June 2021

Get ready for CARM – Delegate authority to your customs broker

In the March issue of Route we identified the 4 key aspects to registering for CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management).  All importers to Canada (whether resident or non-resident) must take certain steps – if not, they simply won’t be able to import into Canada once CARM Release 2 comes into effect (May/June 2022).

Universal Logistics will help our clients along the road to CARM to ensure a smooth transition.  The CARM initiative will be implemented in phases (or releases).

Here’s what you need to know to get ready…

In our April and May issues of Route we covered Steps 1 & 2 (click on the links above to review those steps).  Today’s article focuses on Step 3, delegating authority to your customs broker.

Release 1 (implemented May 25, 2021) allowed importers to register their business in the CARM Client Portal, and to delegate portal access to employees and third-party service providers.  Delegating to third-party service providers will enable those providers to manage commercial import accounting activity on the importer’s behalf.  Customs brokers are able to request access to their importer client portal accounts.

IMPORTANT:  
Universal Logistics is requesting “Delegation of Authority” from all active clients.  You will receive this request once your company registers in the CARM Client Portal.  You will have to approve Universal for a “Business Management” relationship for us to act on your behalf and manage your account(s) with CBSA.

Navigate to the Delegation of Authority page on the portal and select “Manage pending third party requests”.

Select which programs you will have access to.

IMPORTANT:   Selecting access to “All Programs” with “Business Management” and checking all 3 boxes under the Transaction Visibility Rules will allow your customs broker visibility to manage your monthly Statement of Account:

Full instructions for Delegation of Authority in the CARM Client Portal may be found in CBSA’s Trade Chain Partner User Guide.

For more details on CARM and for tips on how to get ready – visit our website or contact your Client Care Rep to discuss how the proper delegation of authority will streamline your import clearance process.

Ocean freight ‘perfect storm’ worsens

The ‘perfect storm’ in the ocean freight market has worsened considerably over the past few months.  The blockage of the Suez Canal in March further exacerbated congestion and delays on the trade lanes from Asia to North America and Europe.  This incident also led to the re-emergence of blank sailings and port congestion.

In China, the ports of Yantian, Shekou and Nansha have been severely affected by a COVID outbreak in May, which led to reduced handling capacity at terminals when a six-day halt on containers entering Yantian was imposed.  Carriers have announced severe disruptions to sailings and schedules, with carriers cancelling calls and omitting these ports up to the end of June.  Shippers have sought alternative ports in Western Shenzhen and Hong Kong, however, the Pearl River area is now backed up with giant containerships anchored waiting for berths to open up.  Maersk has advised that over 64 of their vessels have omitted the ports of Yantian, Shenzhen and Shekou.

Aside from ports in China facing challenges, Taiwanese ports were also affected when a large cargo ship hit an overhead crane in the port of Kaohsiung in early June.  This caused the collapse of one crane and damage to another, along with many containers.  There have been delays and congestion at Taiwanese ports while the cranes are being repaired.

Heading into peak season (July, August), when retailers are building their inventories for the holiday season, demand is continuing, supply is limited and carriers are full.  All of this is leading to increasing rates and container shortages.  Carriers are now pushing GRIs (General Rate Increases) every two weeks instead of monthly, as they have in the past.  Carriers are only accepting bookings on Premium rates and in many cases, there is no space guarantee.  Many carriers are prioritizing higher-paying cargo, overcommitting space, and cancelling bookings at the last minute.

For more information, contact Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions.

	Shilin Night Market is considered the largest and most famous in the country.

Global Spotlight Quiz

Name the home of the Shilin Night Market

• Home to the world’s 5th tallest building at 1,667 feet.
• It is easy to get around this city due to an extensive public transportation system.
• Has an extensive and affordable bike share program.
• Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Elephant Mountain hiking trail.
• U.S. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan have stayed in this city’s Grand Hotel.
• Oscar winner Ang Lee, director of Sense and Sensibility, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain  and The Life Of Pi, was born in this city.

See the answer

For more information about shipping freight to or from this city, contact Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions.

Quick Tip

Save on smaller shipments by consolidating courier-type orders and using distribution hubs

Instead of sending multiple international courier packages on a daily basis, consolidate weekly and ship by the pallet to a distribution warehouse.  From this point, orders can be picked & packed and on-forwarded at domestic rates.

Outsourcing this function can prove very cost effective at a minimal disruption to service levels.

	Daniela Barron, Team Leader – Ocean & Air Clearances

At Your Service: Daniela Barron, Team Leader – Ocean & Air Clearances

Daniela Barron joined Universal’s Head Office Customs Operations team in February 2013, where she was responsible for processing High Value truck and Courier Low Value clearances.  In 2014, Daniela began handling ocean clearances and in May 2021, Daniela was promoted to the role of Team Leader – Ocean & Air Clearances.

In her new role, Daniela will oversee our Ocean & Air Clearances team, whose responsibility it is to manage customs clearances of ocean shipments, both Full Container and Less Than Container loads and air shipments, in conjunction with arranging local deliveries, coordinating payments to freight forwarders on behalf of our clients, surrendering bills of lading and ensuring delivery appointments are met.

Daniela can be reached by phone (905) 882-4880, ext. 1221 or by email.