Shippers and freight forwarders wait with bated breath as Emirates announces a return of the all-in freight rate.

Emirates SkyCargo freight division have announced the return of a simplified all-in rate for all shipments to and from Europe from 1^st February 2015 and all other worldwide network from 1^st March 2015.

Is has been said the “all-in” freight rate will include current fuel and security fees but would see the elimination of additional surcharges for other criteria such as volume.

Robert Keen, director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), has said this is “a step in the right direction” and will provide “transparency that freight forwarders require”.

For years freight forwarders and shippers have been requesting for the simplified all-in freight rates to return and has been suggested that “Emirates SkyCargo are responding to previous comments that freight forwards stop accepting at face value opaque and unjustified surcharges”

Disclaimer- All information / contents are for general information only. ICE does not make any guarantee on completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. We strongly suggest you seek further advice before acting on any content / information

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.

http://www.news.com.au/world/lakeeffect-snow-storms-the-weather-phenomenon-paralysing-the-us/story-fndir2ev-1227128275925

 

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