromised seals to CBP or the appropriate foreign authority. If you are a current and valid C-TPAT member, we ask you to provide advice of same to your Trans American Account Manager (Or if you have previously provided advice to Trans American, and there has been a change in your status for C-TPAT, please also advise your Trans American Account Manager of detail surrounding same). Further detail on the above and other information on C-TPAT can be found at: http://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/c-tpat-customs-trade-partnership-against-terrorism
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and contains PROPRIETARY information. It is solely for the use of the recipient. Any further review, disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution, or use of any of the information contained in this document is strictly prohibited. The recipient shall be liable for damages resulting from any disclosure of this information to any third party. ©2018 Trans American Companies.
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
On January 23, Canada and the 10 other remaining members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, concluded discussions in Tokyo, Japan, on a new Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). No date has been set for implementation of the CPPTPP. The Global Affairs Canada notice, with comments from the Canadian Minister of International Trade is available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2018/01/statement_by_ministerofinternationaltradeonsuccessfulconclusiono.html
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and contains PROPRIETARY information. It is solely for the use of the recipient. Any further review, disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution, or use of any of the information contained in this document is strictly prohibited. The recipient shall be liable for damages resulting from any disclosure of this information to any third party. ©2018 Trans American Companies.
ELD Forcing U.S. Truck Shippers to Recalibrate
Trucking capacity is tightening faster than anticipated in the electronic logging era, as a messy start to the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate is making a bad situation worse for shippers, forcing the latter to pay more, speed up loading and unloading, and dig deeper into routing guides to find capacity. As reported in the Journal of Commerce: https://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/ltl-shipping/eld-mandate-magnifying-us-truck-capacity-shortage_20180213.html
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and contains PROPRIETARY information. It is solely for the use of the recipient. Any further review, disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution, or use of any of the information contained in this document is strictly prohibited. The recipient shall be liable for damages resulting from any disclosure of this information to any third party. ©2018 Trans American Companies.
General System of Preference (GSP) Update
On February 13, the House of Representatives passed a bill by a vote of 400 – 2, that would retroactively renew GSP, and extend it until the end of 2020. The Senate is expected to take action soon with a vote to come in the next few months. American Shipper article: https://www.americanshipper.com/main/news/house-passes-gsp-renewal-legislation–70590.aspx?source=Big4
This document is CONFIDENTIAL and contains PROPRIETARY information. It is solely for the use of the recipient. Any further review, disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution, or use of any of the information contained in this document is strictly prohibited. The recipient shall be liable for damages resulting from any disclosure of this information to any third party. ©2018 Trans American Companies.