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New federal funding support for Canadian
exporters in small business sector
Faced with lower than expected export activity, the Canadian government is providing $50 million in funding support for small and medium-sized businesses that are interested in launching new or expanded overseas trade.
Under the CanExport program, eligible companies (fewer than 250 employees, annual revenue between $200,000 – $50 million) will get up to 50% of any spending between $10,000 and $100,000 (research, travel, trade fairs) reimbursed by the federal government.
For more information, contact Chris Barnard, Vice President – Projects & Market Development.
Ultra-large shipping challenge
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CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin |
Major ports on the U.S. west coast are not quite ready to handle ultra-large container ships. The problem is that the ports don’t have enough cranes to efficiently handle the high number of containers on these mega ships.
The first arrival of this new class of container ship at a U.S. west coast port occurred on December 26, 2015, when the Port of Los Angeles received the 17,859-ton CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin. While the unloading was judged a success, it is clear that the port could not handle several ultra-large container ships at the same time.
For more information, contact Lisa Fertita, General Manager – Freight Services, Universal LogisticsUSA.
Time shipments to avoid closures during
Chinese New Year’s Holiday
Office and factory closures for the upcoming Chinese New Year can last from February6 to February14, depending on the country:
| China: |
February 7 – 13 |
| Hong Kong: |
February 8 – 10 |
| Taiwan: |
February 6 – 14 |
The potential for delays extends to the weeks just prior to the holiday, when there is usually a surge of shipments by companies trying to avoid the holiday closures. It is, therefore, recommended that booking arrangements for impending shipments be made as early as possible to avoid delays.
For more information, contact Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions.
Anti-dumping duty removed
On January 6, 2016, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) determined dumping has not occurred, contrary to the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) decision of December 7, 2015, and the 98.1% anti-dumping duty imposed on certain steel plate originating in or exported from the Republic of India and the Russian Federation is not applicable.
As such, these goods will not be subject to the additional anti-dumping and countervailing duties – any additional duties previously collected by the CBSA will be refunded.
For more information, contact Brian Rowe, General Manager – Customs Consulting Services.
Terminology Explained
Demurrage – The fee charged by steamship lines on a container, once free time at a destination terminal expires. Free time normally begins one working day after a container arrives at destination and the typical free time period is five working days. After free time expires, the steamship line will charge a fee per calendar day (on average US$100.00 – $150.00 per day). This rate typically increases after five days. In regards to reefer containers, the normal free time period is less, normally three days, and the rate per day is higher (on average US$200.00 – $300.00 per day). This rate also typically increases after three days. The charge ceases once the empty container is returned to the steamship line.
Chassis Detention – The fee charged by a container haulage company, once free time expires after a container has been collected from a container terminal, and the container remains on the carrier’s chassis. Normally, carriers allow 24 – 48 hours free time after a container has been collected. After this free time expires, daily chassis detention fees are charged (on average CA$45.00 – $60.00 per day). In the case of reefer containers, normally there is no free time (as in the case when delivery cannot be made upon collection) and the fee per day is higher than standard containers (on average CA$150.00 – $200.00 per day). The charge ceases once the container is returned to the terminal and removed from the carrier’s chassis.
Terminal Storage – The fee charged by destination terminals, once free time expires after a container has arrived. Free time varies between terminals across Canada. In some cases, it is as little as one day after arrival, after which a daily storage fee is charged (on average CA$200.00 – $300.00 per day). Certain terminals also charge a higher rate per day for reefer containers. Many terminals also increase the daily terminal storage fee for both standard and reefer containers after a set number of days. The charge ceases once the container is collected from the terminal.
For more information, contact David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services.
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Just another day for this very busy port.
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What major transportation hub is both a country and a city?
Read the clues carefully as this is one of the most unusual places in the world:
- A ship arrives or departs from the port every 2-3 minutes and every day more than 60,000 containers are loaded or unloaded from more than 60 container vessels.
- The second busiest port in the world, having handled 32.63 million TEU in 2013.
- Its strategic geographical location makes this the world’s #1 transshipment hub.
- It is one of only three city-states in the world that don’t have a capital – the other two are Monaco and Vatican City.
- It has four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay & Tami.
- It has the top ranked airport in the world.
 Click here to see the answer
For more information about freight to/from this city-state, contact Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions.
Make your freight forwarder part
of the purchasing process
Save time and money by giving your freight forwarder a copy of your Purchase Order as early as possible. With that single step, your forwarder can:
- Provide input on the best routing to expedite your order and cut transit times.
- Follow up and make you aware of any complications or delays.
- Ensure equipment and space are available, and in the process avoid delays or having to employ other options to meet delivery requirements.
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Craig Stilson– Customs Operations,
Niagara Falls |
At Your Service: Craig Stilson – Customs Operations, NiagaraFalls
An employee of Universal Logistics since January 2013, Craig is responsible for customs clearance of cargo moving through the Niagara Falls, Ontario border crossing. He is a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), a designation he acquired in 1996, and has a Diploma in Business Accounting from Niagara College.
Craig can be reached by phone at (905) 262-5381 or byemail. |
