US Weather-potently delay trucking, rail and flight movements.


Due to the extreme weather conditions in the Mid west and up to New York, we would like to advise this will potently delay trucking, rail and flight movements.


 

Disclaimer- Please note this is for your reference only, if you wish to act upon this information please seek further advice. The content of this blog including attachments, is for your reference only.

United States West Coast Port Congestion Surcharges (PCS) - UPDATE

As congestion at U.S. West Coast (USWC) ports has continued to grow and negotiations between International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) are deteriorating, a number of container lines operating between the U.S. and Asia announced congestion charges on all cargo entering/exiting US West Coast ports and Canadian Gateway ports on or after November 17, 2014.

Several major carriers have announced a US Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) which may be applied in the event of any disruption to port operations. Initial reports are that the PCS will be around $800/$1000/$1125 per 20'/40'/40'HC. In the event these surcharges are inforced will need to pass these costs on to the responsible billing party immediately. At this stage FCL pricing indicates a surcharge of $10-20 w/m on LCL cargo depending on Carrier.

Port Congestion Surcharge - Effective 17/11/2014
Container Type Surcharge Level
W/M (Weight or Measure) $10 - $20.00 USD
20' ST $800.00 USD
40' ST $1000.00 USD
40' HC $1125.00 USD
45' $1266.00 USD

Carriers had held off on implementing these PCS fees; however, with multiple vessels at anchor and unable to unload, USWC congestion has disrupted carriers' service schedules and terminal operations, which have negatively impacted carriers operating costs and led to financial losses.

While a port strike or lockout have not occurred, the uncertainty created by the lack of a viable West Coast contract means that these PCS fees are likely to continue.

Resources:
http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/trade-lanes/trans-pacific/carriers-use-west-coast-surcharges-shore-losses_20141114.html

http://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/143401/carriers-to-add-charges-in-congested-us-ports/

http://www.fmc.gov/congestion-surcharges-11-2014/


Disclaimer- Please note this is for your reference only, if you wish to act upon this information please seek further advice. The content of this blog including attachments, is for your refrence only.


West Coast U.S.A. Port Congestion


Relations between members of the International Longshoremen and Warehouse union and waterfront employees on the U.S. West Coast have heated up over the past couple of years with protests and other actions in the Pacific Northwest and at ports in California. The two parties are currently in negotiations for a new contract that expired this past June. This is causing a serious negative impact on vessel and terminal operations which includes vessel delays and operational difficulties at the ports. Congestion at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex has reached crisis levels and is worsening.

Today we started to receive official notices from various steamship lines (K-Line, Evergreen, CMA-CGM, NYK, Hanjin, Hyundai to name a few) about their plan to immediately implement a "Port Congestion Surcharge".

We are deeply concerned that the longer this stalemate continues the more cargo will back up. If the situation is not corrected quickly some carriers may enact "Force Majeure" and begin dropping off cargo at ports other than where the cargo has been ordered to be delivered in order to clear their vessels of cargo. We are doing our best to work to find solutions for all of our customers and partners in this current difficult situation.
We will report any update when there is any important new information.
 

Happy 26th Birthday International Cargo Express (ICE) another great year!


Firstly please let’s say a big thanks to ALL clients and staff for without your support and hard work ICE’s success would not be possible.

During this last year ICE has grown stronger and it is apparent that we are a force to be reckoned with. ICE Cargo is the one stop shop when it comes to all your freight forwarding needs.

Happy Birthday ICE! May this year be even better than the last.


Your ICE Team 

USA haulage delays due to shortage of truck drivers.

Our US affiliates have advised that Importers and exporters predominately moving FCL containers ex Illinois and Michigan areas can expect up to 30 days delay for containers and delivery shipments due to a shortage of truck drivers.

The start of the US winter saw many veteran drivers retiring with no new or younger candidates to replace them. It is believed that factors such as high fuel and running costs with minimum wages and drivers often being away from their homes and families for weeks at a time is a part of the contributing shortage.

As this issue doesn't look to improve any time soon with Michigan being the worst affected area we can expect to see some inflated inland haulage costs. 
It has been strongly advised by our US partners that containers or shipments ex Detroit rail-head might be better off being rerouted via Chicago rail-head, this will have higher inland haulage charges but there will be fewer delays.   


For any questions or queries regarding the above please contact your local ICE branch 

Marine Insurance

So you are involved in importing and exporting merchandise around the world. Lots of money is being spent to plan, produce, pack and dispatch your valuable cargo. You took good care of your merchandise and unfortunately third parties did not share your carefulness and your cargo arrived, wet, damaged, pilfered or not at all. Where do you get regress? All carriers, cartage companies and freight forwarders have limited liability and they will refer to their standard conditions of carriage. Basically you can only enforce a minimum of compensation and than only if you can proof negligence. There is a good reason for the limitations and this can be explained in a different forum! 

Do you wish to go through a lengthy process of legal arguments or is your transport dollar better spent on insuring your cargo which will indemnify you for any potential loss!

So.. What is Marine Insurance?

Marine cargo insurance covers the risks of loss or damage to goods and merchandise while in transit by any method of transport – sea, rail, road or air - and while in storage anywhere in the world between the points of origin and final destination. Thats simple !

What do I have to do..

Depending on the size of your business, you can sign an annual Marine Insurance Cover Note with your insurance broker or better you call ICE,  as we have direct access to wholesale premiums and we only engaged in Marine Insurance! Annual premiums are charged on an estimated turnover!

If you are medium or small shipper, a cover note shipment per shipment may be more economical  and you will be able to proportion this cost directly to the cost of the merchandise. You are not paying the premium from out of your profit!

What does it cost me..

Depends on  the risk and Class  (i.e. Institute Cargo Clauses “C,B,A”)
Without going into the details you can safely assume your premium will be between A$0.03 to A$0.04 in the dollar. Please call ICE for a specific proposal!

Why get ICE to look after your Marine Insurance


·       We give you direction & control
·       We will save you valuable time
·       We assist in managing your risks
·       We stop you from making expensive mistakes and
o   Give you peace of mind and

o   Protect your business

Buyers and Suppliers: Who Pays For What And The Incoterms That Matter

Clear communication is a must in business, but especially so in importing and exporting. Confusion causes chaos, and chaos usually means delayed delivery, extra costs and a host of other potential consequences. Perhaps the most critical issue that needs to be made clear is who pays for what.
loadingairfreightWhen it comes to dealing with overseas suppliers, there is an acute need to have every aspect clearly understood. After all, with the different logistical elements involved, the process of getting a consignment of goods from its place of manufacture to its destination can be complicated. And if things go wrong, finger-pointing is not going to solve anything.
Where Problems Can Arise
The core of the problem lies in your sales contract. If, for example, an importer wants to bring 5,000 t-shirts into Australia out of Vietnam, you begin by placing an order for those items from a manufacturer or supplier. Obviously, the importer and supplier have to agree the number of items and the price per unit, but more questions remain. For example:
  • Who arranges and pays for their transport to the port?
  • Who covers the freight from the port of origin to port of destination?
  • Who pays for Marine Insurance coverage?
  • Who is responsible for getting export clearance at the port of origin?
  • Who is responsible for getting customs clearance at the port of destination?
  • Who pays customs and duty fees?
  • Even, who deals with charges for loading and unloading the cargo onto and from their vessel?
Unfortunately, these are agreements that your freight forwarder is not involved in. A forwarder simple follows the agreed procedure as set down by their customer – the importer, or buyer. It is up to the buyer to ensure everything is clear, so that the forwarder can collect, transport and deliver their cargo with ease.
How To Avoid The Problem
The good news is that the problems that typically arise are very easy to avoid, but central to the remedy are Incoterms. At International Cargo Express, we implore all of our customers to know the Incoterms inside out, and to use them all the time, every time.
Incoterms were first introduced in 1936 by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) as a means to avoid the ambiguity that frequently affected international trade. As a common global trading language, clear agreement as to the responsibilities of the supplier and the importer can be more easily reached.
The Key Incoterms To Know
EXW (Ex Works) – the buyer has to pay for loading the delivery vehicles at the place of manufacture
FCA (Free Carrier) – the supplier pays for transport from their place of manufacture to their warehouse. The buyer has to pay from the warehouse. Be sure to clearly state the delivery place. The seller must also clear the consignment for export.
FAS (Free Alongside Ship) – the supplier is responsible to getting the cargo to the port up to the point of loading. This generally means that the goods are delivered to the container depot for loading into the container. The seller must also clear the consignment for export.
FOB (Free On Board) – this is not often used anymore but responsibility for any incurred fees must be clearly agreed if goods are left waiting in the container port for a period of time before being loaded for shipping – especially with bulk cargo. The seller must also clear the consignment for export.
CFR (Cost and Freight) – this means that the seller arranges the cost of transport to the port of destination. So, if your cargo is travelling going from Hong Kong to Sydney, the buyer covers the cost of unloading the container and onwards.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) – this is similar to CFR, with the critical difference being that the supplier covers the cost of Marine Insurance.
CPT (Carriage Paid To) – the supplier covers the cost of freight to a specified destination, but be aware that all risks from EXW onwards are accepted by the buyer, so the buyer needs to be covered by Marine Insurance. When transportation involves several modes of transport, sellers sometimes only accept responsibility for the first carrier, so be sure to clarify if this is the case.
CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid to) – similar to CPT but this time the supplier also agrees to cover the insurance costs.
DAT (Delivery At Terminal) – this means that the supplier has successfully delivered the cargo once the cargo has been placed in a terminal at the port of destination. It’s then up to the buyer to arrange to collect the cargo consignment, from which point the buyer accepts all costs and risks.
DAP (Delivered At Place) – this is similar to DAT, but involves one or two stages beyond the port terminal. It means the supplier is also responsible for unloading the cargo, and may extend to delivery to the buyer’s premises. This needs to be clarified in advance.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – similar to DAP, but this time the supplier accepts all costs incurred, including customs clearance and tax duty. It may also mean delivering the consignment to the buyer’s premises too, but this needs to be clarified in advance.
Trust Your ICE Team Advice
International Cargo Express has been tailoring solutions for individual customers for the past 25 years, so we are extremely knowledgeable in the best ways to get your cargo to you. Our ICE Team is only too happy to advise you on the right Incoterms to you, and to explain why. Simply contact the ICE Team and we’ll answer whatever questions you might have.
For more information on Incoterms, you can read a previous article in ICE News explaining Incoterms, or check out the Wikipedia page.

Marine Insurance: Why It’s An Extra Worth Opting For

Every importer and exporter knows that they face a certain amount of risk. Even over relatively short distances, incidents and accidents can always occur that may not only see some of the goods in transit damaged, but perhaps the whole cargo lost. Having adequate protection is important, and arguably the most important form of protection to have is Marine Insurance.
Photo of a cargo ship accidentMarine Insurance is considered by many freight forwarders as essential. By definition, it covers any possible risk of damage or loss to cargo while in transit. However, the policy does not relate to the quality of goods being transported, such as sub-standard materials used in their manufacture or if there are equipment parts missing.
And, it’s not limited to transport by sea either. In fact, policies usually offer warehouse-to-warehouse coverage over 90 days, so your cargo is protected whether it is transported by air, sea, road or rail.
So, if your consignment of t-shirts from Vietnam is lost during a storm at sea, or your custom-made machinery is broken when a container falls off a truck, you have indemnity against those events. The policy covers such events as:
  • accidental damage while in transit, including from fire
  • theft of goods
  • incidents relating to the ship, including sinking, capsizing, or being grounded
  • often includes General Average, where cargo is jettisoned to prevent a ship from capsizing or sinking
  • incidents relating to truck and train, including overturning, road accident, derailment
  • loading and unloading of cargo
  • while in warehouse storage between transport stages
What Marine Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Of course, while Marine Insurance is the principal mode of protection for cargo, it doesn’t cover every eventuality. These can vary, so it’s important to speak to your freight forwarder or insurance broker to ascertain the details of the coverage offered, but usually Marine Insurance does not cover:
  • dangerous goods, like firearms and ammunition
  • combustible substances, like fuel and chemicals
  • damage due to poor packing
  • transport by a third party
There are also other insurance policies that importers (and exporters) should consider. Here’s a brief run-down of the most significant.
Political Risk Insurance – Your cargo’s country of origin, or the countries it’s due to stop off in while in transit, might be politically unstable. This increases the risk of an overseas government intervening in your investment by either closing ports or airports unexpectedly, confiscating cargoes or otherwise freezing international traffic. This policy can cover your cargo in such events as a civil war, a coup d’état or major civil unrest, like a riot. Some policies also cover unexpected importation or exportation bans, or sudden trade agreement collapses.
Product Liability Insurance – This policy protects against the risk of harm to customers or third parties by the product. For instance, liability can be a grey area so if a heavy box falls and injures someone, and it’s important to have a defense against claims that, since it was your box that fell on the person, that you are responsible. However, liability coverage does not cover goods that arrive spoiled or poorly made.
Currency Insurance – International trade is greatly influenced by the currency markets, with sharp changes in exchange rates sometimes turning a healthy profit into a loss. Importers can protect themselves against this event through a Currency Insurance policy. While it cannot guarantee the expected profit is conserved, at least losses are avoided.
Credit Insurance – This has nothing to do with transportation, and is of greater concern to exporters that importers. But when dealing with companies abroad, it’s common for business to declare themselves insolvent in order to avoid paying money owed. Credit insurance can protect an exporter for up to 90% of the sum owed.
Getting Marine Insurance Through ICE
Photo of a ocean freight accidentInternational Cargo Express has always recommended its customers to take out Marine Insurance but, according to Managing Director Ronald Spahr, it’s an optional extra that not everyone feels compelled to take.
“It is a choice, but it is one that we encourage our customers to get,” he says. “We have customers that have been with us for 25 years, and they have never had a problem, but the fact is they are flying without a net. If they suddenly have a problem, they have to pay for it themselves.
“The risk is something that every customer has to weigh up. After 25 years not paying Marine Insurance, they can argue they save money. But then, something does go wrong and they face perhaps a $100,000 claim.”
The likelihood is greater than many think, especially with such aspects as General Average to consider. This is where a ship captain jettisons some cargo in order to save the ship and crew. But the owners of all the rescued freight have to pay proportionally for the cargo that was jettisoned. It could be 3 years after the event, but even if you imported $1,500 worth of freight you might be hit with a $15,000 share of the lost cargo. Marine Insurance would protect importers in these situations.
Contact Your ICE Team
International Cargo Express is always happy to highlight the advantages of taking our Marine Insurance, especially for the small and medium-sized businesses that can suffer greatly from cargo loss, or a General Average claim.
To find out more about Marine Insurance, simply call your nearest ICE team and talk to experts who can help you towards better protecting your cargo, and narrowing the financial risks you face.

Freight Benchmarking: How It Benefits You

We have mentioned it before, but the need to seek container rate quotes on a daily is something no freight forwarder can ignore. But while it can be a monotonous practice, is also has definite advantages. Not least, it’s an essential part of freight benchmarking, which can secure real savings for importers and exporters.
Photo of a cargo shipThere is no secret to benchmarking, and in fact it’s something we all do from time to time, probably without ever realising it. It’s all about finding the best price by comparing several prices, usually three or more. For example, when you are looking for a better car insurance premium, don’t you contact a few insurance brokers and ask them for a quote? Then you can choose the best quote from amongst them.
Benchmarking container prices is the same thing. International Cargo Express has a network of independent forwarding agents around the world that we ask for quotes from when we are assessing costs for our customers. Depending on a number of aspects – for example, the type of cargo, the size or weight of the consignment, even the time of year – prices quoted can vary.
But through freight benchmarking, the best deal can be found. It may not always be the lowest available price, but it is always a very competitive one. However, the advantages relate to more than simply the price.
Securing Space, Saving Money, Reducing Stress
Freight forwarders tend to face the same challenges every day. As well as finding the best container rates for their customers, they also have to secure actual space on a ship or plane. These factors are included amongst the 3 main benefits of freight benchmarking:
  • Securing A Space – in many cases, this is the toughest task since competition from other freight forwarders is always extreme. Benchmarking our full container rates allows us to stay in constant contact with agents that can secure that place. It’s not our buying power we use, it’s their buying power because they control the space as well as the freight rate. These agents have good connections to certain shipping lines, so if you want your container shipped on that line, these agents are in the best position to make it happen.
  • Saving You Money – this is achieved in two ways. Firstly, it allows us to identify which agent is offering the lowest container prices, but it can also allow us to use a shipping line that offers a better overall deal. Remember, the total cost of shipping includes a range of extra fees and surcharges that, when added to a container rate, can show up what first looked like a good deal as being bad – or vice versa.
  • Reducing Your Stress – we know you need your cargo to arrive on time, and that if it doesn’t it may actually cost you money. Some importers face price penalties from their customers for every day that an order is late. Another line could see your consignment arriving later, perhaps by as much as 10 days. Uncertainty, therefore, creates a lot of stress, but since freight benchmarking keeps us in touch with our best-placed agents, the chances of being stuck with Plan B are lessened considerably.
Why Multinationals Don’t Benchmark
Logically, multinational freight forwarders should be able to offer huge savings to their customers by getting the best rates from agents. But they are not structured in that way. They arrange massive volumes of cargo, and so tend to accept the flat rate that agents give them, which on balance can be quite good. Their priority is in getting their cargo from A to B quickly, and their customers are often willing to accept a higher price in return for certainty.
Contact Your ICE Team
International Cargo Express made a conscious decision to offer benchmarking, because they recognise the benefits that it has to the small and medium-sized importers and exporters, to whom the modest savings and peace of mind can be significant.
To find out more about how our benchmarking policy can translate into real benefits you, simply call your nearest ICE team. We’ll be glad to address any questions you might have.

Australia Set To Complete Second Free-Trade Agreement in July

The much-anticipated free-trade agreement between Australia and Japan looks set to be completed as soon as July this year, promising a major boon for Australian exporters.
Photo of a ship headed for JapanThe agreement, which commentators have suggested is to be signed when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits Canberra, would be the second significant trade agreement with a principal Asian market. In December, an agreement was signed with South Korea, Australia’s third largest export market.
A third agreement, with Australia’s largest Asian market, China, is still some way off, but hopes remain that signatures will be swapped before the end of the 2014 following a promise by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in October last year to conclude negotiations with the three Asian economic powers within 12 months.
Trade between Australia and South Korea was worth almost $31 billion in 2012, with exports to the Asian peninsula worth $26.6 billion, or 7% of Australia’s total exports. The economy is expected to be boosted by as much as $650 billion between 2015 and 2030 as a direct result of the Free Trade Agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, South Korea’s tariffs on a range of agricultural products and manufactured will be eliminated, including the removal of an 8% tariff on automotive supplies and 15% on wine. Tariffs on Australian beef would be phased out over 15 years.
The significance of the trade deal was highlighted by Trade Minister Andrew Robb when he admitted it was a higher priority for the current government than any other issue with Japan.
“Japan’s a huge market. It’s one of the biggest economies in the world and we already have a huge relationship but this would turbo-charge it. There is an enormous scope for Australia to provide high-value products and services to a sophisticated market.”
Two-way trade between Australia and Japan is estimated to be worth $53 billion, and the free trade agreement could see the Australian economy boosted by as much as $39 billion over the next 20 years. The potential for exporting to Japan is, therefore, set to increase dramatically.
According to some media sources, it is expected that tariffs on Australia’s beef exports will be cut by 8.5%, while Australia will eliminate its 5% tariff on Japanese auto imports.

How to Avoid a Quarantine Nightmare

Successfully importing goods into Australia does not only depend on satisfying the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. Proving your cargo is not a quarantine risk is also essential before it is accepted into the country.
quarantine_officerThe purpose of having quarantine controls is to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases getting into Australia and damaging health, environment and even industry. For centuries, cargo crisscrossing the globe has contributed to the movement of insects, plants and even viruses, and despite modern health standards and technology, these risks remain.
According to a 2012 study carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), some 31,000 consignments of sea cargo were non-compliant, requiring they be held in quarantine, while some 12,000 consignments of air cargo were deemed non-compliant.
Who Deals With Quarantine Issues?
There is a common misconception that the Customs Service looks after quarantine matters. In fact, inspections are carried out and certifications issued by Biosecurity Australia, a division of DAFF.
Until 2012, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) was invested with the task of enforcing Australian quarantine legislation, screening both cargo and passengers for animal, plant and human quarantine risks using traditional sniffer dogs and X-ray machines. It also certified Australian exports to ensure they complied with international or nation-specific importation requirements.
But since AQIS was advised on policy by Biosecurity Australia anyway, when the government decided to restructure the DAFF and its agencies, AQIS was absorbed by Biosecurity Australia.
Fremantle Quarantine CentreAvoiding the Quarantine Nightmare
Importers should make use of the advice given by experts, like ICE’s own team of customs experts. But even this will not guarantee quarantine problems are avoided. Often, these personnel negotiate with quarantine officers.
According to International Cargo Express Managing Director Ronald Spahr, most problems can be avoided if sufficient care is taken at the port of origin. But with documentation needing to be completed properly, manufacturers responsible for packaging, and quality checkers need to be alert, there is always room for errors.
“You try your best to give manufacturers very stringent instructions about how they should be packed,” he explains. “The manufacturer is actually responsible for that aspect, but to meet required standards, they have to use properly treated timber, if they use timber. You should also ask them to use plastic pallets instead of timber.
“Again, it’s a very complex area because not all of the instructions provided by Biosecurity Australia can be applied to every country. Some do not have timber pallets, but only use plastic. Then you have countries like Sweden, who are very environmentally friendly, so they don’t like using plastics. So, you can get fumigation problems that mean we have to fumigate the cargo here before it can be released.”
The Quarantine Process
So, what happens when it comes to the quarantine process? And how quickly can it be completed? It still begins with the Customs Service, which communicates closely with Biosecurity Australia when it has reason to believe arriving consignments may be a biosecurity risk. Briefly, the procedure runs like this:
  1. Import Declaration Lodged – the importer declares details about the goods to be imported.
  2. Deemed A Risk - this can be based on one of two things.
    a. The importation documents – including the import permit, fumigation certificate and packing declaration – may not be in proper order
    b. An initial inspection or observation reveals poor quality or damaged packing, smells or evidence of pests.
  3. Consignments Referred to Quarantine - this is where the cargo is confined to quarantined, necessitating a more detailed inspection and testing.
  4. Release or Destroy - the results of inspections and tests decide whether the consignment is to be released to the importer, and into Australia, or is deemed non-compliant (unsafe) and is either destroyed, exported back to the country of origin, or held for treatment and repackaging.
The length of time a consignment might spend in quarantine depends on a number of factors, like the type of cargo and the testing procedure involved. The 2012 DAFF study also revealed that the average referral-to-release time for cargo was 3 days (sea cargo) and just 4.3 hours (air cargo). However, the wait for consignments deemed non-compliant can be as long as 38 days.
Contact Your ICE Team
For decades, International Cargo Express has been guiding its customers through the quarantine minefield, advising on how best to avoid the quarantine nightmare that some importers face. With a team of in-house experts, its the best choice for steering clear of lengthy and often costly quarantine delays.
To find out more about what we can do for you, just call your nearest ICE team, or you can read more detailed information on the Department of Agriculture website.

Customs Clearance: Why DIY Might Not Be The Best Option

For most people, DIY is the most prudent way to get things done. But while it’s generally a good idea for home improvement projects and the like, there are some undertakings that should be left to trained professionals. Amongst importers, one such undertaking is securing Customs Clearance.
ice_customsAn essential stage in the importation procedure, Customs Clearance can be highly complicated, fraught with a web of conditions, categorisations and regulations that can leave the best mind in a spin. So, unless you are an expert in the area, the chances of making a costly error are extremely high.
International Cargo Express Managing Director Ronald Spahr understands every business wants to keep their expenses low, but he warns that taking on the task themselves doesn’t always pay.
“Everyone can take care of their Customs Clearance paperwork themselves if they like, but it’s discouraged by the Customs Service,” he explains. “They make it very difficult so it’s likely to take all day to do it and, in the end, errors will be made. It’s like doing tax. Everyone can do their own tax return, but do they do it as well as an accountant?”
The Australian Customs Service points out that correctly filling out the required paperwork lies firmly on the shoulders of the importer and that “penalties may be imposed for the submission of incorrect or misleading information”.
Where The Complexities Lie
Trade agreements between Australia and the EU can be different to those agreed with the US, ASEAN bloc countries, or individual nations, like Chile or Malaysia. These agreements have a significant influence over the tariffs that are charged.
The category that product types fall into is also influential. For example, the percentage alcohol content in one imported spirit may mean it is put into a different category to other drinks. Tariffs are then linked directly to these categories.
These are just two of many examples that affect the import duty charged, but the chief complexity is created by the regular series of amendments applied as the Australian government negotiates new trade agreements with existing and first-time trading partners. Simply staying on top of these amendments is a full-time job.
The Advantage of Using Professionals
In order to make sure the customs process does not delay delivery, cargo needs to be pre-cleared before arriving at its destination port. But getting Customs Clearance finished in advance is only part of the advantage of leaving it to the experts. They will also know where loopholes might exist.
The entire customs tariff is extremely intricate, and a good customs expert will be familiar enough to know quickly how to get the lowest tariff for the importer. Certain items can be declared differently to what an individual might declare it as. For example, screws can be left-threaded or right-threaded but one might be duty free, the other might not. The customs expert can declare it as the most beneficial for the importer.
To Ronald Spahr, hiring a professional to deal with customs issues is the only logical option for any importer, and providing such expertise is essential for a modern freight forwarder.
“Customs Clearance is a hugely important aspect of the entire importation process, and that’s why we have invested in it,” he explains. “We have five highly paid and highly experienced customs experts working for us in-house. You will also find a lot of forwarders these days outsourcing that service, but we don’t because having our own experts means we can offer our customers the best possible advice.”
Contact Your ICE Team
International Cargo Express has a long history of providing accurate customs advice that saves its customers time and money. With a team of dedicated customs experts looking after your customs concerns, our customs and barrier clearance services cover everything from documentation preparation to electronic duties payment.
If you’re interested in finding out more about what we can do for you, call your nearest ICE team, or read more more information on complying with customs requirements.

Multinationals on the way down as independent freight forwarders rise

Recently released figures from 2012 have shown that the time has come for independent freight forwarders – such as International Cargo Express – to outshine the multinationals, with many of the major players in the freight forwarding industry experiencing a decline in revenue.
Photo of ocean freightAccording to an SJ Consulting Group report published by the Journal of Commerce, 2012 saw a decline in revenues as high as 6.8% for a number of major multinational logistics companies, including DHL, DB Schenker, DSV, Panalpina, SNCF Geodis and CEVA Logistics. The independent freight forwarding sector, meanwhile, saw a slight revenue increase during the same period and has gained market share across all major markets.
This finding confirms what we at ICE have experienced in recent years: more and more clients are seeking a personalised service and price. Our independence allows us to tailor solutions for each and every client, sourcing the best freight rates and keeping our customers informed every step of the way. Extensive due diligence and benchmarking exercises ensure ICE is always one step ahead of the competition and continue to be industry leaders.
To find out more about our best price policy and personalised service simply contact the ICE Team. We’d be glad to address any queries you have.

Why ICE Is Changing From Transactional to Conceptual Forwarding

Once upon a time, a freight forwarder was invested with the straightforward task of transporting customer cargo to its port of destination as quickly and trouble-free as possible. But so much has changed over the decades that forwarders now face a choice: either stick to the old-school Transactional Forwarding philosophy or embrace the new Conceptual Forwarding philosophy.
Photo of containers in portInternational Cargo Express has chosen the latter, and for some very good reasons. It’s not just about increasing our competitiveness in an industry famous for its level of competition, it also means providing real savings to our customers and developing further the working relationship we value so much.
But, what is the difference between these forms of forwarding? And how do they affect the cost-efficiency of freight forwarding services?
Understanding Transactional Forwarding
Transactional forwarding is offered by freight forwarders that focus on securing the lowest container rates possible from shipping lines or airlines on any particular day.
Basically, forwarders are price-givers and not price-setters, so we tend to get similar freight rates for the same transportation service providers, and as a result, see our margins squeezed by sheer competition. But concentrating on getting low rates has its limitations for everyone.
Understandably, customers will compare the rates quoted to them and choose the one that seems to be the best deal. But all too often, the difference between one option and another is very small and customers are not aware that there are other expenses to consider too. So, a lower container rate itself does not guarantee savings overall.
Understanding Conceptual Forwarding
Conceptual forwarding is where the freight forwarder focuses on more than simply the latest container rates. Instead, all the individual elements of the supply chain are examined to find a cost-saving solution that suits that specific customer.
Forwarders are essentially the architects of the transport chain because they have the experience and expertise to identify the areas where real savings can be made, and choose the best options for their customer based on their unique needs. This includes:
  • choosing the right mode of transport
  • choosing the right frequency of charges
  • maximising the benefits of consolidation
  • offering distribution services at point of origin or destination
In essence, the overall concept of the forwarding service is looked at, and in this way, the forwarders take care of the interests of their customers. The result is that customers get a better overall quality of service.
Why Transactional Forwarding Is No Longer Enough
Most customers ask for a quote and then compare it to what they have been paying – or think they have been paying. But because freight forwarding is ambiguous, there can be multiple transport solutions to getting any cargo to its destination. Unless the cost comparison between these solutions is done thoroughly, customers will always lose out.
For example, a container rate out of Europe can vary by as much as €200 per box. This is usually because different shipping lines set their own margins on each of the 13 charge codes that are applied. The trick to securing real savings is to ascertain where the differences lie, and this means examining the entire supply chain.
Many customers tend to make the wrong decisions, slowing down the supply chain and making it more expensive. But getting the different elements right is the key to generating saving, so a freight forwarder offering a Conceptual Forwarding Service is a better option for importers and exporters.
What ICE Is Offering
International Cargo Express has been tailoring solutions for individual customers for the past 25 years. Large multinationals offer generic solutions, but they are not always suited to the importers and exporters using them. This is especially true with Australian companies, where over 90% of companies are small or medium-sized enterprises.
We want to offer more to our customers and not be simply a price-giver. By looking at the entire supply chain, we can ensure that our customer saves money. Our staff are experts in their respective fields and so are extremely well positioned to identify the ways in which our customers can reduce costs.
For further details about how our Conceptual Forwarding Services can benefit your business, just contact the ICE Team. We’re always glad to talk to answer whatever questions you might have.