75 Years Proud
In 2024, Universal Logistics proudly celebrated a remarkable milestone – our 75-Year Anniversary. To mark this special occasion, company owners, Michael, David, Mark and Paul Glionna invited all Universal employees and their guests to a gala celebratory event at the One King West hotel in Downtown Toronto on Saturday, December 14th.
The party’s 165 attendees experienced an unforgettable evening, including great food, entertainment and speeches honouring shared achievements and recognizing the dedication, passion, and hard work of our employees that have contributed to the longstanding success of Universal Logistics.
The event featured an international theme in keeping with the incredible cultural diversity of Universal’s employee group, where over 20 countries and more than 25 spoken languages are represented.
In addressing the party-goers, President Michael Glionna proposed a toast to his predecessors who founded the company, laid a strong foundation and built a well-respected reputation from which to grow the business. “Please raise a glass to Grandad and Dad, Frank Glionna Sr. and Frank Glionna Jr., who set the example and instilled in us our company values. They started the business, and grew the business, and paved the way for us to flourish for all these years. Here’s to the Franks!”
Universal Logistics was founded in 1949 when Frank Glionna Sr. left his job as a manager at railcar company, Universal Consolidated Car, to forge his own legacy. Initially only focused on Canadian customs brokerage, it didn’t take long for Universal Customs Brokers Limited to become a recognized and trusted logistics partner.
In 1957, the next generation (Frank Glionna Jr.) took over and began modernizing our approach to client care. By putting our clients first, providing excellent service, and prioritizing long-term business relationships, the company’s core values – trust, reliability, integrity – were established.
In 1969, international freight forwarding services were introduced by the company, while warehousing and distribution services were added in 1998. At Universal’s 50-Year anniversary celebration in 1999, our current company name, Universal Logistics Inc., and logo were unveiled to recognize the full logistics service offering of the business. And, in 2010, Universal Logistics USA was launched, expanding into US brokerage and US freight services to complement our Canadian operations.
Over the past 30 years, Universal Logistics has been run by the third generation of the family business, brothers Michael, David, Mark, and Paul Glionna. They remain committed to providing the latest logistics services while honouring the traditional, client-oriented values that make our company unique, and… 75 Years Proud!
CARM – Deadline to obtain financial security fast approaching
The Release Prior to Payment (RPP) 180-day transition period ends on April 19, 2025, at which time importers must have their own financial security arrangements to meet the RPP program requirements.
When CARM became the official system of record, obtaining the release of imported goods prior to accounting and payment of duties significantly changed for importers. Importers are no longer able to use their customs broker’s security to clear shipments before paying duties and taxes.
CARM requires all importers to post security with CBSA to guarantee the payment of duties and taxes before goods will be customs released (Release Prior to Payment – RPP).
The Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Program allows participants to obtain the release of goods from the CBSA before the final accounting and payment of duties and taxes.
- With over 250,000 importers requiring bonds, surety companies will be faced with an influx of bond requests within a relatively short period of time – to avoid being caught without a bond after the transition period, we recommend obtaining the required bond now.
Importers who have not yet obtained a bond – here’s what you need to know:
All importers must post security using one of the following two options to be eligible for RPP:
- Option 1: a financial security instrument for 50% of their highest monthly accounts receivable (inclusive of GST) with a minimum financial security of $5,000 per import program (RM)
- Option 2: cash security deposit for 100% of their highest monthly accounts receivable (inclusive of GST)
Recommendation – obtain a bond for a higher amount than required to avoid costly revisions
IMPORTANT: If financial security is not provided within the 180-day transition period, the importer will be removed from the RPP program (at day 181). Without the required bond, you will be required to pay CBSA in advance for all duties/taxes prior to gaining the release of imported shipments after the 180-day transition period.
Universal has secured very competitive RPP Bond rates with our Surety. To take advantage of these rates please feel free to contact your Client Care representative or Mark Glionna, Vice President—Client Relations & Business Development.
Streamline Your Cross-Border Operations with Our U.S. Customs Brokerage Expertise
At Universal Logistics, we don’t just excel in Canadian customs brokerage and freight forwarding—we’re also your trusted partner for U.S. Customs Brokerage. Our tailored solutions ensure compliance with complex U.S. regulations, minimize delays, and optimize your import and export processes. Let us handle the intricacies of U.S. customs while you focus on growing your business. Visit our website to learn more about how our U.S. Customs Brokerage services can simplify your cross-border logistics and maximize efficiency.
Ocean Freight market predictions for Q1
Ocean freight rates and vessel capacity will continue to stay strong in Q1 of 2025, with 2 new alliances forming, Gemini (Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd) and Premier (ONE, YML and HMM).
Gemini and Premier are rolling out new services in February, while Ocean Alliance has announced 3 new transpacific services to be fully deployed by April 2025.
The introduction of these new services is forecast to cause service disruptions, resulting in higher rates and stress in vessel capacity. Carriers are implementing more blank sailings, while vessels transition between the alliances and some voyages will operate concurrently for a few months.
An example of the rate impact is that, effective January 27, 2025, MSC announced an Emergency Operation Surcharge (EOS) of $1,300 US/20 DV and $2,000 US/40 DV-HC container for the Northern Europe to U.S., Puerto Rico and Bahamas trade lanes.
This surcharge will apply until further notice as a result of predicted operational disruptions due to the significant changes in the alliance network. It is expected that other carriers will follow suit and implement increases in different forms. It is important that importers take these surcharges into account when completing budgets.
For more information, contact Cathy Fong, Director – Freight Pricing.
U.S. CBP and APHIS issue new Wood Packaging Material checklist
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have prepared a Wood Packaging Material (WPM) checklist for trade chain partners due to increased non-compliance with regulations which has led to increased enforcement.
There are two treatment options – heat treatment or fumigation with methyl bromide:
- Heat treatment – WPM must be heat treated to achieve a minimum wood core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Fumigation – WPM must be fumigated with methyl bromide in an enclosed area for at least 16 hours at the regulated dosage and then must be aerated to reduce the concentration of fumigant below hazardous exposure levels.
After either of these treatments, the WPM must be marked in a visible location on each article, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the article, with a legible and permanent mark, approved by the IPPC, to certify that wood packaging material has been subjected to an approved treatment. Marks will vary by country and treatment establishment. The ISPM-15, Annex 2 describes the mark and its application. It also gives examples of acceptable variants to the mark.
WPM that is not marked is considered to be untreated and non-compliant. The regulation allows for the immediate export of non-compliant WPM. Fumigation is not allowed as a remedy. Other countries may have other options, but the United States regulation only allows export of non-compliant WPM. The importer of the merchandise is responsible for exporting non-compliant WPM.
Resources:
- Wood Packaging Material Checklist – 2024
- Guidelines for Liquidated Damages and Penalties on Wood Packaging Materials
- Frequently Asked Questions on Wood Packaging Materials
- Wood Packaging Material Trade Outreach
- 7 CFR 319.40
- List of Approved U.S. Heat Treatment Facilities, American Standard Lumber Committee
For more information, contact Marion Bradnam, General Manager – Customs Services.
Are you on the list of Canada's Customs Verification Priorities?
The latest semi-annual list of verification priorities for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been released.
New compliance priorities
The CBSA has identified the following compliance priorities:
- Tariff rate quota and classification of supply managed goods
- Verifications on the classification of frozen desserts containing 5% of dairy products
- Tariff classification of gloves
- Third round of verifications on gloves classified under headings 39.26 and 42.03
- GST and excise duties and taxes
- GST exemption codes
- Vaping products subject to excise duties and taxes
- Import origin verifications under:
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (CUKTCA)
- Duties Relief Program (DRP)
- Verifications of licensees importing supply managed goods
- Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff treatment withdrawn from Russia and Belarus
- China Surtax Order (2024): Electric vehicles
China Surtax Order (2024): Steel and Aluminum
As the risk environment evolves, CBSA can change priorities at any time during the course of the year.
On the current list of compliance priorities:
Freezers and Other Freezing Equipment, Heading 84.18 and Washers and Dryers, Headings 84.50 and 84.51: , were added as verification priorities in May 2023 and, although still ongoing, the following results have been reported so far:
The list is also made up of additional rounds for items that have appeared on previous lists:
- Spent Fowl (Round 3) – Headings 02.07, 16.01 and 16.02
- Gloves (Round 3) – Headings 39.26 and 42.03
- Bags (Round 3) – Heading 42.02
- LED Lamps (Round 2) – Heading 85.39
- Bicycle Parts (Round 3) – Heading 87.14
When a verification priority has been completed (or additional rounds added due to high levels of non-compliance), the CBSA posts the risk assessment and general verification results. As an example, see below in regard to the misclassification of Spent Fowl:
With respect to valuation, there is one continued item:
- Apparel (Round 4) – Chapters 61 and 62
For origin, there is one continued item:
- Bedding and drapery (Round 3) – Headings 63.01, 63.02 and 63.03
CBSA also maintains a historical verification priorities list, which should be reviewed by all importers as they will likely circle back to these reviews in order to ensure compliance.
The next list of priorities is expected in July 2025.
For more information, contact Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs.
Global Spotlight Quiz
Name the city known for its symbolic masks
- The city rests on 118 islands, separated by 150 canals.
- Also known as City of Canals and The Floating City.
- Gondolas and boats take the place of cars in the heart of the city.
- Home to the famous Piazza San Marco and Rialto Market.
- Marco Polo, Antonio Vivaldi and Giacomo Casanova were born in this city.
- The city is sinking by 1-2 mm every year due to climate change.
Answer: Venice, Italy
For more information about shipping freight to or from this city, contact Debbie McGuire, Director – Freight Solutions.
Quick Tip
Double check your insurance coverage
Don’t’ make the mistake of assuming your insurance coverage covers everything you ship. For example, if you insure books on a regular basis, but have a one-time shipment of picture frames, your standard coverage may not apply (breakage of glass may be excluded). Always confirm coverage before you ship.
At Your Service
Maryam Mehrdad
Team Leader – IT Solutions
Maryam Mehrdad joined Universal Logistics in March 2022 as a member of the IT Solutions team and quickly became an invaluable part of the team. From the start, Maryam showed great leadership skills and, as a result, was promoted to Team Leader – IT Solutions in April 2024.
Maryam’s friendly and open personality as well as her attention to detail and commitment to improvement have been impactful across all teams at Universal.
Maryam can be reached by phone (905) 882-4880, ext. 1204 or by email.
Team Leader – IT Solutions
SMART Logistics
Controlling how freight moves through your supply chain could save you thousands – or more.
Working with us means someone always asks: how can we make this shipment better?
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Route is produced monthly for the clients of Universal Logistics. Reader comment and story ideas are welcome. Comments of general interest to all Route readers will, with the permission of the writer, be published. Copyright © 2025 Universal Logistics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction for any commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Route is produced by Universal Logistics. Editor: Bettina Scharnberg. Email: bscharnberg@universallogistics.ca While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained herein, Universal Logistics accepts no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions. Written correspondence should be forwarded to:
Universal Logistics Inc.
125 Commerce Valley Drive West
Suite 750, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 7W4
Tel: 905-882-4880 Fax: 905-882-2250
Attention: Bettina Scharnberg
