Shipping Industry so far not Affected by Government Shutdown

While we have no reports of any delays in the shipping industry from the 10/1 government shutdown, the trickle down effects will certainly be felt as government employees are not paid, concessions at national parks are closed, and passport processing will come to a standstill.
 
Furthermore, as a result of the shutdown, the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is not performing its regulatory and audit functions. Access to Permits Online, Formulas Online, and COLAS Online will be non-existent. However, tax remittances will be processed due to the fact that those are “necessary for safety and protection of property”. According to our sources, no TTB personnel will respond to phone calls, emails, or any other communications.
 
We will keep you posted as this story unfolds and will advise you if Customs, FDA, or other regulatory agencies, that influence the speed with which your cargo moves through ports, are affected by the shutdown.