Our Blog

2M Alliance Approved
Posted October 9, 2014

Yesterday the Federal Maritime Commission approved the 2M alliance involving Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company. The vote outcome was four in favor and only one dissenting.

The one remaining obstacle the 2M alliance faces is the approval of Chinese regulators, as the alliance is already in compliance with the European Union and now has received the approval of U.S. regulators. The 2M alliance, if approved by all parties, is scheduled to take effect January 2015 and is projected to involve a total of 185 vessels and handle over 2.1 million TEUs.

Read More | Share:
Potential Delays Due to France's New Eco Tax
Posted October 7, 2014

France’s Eco Tax is coming into the news again in France, and is proposed to be replaced by the new Heavy Vehicle Transit Tax (also known as the SEGOtax or toll tax), which the French government hopes will reduce negative environmental impacts of transporting road freight. The trucks affected will be those that weight more than 3.5 metric tons. The new tax, if it passes legislation, could go into effect as soon as January 1, 2015, but the trial period for the tax began October 1, 2014.

Read More | Share:
Low Sulfur Fuel Mandate
Posted October 3, 2014

Many of you have heard about the new requirements for low sulfur fuel, and we have seen some small surcharges implemented in the last year. In 2015, however, all sources are indicating more significant increases are coming. Beginning January 1, 2015, a new low-sulfur fuel mandate implemented by the International Maritime Organization will go into effect. This mandate is in an effort to reduce sulfur emissions in the Emission Control Areas (ECAs) designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Read More | Share:
FDA Mandatory Registration Renewal
Posted October 1, 2014

Mandatory Biennial Registration Renewal for Food Facilities is now required between October 1, 2014, until December 31, 2014. If your facility is not re-registered with the FDA by December 31, 2014, the FDA will cancel your Bioterrorism Act registration, and your importations will be delayed.

Read More | Share:
Mountain Pass Re-opened This Week
Posted September 29, 2014

The mountain pass connecting Chile and Argentina that was closed last week and over the weekend was re-opened today! Good weather conditions are expected to last for the duration of this week, which will hopefully enable the pass to stay open.

Read More | Share:

Pages