West Coast Congestion, TPA Vote & CTPAT for Exporters

The West Coast ports are expected to return to “normal” by the end of May, but it may not be the “normal” that it was before the contract negotiations began. With bigger ships and more of them, the ports will have to work harder than ever to avoid congestion and keep cargo moving without delays. Truck turn times at some terminals have improved, lasting between 70 and 90 minutes. However, others still average above 100 minutes. Nevertheless, progress has been made, and the ports and port users are generally optimistic.

For more information on the West Coast, please click here.

In other news, the TPA (Trade Promotion Authority) did not make it through a Senate vote yesterday. This failure to allow “fast-track” negotiating authority for the President could slow down two major trade agreements pending, The TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) and the TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership). These two trade agreements can expand opportunities for American businesses by removing or reducing barriers to trade and foreign investment. Tomorrow, more trade legislation will be addressed, with Senate votes expected on legislation extending GSP (generalized system of preferences) and then will potentially return to debate on the TPA and TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) bill.

Finally, as reported by the AgTC, CBP (Customs and Border Protection), the agency which monitors and enforces import compliance, has announced a new program for exporters called the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism for Exports (CTPAT). The program is “voluntary” but offers many benefits for those who participate. Still, some exporters are skeptical about the program, and many questions remain on whether the benefits will outweigh the additional regulations exporters will have to endure.