Go to Homepage
Services Shipping Industry Data Government & Security News Contact Us


TOP OF THE NEWS

GERMAN WINE REGION SHORTENS NAME

August 16, 2007

The German wine region Mosel-Saar-Ruwer has officially changed its name to Mosel as a way to become more consumer-friendly.  The new name went into effect August 1, 2007, and will apply to all wines starting with the 2007 vintage. 

 

EU WINE DEAL PUTS AN END TO AUSTRALIA'S CHAMPAGNE

Published July 11, 2007, Reuters

The following article, published by Reuters on July 11, 2007, explains how the new EU wine deal will effect the Australian champagne market.

Click here to read the article in PDF. 

AMERICAN SHIPPER - INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS MAGAZINE

January 2007 Edition

The American Shipper Magazine, January 2007 Edition, has published an article featuring WSSA.  The article is in commeration of our 30th Year Anniversary.  It speaks of the history of WSSA, our members, and how WSSA stands to serve the industry and our members.  The following article, written by Chris Gillis, has been reproduced with the very kind permission of the Publisher. 

June 1, 2006

The attached editorial - which is critical of the Markey/Nadler 100% screening amendment - appeared on June 1, 2006 in the Washington Post.  This is important not only because the Post is one of the most highly regarded newspapers in the country, but also because it has a lot of credibility with Democrats, who have been the primary advocates of the legislation described in the editorial.

Click here to view the editorial.

Legislative Update:  The House debated the Homeland Security Appropriations bill last week, but adjourned without voting on a final package.  The House will resume debate on this bill next week, at which time the House may consider the Markey (100% screening) amendment.  We will update you as events warrant.  Stay tuned!

February 3, 2006

USDA Inspection of Import Containers from Melbourne and Adelaide

We have been advised of the following by Maersk Line:

This is to inform you that the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has begun inspecting all US import containers arriving from Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia.  The inspections will continue until further notice and are to prevent the "Vineyard Snail" from entering the United States.

Please note delays to delivery of cargo moving from these locations should be expected.  In addition, any costs associated with a USDA inspection will be for the account of the cargo.

 

UNITED STATES SOUTH EUROPE CONFERENCE

AGREEMENT NO. 202-011587

 

St. Andrews House, 26 Brighton Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6AA

 

Telephone : +44 (0)1293 519131 Fax : +44 (0)1293 540019

E-mail: secretariat@taafc.co.uk

 

Notice to the Shipping Public

 

Resulting from the latest of the regular monitoring exercises in regard to fuel prices and

currency values, the United States South Europe Conference (USSEC) wishes to

announce:

 

A) The present Bunker Adjustment Factor published in USSEC tariffs will be extended
unchanged for the month of March, 2006 at the following levels:

 

$401 per 20ft container

$802 per 40ft container

- all other cargo (W,WM or each) 34 per cent

 

B) USSEC's Tariff Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), Effective March 1st, 2006, will

be adjusted from 7 (Seven) percent to 9 (Nine) percent through, at least, March 31st, 2006.

The BAF and CAF tariff positions from April 1st, 2006 will be advised in due course.

 

For and on behalf of USSEC Parties:

  A.P.Moller-Maersk Sealand

  P&O Nedlloyd Ltd.

 

Issued: Crawley, UK, January 27th, 2006

Website: www.ussec.com

January 24, 2006

Hapag-Lloyd has advised the following:

Please be advised that further to our circular dated 23/09/04, additional Terminal Security Fees have now been agreed as follows:

Please be informed, that Terminal Security Fee for Baltimore, MD has been postponed from 05th February to 15th February 06.

Baltimore, MD - WITH EFFECT OF 15, February 2005

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

USD 3.25 per container

-> applicable for import & export containers

-> applicable for transhipments

NAME CHANGE

Effective March 1, 2006, Italian carrier Lloyd Triestino di Navigazione SpA will change its name to Italia Marittima SpA.

The company said the change will more broadly identify the 170 year old line with the Italian market.  Lloyd Triestino, subsidiary of the Evergreen Group since 1998, will maintain its headquarters in Trieste.  It will continue to be represented by Evergreen America Corp.

TACA-USSEC ANNOUNCEMENTS

TACA, October 9, 2006: BAF/CAF Announcement

TACA, September 28, 2006 - Tariff Increase - Inland Transportation

THE TRANS-ATLANTIC CONFERENCE AGREEMENT (TACA) announces:

Based upon the latest monitoring of fuel prices, TACA's Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF), will be held unchanged beyond its current period of application, through March 15th, 2006, at the following levels:

                               Traffic to/from and via:

-Atlantic/Gulf Coast Ports               Pacific Coast Ports

$ 423 per 20ft container                 $ 635 per 20ft container

$ 846 per 40/45ft container           $ 1270 per 40/45ft container

WM $42.00                                       WM $64.00

With respect to Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), based on the latest monitoring of relevant currency values, the current Tariff published level will remain unchanged at 4 (four) percent through, at least March 15th, 2006.

The TACA BAF and CAF to apply from March 16th, 2006, will be announced on a minimum of 30 days notice.  Appropriate details will be published timely in TACA's relevant tariffs and on its web site.

For and on behalf of the following TACA Parties:

Atlantic Container Line A.B.              Nippon Yusen Kaisha *NYK) Line

Mediterranean Shipping CO.           Orient Overseas Container Line

A.P. Moller-Maersk Sealand             P&O Nedlloyd Limited

 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2005

UPDATE ON USDA SNAIL HOLDS - FOR WINE CONTAINERS ORGINATING FROM AUSTRALIA

Our colleagues at Hamburg Sud have provided us with a report on their recent meeting with Port of Philadelphia, USC and other carrier representatives.

Please find details below:

Following is a report on meeting attended by Hamburg Sud personnel.

We attended meeting at Customs District office and 12 in total were in attendance at Mr. Lovejoy's office.  Findings of our discussions are as follows:

1-Key Participants:

     Michael Lovejoy - Port Director

     Bob Drobish - Assistance Area Director

     Hal Fingerman - Chief Agriculture Operations

     Maersk Representative

     P&O Representative

     Hamburg Sud Representatives

     Holt Representative

2-Snail Alert:

Customs/USDA has placed a "snail alert" on all containers of wine coming to Philadelphia.  They were previously on "surveillance" so only a small percentage got inspected.

3-Incidences:

  • In 2003 they had 3 action notices for snails
  • In 2004 they had 9 action notices for the year
  • They had 9 action notices in November and a further 10 so far this month in 2005

4-Types of snails:

They showed us some samples of these snails and some are very small.  Attached we have scanned the different types they have found.

The "X" sign snails designate those that require action.

The most common they have found are:

        -  conchlicella barbara

        -  cernuella virgate (vineyard snail)

5-Damages Caused:

The USDA considers these 2 types of snails extremely dangerous to agriculture plants and citrus.

The health concern is also there as they act as "liver fluke" transmitters to humans.

6-Carrier Comments:

The P&O representative was active and so were we.  General comments as follows from carriers:

a)  We take "action notices" very serious evidence feedback from our colleagues in Australia.

b)  We explained how some containers go to vineyards outside of Adelaide although majority handled via McKenzie Intermodal in Adelaide before it moves to rail.

c)   We provided a copy of notice sent by the "AWBC" to their members.  Customs really took note of how quickly we have reacted.

d)  We explained actions being taken by McKenzie Intermodal and terminals regarding baits and pest control.  We also advised how much rain came this past year further adding to the population.

e) We shared  general Business Plan Details showing that 45% of wine to ED came via Philadelphia.

f)  We explained how we have already lost the Nova Scotia Liquor Board to Savannah and elaborated on commercial concerns.  Customs does not take kindly to "port chopping" and considers this a serious offense to go to Savannah.

g)   The chassis operation is tight in PHL as Customs handles 20 at a time and 60 per day so volumes becoming a problem for inspections.

h)   We explained how charges to all importers  increasing as delays mount.

7-Action items:

 a)  They asked that our colleagues in Australia contact USDA/IS to see if they can assist at origin:

                      USDA International Services

                       Australian POC

                       Asia Pacific Region

                       Canberra, Australia

                        Area Director, Dennis Hannapel - 011-6126-214-5820

                        Admin. Asst., Joyce Twarg - 011-6126-244-5989

b)  We promised to revert with out input regarding further actions taken by terminals and intermodal yards and shippers.

c) They plan to alert all other US ports of potential health hazard of snails that may cause "liver flukes".

d)  Until Customs sees a drop in Action Notices they will keep the "alert".  They need to see progress in efforts to correct the number of incidences before they revert back to "surveillance".

e)  Finally, Customs has agreed to meet as needed or field phone calls from actual shippers/importers/brokers.

The requests can be sent to:

                                                       Hal Fingerman

                                                        Chief Agriculture Operations

                                                         212-597-4515

                                                         Hal.Fingerman@dhs.gov        

 

BUNKER ADJUSTMENT FACTOR ON CARGOES FROM NEW ZEALAND TO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA AND MEXICO

The latest monthly calculation of the northbound Bunker Adjustment Factor [BAF] has produced a decrease in the required level of BAF.

Consequently, the BAF will be adjusted to +19% with effect from 2nd January 2006 and will apply to cargoes received from shipment on the following vessels:

CP Kestrel                     v843              ETD 2nd January 2006

Maersk Novazzano       v643              ETD 4th January 2006

CP Aurora                      v5148            ETD 9th January 2006

The ongoing bunker price situation will be kept under constrant review, and we will advise you as and when any further upward or downward adjustments to the level of the BAF become warranted.

The above information has been provided WSSA by some steamship lines.

Fuel Surcharge

Just as the bunker surcharge on your ocean freight is subject to review and fluctuation, so is the cost of diesel fuel (needed to run the majority of trucks operated by the US trucking industry). Toward that end, we continue to monitor the National Average. Please note this figure is reviewed and updated on a weekly basis, and we will post those updates for you on a weekly basis.

Week of June 23, 2008
$4.65
FSC 41%
Week of June 16, 2008
$4.69
FSC 41%
Week of June 2, 2008
$4.71
FSC 41%
Week of May 26, 2008
$4.72
FSC 41%
Week of May 19, 2008
$4.50
FSC 40%
Week of May 12, 2008
$4.33
FSC 39%
Week of April 28, 2008
$4.18
FSC 38%
Week of April 21, 2008
$4.14
FSC 37%
Week of April 14, 2008
$4.06
FSC 37%

Note: As these costs fluctuate, so will the US inland fuel surcharges on your trucking and/or rail movements.

Hamburg Süd West Coast Australia/NZ Service to Shift to SSA Oakland Terminal

(February 18, 2005).  Hamburg Süd announced this week that its West Coast North America - Australia/NZ service will begin calling at SSA Marine's B58 at the Oakland International Container Terminal next month.  The change becomes effective with Voyage 798/503 of the containership Direct Tui on or about March 2, 2005.

Customers are being advised that the service will make its last call at the current APL terminal in Oakland effective with the call of the Cap Reinga, (V496/502) on or about February 24.

The shift to the SSA terminal completes a general consolidation of Hamburg Süd's San Francisco Bay calls at one facility.  The company's West Coast Americas (AMPAC) and South Seas Pacific Islands services began calling Oakland in late December.  Officials said the overall changes were made to achieve greater economies of scale and operating efficiencies in its West Coast operations.


CONTRACTS & RATES RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE
WSSA and Contract Rates

Rates for US Inland Points
Many WSSA contracts include rates for selected US in-land points for inter-modal movement of containers from/to the nearest port.  These rates are fixed for the duration of the contract.  This protects the WSSA member from possible increases in their transportation costs.

LCL Programs (Less than Container Loads)
WSSA has a program in place for "lite" shipments from Italy.  This program has fixed pricing on a per case basis for smaller shipments from Italy and provides delivery to nine major cities in the US.  Please inquire for details.


GOVERNMENT & SECURITY INITIATIVES RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) July 2005.

One of the most important concepts of the Homeland Security reorganization

was the creation of one border agency for the United States : one agency to

manage, control and secure our nation's borders.  Combining the

Immigration, Customs and Agricultural border inspection functions together,

with the Border Patrol and its functions between the ports of entry,

positions CBP in a vital national security role -- protecting and securing

America 's borders.  The attached CBP FY 2005-2010 Strategic Plan provides a

comprehensive strategy to guide the accomplishment of our border security

responsibilities, facilitate trade and travel and enforce the laws at our

borders.

The Strategic Plan sets out our vision for the future through six strategic

goals.

1. Preventing Terrorism At Ports of Entry

2. Preventing Terrorism Between Ports of Entry

3. Unifying As One Border Agency

4. Facilitating Legitimate Trade and Travel

5. Protecting America and Its Citizens

6. Modernizing and Managing

A vital component of the Strategic Plan involves partnerships with numerous

Federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, the trade

community and others in the supply chain, foreign governments, and the

private sector.  These cooperative relationships are helping to combat the

threat of terrorism and secure the vast international supply chain, enforce

hundreds of laws and regulations, facilitate international trade and

travel, and reduce the importation of prohibited or illegal materials.

The 2005-2010 Strategic Plan is available on www.cbp.gov under "About CBP."

It should be noted that while the Plan reflects the CBP 5-year vision for

the agency, we must remain dynamic and flexible to adapt quickly to the

ever changing terrorist threat.  Therefore, we intend to update this

Strategic Plan on our Web site as necessary to accurately reflect

significant organizational and operational changes introduced to better

accomplish the mission of protecting America .

CBP partnerships will continue to be vital to protecting the homeland and

facilitating legitimate travel and trade.  We look forward to continuing to

build upon and expand our relationships with our partners as we work

together to secure and protect America and the supply chain.

Yours truly,

Robert C. Bonner

Commissioner

ENFORCEMENT REMINDER - FDA Bio Terrorism Rule - Prior Notification

"24-Hour Manifest Rule"
Updated May 5, 2003.  US Customs steps up enforcement of 24-hour manifest rule.


The US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection is reminding all international traders that it began the next phase of enforcement for the 24-hour advance manifest filing rule for seaborne imports on May 4.


Customs said it would fine companies that do not electronically submit their cargo declarations on time and issue "do not load" messages to vessel operators for containerized cargo that has an invalid or incomplete cargo description.   Initially, enforcement efforts focused on significant violations of the cargo description requirements such as the vague terms "freight all kinds," "said to contain," or "general merchandise."


On May 15, Customs will issue "do not load" messages if the consignee's name and address are not clearly labeled or left blank.  Customs will also penalize companies for invalid cargo descriptions and late submittals for shipments known as "foreign remaining on board," that enter the United States, but are not unloaded at the first port of call.  Carriers may be assessed a $5,000 penalty for the first violation and $10,000 for any subsequent violation attributable to the master of the ship.


US Customs established a new security regulation, effective December 2, that requires ocean carriers and non-vessel-operating common carriers to file detailed manifests to US Customs 24 hours prior to loading their containerized freight in overseas ports.  The purpose of the regulation is to give Customs adequate time to stop "high risk" containers for inspection before loading on US-bound ships.


Customs said it will no longer accept vague freight descriptions, such as "freight all kinds" (F.A.K.) or "said to contain" (S.T.C.), or broad descriptions, such as "chemicals" or "food stuffs."  Many ocean carriers, NVOs and importers have traditionally used these types of cargo descriptions to protect the privacy of their business information from competitors and reporting services.


Customs officials told the industry that they must either provide a more detailed cargo text description or use the first six digits of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule numbers.


More in-depth cargo descriptions on manifests will help the agency speed up non-intrusive inspections of "high-risk" containers and perhaps reduce the need to de-van some boxes.   Failure to comply may result in US Customs disallowing loading of the cargo.  US Customs began enforcing the rule on February 2, 2003.


Ocean carriers claim to incur added administrative costs as a result and have started to implement "security manifest documentation" charges.  These charges have become part of new charges that can be either prepaid or will now appear on the bill of lading.  Most charges are $25-$30 per Bill of Lading and supplier.  WSSA sent a summary of the current charges to the membership.


The new "24-hour rule" is part of the C-TPAT/Government Initiative (see below) in America's fight against terrorism and to protect the security of cargo entering the United States.


BATF Changes to Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
February 21, 2003.  As a result of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, signed into law November 25, 2002, the functions previously performed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) will now be handled by the newly named Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).  TTB will fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury.  TTB has announced that it will introduce a system for filing and approvals of label applications over the Internet (Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval - COLA).  Advance registrations are required.  Get more information.

Businesses must apply to participate in C-TPAT.  Membership is available to importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators, manufacturers, domestic port authorities and marine terminal operators.  Participants will sign an agreement that commits them to the following actions:

Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of supply chain security using the security guidelines jointly developed by Customs and the trade community;

Submit a supply chain security questionnaire to Customs;

Develop and implement a program to enhance security throughout the supply chain in accordance with guidelines; and

Communicate C-TPAT guidelines to other companies in the supply chain and work toward building the guidelines into relationships with


CARRIERS & PORTS RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE



FACTS & FIGURES RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE

Wine in the US - How the Figures Stack Up
February 28, 2004.  Statistics compiled by the National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI), show wine imports into the US from Italy top the list as of November 2003.  The Top 10 list reveals some interesting import growth figures as Australia moved to the number 2 spot and New Zealand jumped past Portugal.

Origin

Country

Volumes

thru 11/03

% Change

vs 2002

Italy
188,516
8%
Australia
140,973
48%
France
80,414
-9%
Chile
49,463
-3%
Spain
18,337
13%
Germany
16,378
20%
Argentina
12,708
19%
New Zealand
6,282
41%
Portugal
4,480
-13%
South Africa
4,336
17%

 

Numbers are for still wine only, measured in 1,000 wine liters.


Australia:  A Major Wine Exporter
March 1, 2003.  According to numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Wine Exports from Australia totaled $2,105 billion.  The UK is the major market, accounting for 48% of the total.  The United States comes in second at 22.2%.

Red grape production surpassed white grape production for the second time in a year; the major categories for wine productions are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot.

EU to Harmonize Wine Names and Bottle Shapes
Every wine produced in the EU will have specific information on the label, including its alcohol strength, who produced it and who imported it.  There are definitions for what dry, sweet, red, white and rose means and anything that varies from this should be indicated on the label.   Terms like ruby, tawney and vintage traditionally used to describe port from Portugal will be used only for such port.  Other names become the property of the region that originally produced the wine.  This includes Amarone that will only be used to describe wine from Valpolicella, or Lacryma Christi for Vesuvio, both Italian wine regions.  "This comprehensive labeling system means that producers will better inform consumers about the wine they are buying.  This decision is a cornerstone to better protection of consumers' and producers' interests, to ensure the smooth operation of the internal market and to promote quality winT," said EU Agriculture Commissioner Fischler, announcing the changes in May of this year.


US:  4th Largest Wine Producing Country
With production of 2.61 billion liters, the United States is now the fourth largest wine producing country in the world.  A 64.1% increase in the last 5 years has been due to a number of new vineyards coming on line.   At the same time, wine consumption has continued to increase steadily reaching 2.14 billion liters in 2000.   The increase is a result of a change in drinking patterns; Americans are turning more to consumption of red wines and adopting tastes that are closer resembling tastes found in traditional wine-producing countries.

RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE
top of page
WSSA handles ocean shipping services for wholesale quantities for
Importers, Distributors and Suppliers in the beverage industry.

.

.