Port of Seattle Seeks to Avoid Cargo Diversion
–The Port of Seattle is protesting a “loophole” in the Harbor Maintenance Tax. Currently, importers are able to bypass the tax by using foreign gateways in Canada and Mexico and then delivering their cargo to the U.S. through intermodal rail. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is currently investigating the issue.
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Research Group Sees Reasons for Optimism in 2012 – According to a report by Transport Intelligence, some positive year end trends should carry into the new year, despite a difficult 2011. Europe’s economic concerns remain the biggest wildcard; however, record port volumes at Rotterdam and Antwerp bode well for 2012. Additionally, China’s plan to stimulate domestic consumption should support exports from the U.S. as well as other markets.
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Singapore’s New Export Rules – Singapore is launching a new advanced declaration program on April 1 st , 2013. The Advance Export Declaration (AED) will require cargo data to be sent to customs prior to departure for risk assessment. Currently, only controlled goods require such a declaration while information for un-controlled goods must be submitted within three days of departure. The AED is part of a growing trend in supply chain security initiatives like the U.S.’s Importers Security Filing (ISF) and Europe’s Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
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Wind Causes Trans-Atlantic Flight Delays – Recent high winds are forcing more westbound trans-Atlantic flights to make unscheduled fueling stops. Last month, winds typically ranged from 47-60 knots while they only averaged 30 knots a mere decade ago. This is causing flight diversions and cargo delays in westbound traffic; however, in the opposite direction, tail winds are leading to fuel saving in Europe bound flights.
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