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Should A Manufacturer join the CCSP Certified Cargo Screening Program?

David Collins — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Later this year August 3rd, 2010, legislation passed in 2007 as part of the 9/11 ACT will make it mandatory for cargo being shipped on commercial airlines originating from the United States to be screened/scanned at a level equal to the screening/checking the takes place for passenger luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charged with enforcing it the new law and the deadline for meeting this mandate is August 3rd, 2010.

If is possible for a freight forwarder or a manufacturer to become qualified to self screen the cargo that they ship via air freight.

Some questions that a manufacturer or wholesaler or purchasing company might ask themselves include:

Why should we try to become a self screener of cargo? How many of my air shipments are traveling on commercial/passenger aircraft and would my packages be compromised if they were opened during screening/transit?

Isn't cargo screening best left to the freight forwarder or airlines to handle?

Wouldn't it be to expensive for a small or mid-size company to buy the machinery or equipment needed to do cargo screening?

Will delays in airline screening / air shipments represent an unacceptable risk or loss to my company?

Is their a company out their that can help us to become a cargo screener, or that could give us guidance above and beyond the information that will be available from the TSA?

The answer is in many cases different than you think.

Gateway International Transport, inc. is Certified Cargo Screening Facility based in Houston, Texas, and we might be able to help you answer some of the questions above, or some others you might have as well. We became a CCSF without hiring an expensive outside firm to do the program for us, and we became certified without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on screening equipment. The Gateway Logistics Group umbrella of companies that includes Gateway International Transport has a history of government compliance and in creating internal systems to meet the requirements of programs like CCSP, IACSSP, and CTPAT.

So if you have been asking yourself some of the questions above, or would like to work with a freight forwarder that can help you answer those questions then please contact us at sales@gateway-group.com. If you would like assistance with starting the process to become a CCSF - Gateway can put you in touch with the correct TSA contacts We can help you analyze the cost benefit of doing screening on your own, or perhaps confirm that your logistics partner is the best answer when it comes to screening your cargo. What we hope you decide is to not leave the screening of your important air shipments to the airlines to screen after the 100% deadline comes into place in August this year.

If you have questions do not hesitate to contact us at sales@gateway-group.com or phone us in Houston Texas at 281-443-7447. You can ask for David Collins.

6-May-10 12:00 PM

MCTF Endorses the CBP Customs Border and Protection effort to Strengthen Enforcement of Jones Act

Jason Pitcock — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:00:00 GMT

On August 17th, - The Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF) issues a press release about the CBP closing several loop holes in the Jones Act that allowed certain foreign vessels to operate in US waters/waterways. The MCTF is dedicated to educating America on the economic, national security, environmental and safety benefits of the Jones Act and other U.S. cabotage laws so that domestic waterborne commerce remains a pillar of our national existence.

The press release indicated the following details:

MCTF Endorses Customs and Border ProtectionEffort to Strengthen Enforcement of Jones ActWashington, D.C –Non-Jones Act qualified vessels will no longer be able to engagein activities properly reserved for U.S.-flag vessels once Customs and Border Protection(“CBP”) implements its proposal to correct or eliminate several rulings that failed to take dueaccount of all the factors set forth in a key 1976 decision.“MCTF strongly supports CBP’s proposal, which will help ensure that our coastwiselaws are properly applied with respect to the transportation of certain merchandise betweenU.S. points,” the coalition stated in comments submitted on August 14. The proposalfocuses largely on correcting the incremental misapplication of a 1976 decision in whichCBP evaluated a range of activities undertaken by a pipeline repair vessel on the outercontinental shelf. Over the years, factors underlying the decision have been cited out ofcontext, eroding the fundamental analysis, with the result that non-coastwise qualifiedvessels engaged in activities properly reserved for Jones Act-qualified vessels.The Jones Act requires that merchandise moving between points in the United States by water be carried in a vessel that is built in the U.S., owned by U.S. citizens, documented under U.S. registry, and crewed by U.S. seafarers. The Jones Act wasenacted in 1920, but the United States has reserved the domestic trades to U.S. vesselssince 1817 and had other laws to promote a U.S.-flag fleet since 1789.“A close reading of the 1976 decision makes clear that CBP never intended thedefinition of vessel equipment to depend solely on the mission of the vessel or to change dramatically from one vessel to the next,” stated the MCTF. “Permitting non-coastwise qualified vessels to carry equipment, supplies, or other articles that are not needed to navigate, operate, or maintain the vessel undermines the coastwise laws because it permitstransportation that should be reserved for U.S. coastwise qualified vessels.”Maritime Cabotage Task Force was founded in 1995 to promote the U.S.-flag fleetengaged in domestic waterborne commerce. With more than 400 members, MCTF is thelargest coalition ever assembled to represent the domestic segment of the U.S. MerchantMarine. Nationwide, there are more than 39,000 vessels engaged in Jones Act commerceand they annually move more than 1 billion tons of cargo and 100 million passengers. TheAct has been broadly supported by every Congress and Administration since its passage in1920 and is considered a key element in the nation’s national defense capabilities.

For more information on the MCFT you can visit their website at http://www.mctf.com

Gateway Logistics Group - A freight forwarder focusing on logistics management in ocean freight forwarding, air freight shipping and trucking logistics as well as charter or part charter needs. A logistics company offering transportation logistics for freight forwarding and logistic services for freight transportation, customs brokerage for global logistics, cargo insurance for transport logistics and freight tracking for all worldwide logistics services. If you are a corporation looking for an expert in logistics with a background with dealing with the Jones Act on US waterways, then please contact us at sales@gateway-group.com, or visit our website at http://www.gateway-group.com

25-Aug-09 2:00 PM

Los Angeles Port's Rivals Gain Market Share

David Collins — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Los Angeles and neighbor Long Beach has long been the #1 Port in the United States but this status may beginning to erode. A receive article in the Wall Street Journal Confirmed this.

Next month, shipping giant AP Moeller-Maersk will begin docking A line of 6,000-container ships in Seattle that currently go to Southern California.

Business in the West Cost is becoming more competitive and ports like Seattle our part of the reason Los andgeles container volume was down 6% in 2008.

For the full article on this trend you can click the following link. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123966509693815117.html

While the Maersk move is a small fraction of the eight million containers handled annually at the Port of Los Angeles, it does show how the nation's largest port is coming under pressure as volumes drop. New regulations, such as tougher environmental restrictions, have made the port more fuel efficient, but the additional costs have made it more vulnerable to losing market share of U.S.-bound goods.

Major interruptions at the Port of Los Angeles -- including a West Coast lockout of dockworkers in 2002 and a large backup at the port in 2004 have also made some shippers wary of putting all their container traffick into that one port of Los Angeles.

This is why lane segments must be evaluated on an ongoing basis by importers and exporters. If you need assistance in finding the best port of entry or exit from the US, Gateway can assist with those decisions.

Gateway Logistics Group - A freight forwarder focusing on logistics management in ocean freight forwarding, air freight shipping and trucking logistics. The Gateway Logistics Group is a logistics company offering transportation logistics for freight forwarding and logistic services for freight transportation, customs brokerage for global logistics, cargo insurance for transport logistics and freight tracking for all worldwide logistics services.

20-Apr-09 3:00 PM

PHA Port of Houston Authority Reports that it "Successfully Implements Transportation Worker Identification Credential Today" 4/14/09 TWIC

David Collins — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:15:00 GMT

The Port of Houston met it's nationally mandated deadline to implement the TWIC program for the Houston/Galveston Area. Starting April 14th, 2009, any worker with out a TWIC card will not be allowed on to any port of Houston Facility without a Authorized Escort. Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. has escorts available on a per hour or day rate basis for any corporation, or entity that requires access to a port facility. You may contact our Sales Team for scheduling of these escort services.

Following please find the reprinted information from the Port of Houston Media Release dated from 4/14/09

PHA Successfully Implements Transportation Worker Identification Credential Today

The Port of Houston Authority successfully implemented the federal Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) today, the compliance deadline for the U.S. Houston-Galveston sector. In fact, two PHA facilities, Care and Barbours Cut terminals, were spot-inspected by U.S. Coast Guard and found to have no deficiencies.

The TWIC program aims to ensure that individuals who pose a threat do not gain unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime transportation system. Beginning today, anyone needing unescorted access to secure areas of the Port of Houston Authority, as well as any federally regulated facility along the Houston Ship Channel, must either have a TWIC card or be escorted while on the property.

“The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) has worked diligently over the last few years preparing for today’s implementation and I am pleased to report that the process is proceeding smoothly,” says Wade M. Battles, PHA acting executive director. “We will also continue to work with the U.S. Coast Guard to address any challenges and issues associated with the startup of this program.”

The purpose of the TWIC program is to increase security at U.S. seaports by providing a common identification credential for transportation workers. Anyone applying for a TWIC card must pass a threat assessment.

The TWIC is a “smart card,” which contains the worker’s name, photo and biometric information (fingerprint template). To obtain a TWIC, an individual must successfully pass a security threat assessment conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which looks at criminal background, immigrant status, terrorist watch list screening as well as mental capacity. It takes an average of 21 days from application to receive the credential.

"Ensuring a safe and secure port is a top priority of the Port of Houston Authority,” says Battles. "And as part of that effort, we support the TWIC program. It is a needed credential to improve the security of MTSA (Maritime Transportation Security Act) facilities by providing individual background checks and a tamper-resistant identity credential.”

Individuals who are required to have a TWIC include certain PHA employees, longshoremen, truckers, steamship lines personnel, stevedores and vendors. Nationwide, nearly one million individuals have already enrolled in TWIC. Nearly 300,000 people are required to have a TWIC card in the Houston region.

A list of permanent enrollment centers may be found at www.tsa.gov/twic and applicants are encouraged to pre-enroll online. Required identification includes one government-issued photo ID, such as an unexpired passport or unexpired permanent resident card, or two other types of documents, such as a driver’s license, a U.S. social security card, expired U.S. passport or birth certificate. TSA notifies applicants who receive a “Determination of No Security Threat” when the TWIC is ready for pickup.

A TWIC will be required for unescorted access throughout PHA’s Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals. A TWIC will also be required for such access to the waterfront areas of PHA’s Turning Basin terminal (that is, all areas located on the waterfront side of the fence separating the upper and lower levels) and such other areas designated as “restricted” or “secured.”

The Coast Guard will conduct checks using handheld card readers to confirm the identity of TWIC holders during regular inspections and unannounced spot checks.

The U.S. Coast Guard has also granted a grace period from today until May 13, 2009, for people who have applied for TWIC, but are still waiting to receive their card. If an individual can provide proof that they have applied and it can be verified that they have passed the required security threat assessment, that person may be granted unescorted access during the grace period. Those individuals for whom that situation applies and who need access to PHA facilities should contact the Port Security & Emergency Operations Department at (713) 670-3600

15-Apr-09 10:15 AM

TWIC Program at Port of Houston Upgrades Security Standards.

David Collins — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT

The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) will begin enforcing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program on April 14th, 2009.

The TWIC program is mandated by federal law and regs., including the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA), the SAFE Port Act of 2006, and the regs. in 33 CFR Parts 101 and 105. Gateway Logistics Group is a Houston Freight Forwarder that will comply to this new TWIC program, and will even be able to supply escorts if a client has need.

The TWIC program is administered by two federal agencies that are part of the Department of Homeland Security, namely the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). There will be two TWIC Enrollment Centers in the Houston area. You may wish to go to the website of these agencies foradditional information about the TWIC program. TSA’s TWIC website is: http://www.tsa.gov/twic

We understand that persons needing a TWIC may enroll for one at either of two Houston TWIC enrollment centers the addresses of which are as follows (these should be confirmed with TSA in case of change):

1. Portway Plaza (a/k/aWest Gulf Maritime Association Building), Suite 100,1717 Turning Basin, Houston, Texas, 77029 – located just off of TurningBasin Drive which is the exit on the west side of I-610 to the north ofClinton Drive.

2. 2900 Woodridge Drive, Suite 314, Houston, TX 77087 – this is located inthe Gulfgate Shopping Center in the Chase Bank Building at I-45 and I-610.2

The Port of Houston Authority PHA intends to support and comply with the federal TWIC program and regulations.

They have been informed by the USCG that it will commence enforcement of the TWIC regulations at the Houston Area facilities in Harris County on April 14, 2009.

At that time, each person requiring access to secured or restricted areas port facilities will be required to have a TWIC card or, alternatively, be escorted by a qualified TWIC escort. The PHA further indicates that it will not be responsible for the cost of compliance for TWIC or any other security rules, regulations and requirements, nor is it required toprovide a TWIC escort for any person.

The areas that will be effected by the new TWIC requirement in the Houston area are the PHA's Turning Basin Terminal fenced-off lower level (waterfront area) as well as several upper level areas and buildings that are secured and/or restricted and require a TWIC for unescorted access. Also included will be most of the Barbours Cut and Bayport Container Terminals, and some sections of the Bayport Cruise Terminal. You must check before entering the PHA areas to make sure that TWIC access is or is not required.

It is important to note that the PHA does not intend to provide TWIC escorts to vendors, and is advising all port vendors that thier employees, contractors, agents or others working in their behalf or under thier control should have a TWIC in their possession (which can be inspected by USCG inspectors as well as PHA police, security guards and others involved in security) no later than April 14, 2009 in order to be eligible for access to the secured areas of PHA’s facilities. The futher indicated that, persons desiring access to any part of PHA facilities must have a bona fide business purpose and be otherwise authorized for such access, and PHA reserves the right to set regulations and grant or deny access for reasons in addition to possession or non-possession of a TWIC card.

The Port of Houston has also indicated that any fine that applies as a result of failure to meet the new TWIC requirement will be subject to full reimbursement from the person, company, or vendor that failed to maintain TWIC Standards.

If you have need to access the port and do not have a TWIC, please contact the Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. for assistance, unless you are a truck driver. Trucker's can request an escort at the port directly from the port. We have qualified TWIC Escorts to enter the port if a client has a bonafide reason for entering the Port Of Houston TWIC Areas, (i.e. to inspect freight, view a vessel loading, etc.). Contact sales at sales@gateway-group.com if you have additional questions/ This information is provided from a Letter Published to the trade by the Port of Houston Authority on Feb. 26, 2009.

The Gateway Logistics Group - A freight forwarder focusing on logistics management in ocean freight forwarding, air freight shipping and trucking logistics can assist you with your shipping requirements. We are a logistics company offering transportation logistics for freight forwarding and logistic services for freight transportation, customs brokerage for global logistics, cargo insuranace for transport logistics and freight tracking for all worldwide logistics services. If you need additional information please visit our website at http://www.gateway-group.com or contact us at sales@gateway-group.com

5-Mar-09 10:00 AM

Container Capacity Shrinks

David Collins — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:00:00 GMT

The JOC reported December 5th 2008 that "Ocean container carriers have cut capacity on the three main east-west liner trade routes by 6.7 percent, or 61,000 TEUs a week, over the past four months amid stalling cargo volumes and falling freight rates." Gateway Logistics Group is a Houston and Miami Based Freight Forwarder that can assist in taking advantage of the falling shipping rates, as well as lock in needed containers for export shipments.

The JOC Article went on to report:

The Far East- Europe-Mediterranean trade saw the biggest drop, with weekly capacity down 9 per cent from 418,000 TEUs to 380,000 TEUs. Capacity on the Far East-North America route shrunk 5.5 percent to 357,000 TEUs from 376,000 TEUs and fell 2.5 percent on the Europe/Mediterranean-North America trade from 128,000 TEUs to 121,500 TEUs.

Meanwhile, container ship orders have fallen below 6.5 million TEUs for the first time in 13 months, AXS Alphaliner said.

“New orders have virtually vanished during the past two months while a few existing orders have been canceled or converted into other ship types.”

The world order book stood at 1,236 ships of 6.44 million TEUs on Dec. 1, equivalent to 52.2 percent of the existing fleet, compared with a peak of 64 percent a year ago.

Deliveries of new ships are running at an average of 4,350 TEUs a day, or some 130,000 TEUs per month, AXS said. The current container fleet now totals 4,651 vessels of 12.26 million TEUs.

Some 47 ships of 76,000 TEUs capacity have been scrapped so far this year, half within the past two months."

The cuts in capacity caused by falling shipping rates will eventually turn around. When this occurs, shippers that have taken advantage of the lower rates by locking them in for extended time periods will be poised to take advantage of the increase.

Gateway Logistics Group is a freight forwarder that focuses on logistics management in ocean freight forwarding. If you are a corporate traffic manager that needs a logistics company offering transportation logistics solutions that can take advantage of industry trends like the noted container cutbacks, then you can find more information at our website.

The JOC article is from December 5th, 2008.

8-Dec-08 3:00 PM

Known Shipper System KSMS can cause delays for Exporters that are not Prepared

David Collins — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:45:00 GMT

The new Known Shipper System that TSA has implemented for all US Freight Forwarders can cause delays for Air Exporters that are not prepared. You must make sure your suppliers, as well your own warehouses and offices, are known shippers for you selected freight forwarder(s) if you need to ship Air Freight on a Passenger Aircraft Flight. This applies to domestic and international shipments that originate in the United States. The Gateway Logistics Group offers a word to the wise. Work with you forwarder to make sure you are prepared before the urgent shipment comes up.

The good news is that the TSA has made it much easier for Logistics Firms and International Freight Forwarders like Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. based in Houston Texas, to make sure that a Known Shipper Status is verified for each air shipment that goes on a passenger aircraft flight.

As a purchasing agent, or international project or shipping manager, you must try to balance finding a freight forwarder or forwarder(s) that is both competitive in price for urgent air shipments, as well as one that is productive in making sure your shipments move as booked. The last thing you need is to select a vendor to move a urgent air shipment half way across the globe, and then find out that the shipment did not move, because your supplier in Conroe did not pass it's Known Shipper Status Check for the forwarder you chose.

The TSA has mandated that any Supplier or Facility that tenders cargo to a Freight Forwarder must be verified as a Known Shipper for that specific forwarder. It does not matter that a given supplier Example: ABC Company is a known shipper to David's Forwarding Firm in Houston. If you select Gateway International Transport, Inc. to handle your shipment, then the ABC Company must be a known shipper for them as well. This is the requirement independent of who shows as the ultimate shipper on the airway bill that moves the cargo.

Now you may say wait a minute.. I have been a known shipper for the ABC Company for years, and so all my suppliers are also known shippers for the same reason. This is still "technically true" because the TSA has not completely phased out the old known shipper system that was in effect prior to November of 2007. However, under the new KSMS known shipper system that will ultimately replace the old system, each supplier or warehouse facility must be a known shipper for a forwarder regardless of the AWB shipper known shipper status. In other words if your forwarder collects cargo on your behalf from 10 different vendors for an air shipment that is going as cargo on a passenger aircraft flight, then all 10 vendors must be known shippers for that shipment.

There is no final date when the transitional period between old and new known shipper procedures will take effect but don't let this inevitable date cause you to have a shipment delayed in the future. The Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. a freight forwarder with Houston headquarters can assist you in making sure all your warehouse facilities and vendors have known shippers before your next urgent air freight shipment occurs.

You can contact someone in the sales team sales@gateway-group.com to assist you with this preparing the correct information or contact David Collins in the IT department for more information on how this process works as well.

The new procedure for verifying Known Shipper Status can be a quick and easy process if you have the right assistance in advance. The Gateway Logistics Group has over 20 years of experience in making sure shippers meet all export air regulations and procedures including known shipper status. The Gateway Logistics Group, Inc is also a certified CTPAT member so you can be certain that they are a firm that has a strong commitment to keeping the United Sates air and ocean traffic lanes open and free of the threats of terrorism.

For more information on Gateway Logistics, a Houston Freight Forwarder, visit the company website at http://www.gateway-group.com or drop a line to someone in the sales team at sales@gateway-group.com .

11-Nov-08 3:45 PM

What do the changes in Electronic AES Filing Requirements Mean for the Average Exporter!

David Collins — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Sept. 1st, 2008 will mark a change that has long been coming in the Ocean Export AES Regulations that all exporters must meet. The Paper SED that once was the standard operating procedure for Steamship Lines/Forwarders and Exporters will be officially extinct, and the Government has issued the teeth to make sure the burial of the Paper SED is complete in the forms of much stiffer fines for Non Compliance. Gateway Logistics Group with US Offices in Houston and Miami are ready for these changes, and stand ready to serve.

Here is a link to the US Census Statement about this new change in regulations. http://www.gateway-group.com/en/art/?20

So what does this mean to the average Exporter?

Most Steamship Lines are going to a NO DOCUMENT/NO LOAD policy when it comes to AES requirements. Some have actually created paperwork cutoff's that mirror equipment turn in cutoffs for return of Containers to Port Facilities. Now an exporter must make sure his container is returned loaded correctly to the port by a given CUT-OFF, and that his Paperwork/AES is completed by a CUT-OFF as well if he wants to meet his customers shipping schedules and delivery dates.

An example of this new policy is Bernuth Lines in Miami which issued the following memo last week:

June 20, 2008
To all valued Customers -

Attached are the new AES/SED Requirements for Bernuth Lines. Please read and sign forms as needed.

Prior to July 2, 2008 – New AES/SED requirements, Bernuth Cut off times are as follows:
Friday Vessel Sailing – Cut off on Thursday at 5:00pm Saturday Vessel Sailing – Cut off on Friday at 5:00pm
All IMO Cargo –Please reference to the attached Notice.
NO DOCS, NO LOAD will be strictly enforced.

Regards,
BERNUTH LINES

In addition these Steamship Lines are also adding disclaimer remarks to their booking notices and websites that make sure that any and all fines assessed by Census for AES non- compliance are shifted to the Freight Forwarder or Exporter without exception. This means that if the steamship fails to uphold their NO SHIP Policy, the blame goes to the exporter rather than to the Steamship Line.

The Gateway Logistics has the technical background and industry knowledge to make sure that our clients do not miss cut-offs or sailings because of these new AES requirements. We have a direct link to the Census AES system, and receive results from Customs on all AES entries within moments. We also make sure that we all documents needed to correctly file AES for our customers before missing Cut-Offs on shipments.

Gateway Logistics Group - A freight forwarder focusing on logistics management in ocean freight forwarding, air freight shipping and trucking logistics. A logistics company offering transportation logistics for freight forwarding and logistic services for freight transportation, customs brokerage for global logistics, cargo insurance for transport logistics and freight tracking for all worldwide logistics services.

If you need additional information or would like to contact us, visit our website at http://www.gateway-group.com

You can also visit the following government site: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/

1-Oct-08 3:00 PM

IMPORTERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF NEW MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR MARITIME CONTAINERS WITH SEALS TO MEET ISO/ PAS 17712 STANDARDS

Jason Pitcock — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

On August 13, 2008 The Port Of Houston/Galveston issued a Public Information Notice with regard to a new Mandatory Requirement that all Importers should be aware of.

We reprint the information here because we want to make sure that all details are passed on to our customers and the US Importers that may have questions about this new Seal Requirement:

US Customs and Border Protection Department of Homeland Security - AREA PORT OF HOUSTON/GALVESTON

PUBLIC INFORMATION NOTICE

DATE: 08 13 08

NUMBER: HFO 08-008

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL: CBPO SUPERVISOR ARIZPE

832-549-6779

SUBJECT: MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR MARITIME CONTAINERS WITH SEALS TO MEET ISO/ PAS 17712 STANDARDS

Federal Register Notice / Vol. 73, No. 153 was published August 7, 2008, and will become effective October 15, 2008, requires sealing all maritime containers with a seal that meets the International Organization for Standardization, Publicly Available Specification 17712 (ISO/PAS 17712), Freight Containers-Mechanical Seals.

This mandate is the result of several 2007 amendments to the Security and Accountability For Every Port (SAFE Port) Act of 2006. The provisions of Section 1701 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 911 Commission Act of 2007, codified at 6 U.S.C. § 944, impose a self-executing legal requirement. The Department of Homeland Security is not required to issue regulations for this requirement to be implemented. Therefore, no later than October 15, 2008, all maritime containers in transit to the United States must be sealed with an ISO/PAS 17712 mechanical seal.

The statutory requirement applies to loaded containers, including freight remaining on board, arriving by vessel at U.S. ports of entry. Exceptions, however, include tanks, non-standard containers (such as open top containers), and those incapable of being affixed with such a seal. US Customs and Border Protection will ensure compliance with this new requirement as part of normal seaport container inspection activities and does not envision new activities aimed simply at seal verification.

CBP will consider 6 U.S.C. 944 to be violated if a loaded container that is subject to the sealing requirements arrives by vessel at a port of entry in the United States on or after October 15, 2008 either (i) with no seal or (ii) with a seal that does not meet the ISO/PAS 17712 standard. CBP may assess a civil penalty against the party responsible for the violation of 6 U.S.C. § 944 under 19 U.S.C. § 1595a (b) for the attempted introduction of merchandise into the United States contrary to law.

CBP also takes this opportunity to remind vessel carriers that pursuant to 19 CFR 4.7 (b)(2) and 4.7a(c)(4)(xiv), seal numbers must be transmitted to CBP 24 hours before cargo is laden aboard a vessel at a foreign port via the Vessel Automated Manifest System (AMS).

DISCLAIMER: This information has been prepared for your convenience by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Houston/Galveston. This material is intended to provide guidance. Recognizing that many complicated factors are involved in CBP matters, an importer may wish to obtain a binding ruling under 19 CFR Part 177. Reliance solely on this information may not be considered reasonable care. Importers are referred to Treasury Decision 97-96, which was published in the Federal Register of December 4, 1997, and in the Customs Bulletin of December 17, 1997, for in-depth information on the concept of reasonable care.

Michael J. Sinclair

Area Port Director 7141 Office City Drive, Houston, TX 77087 Please visit our website at www.cbp.gov

In layman terms this means all importers must begin to use Seals that meet Federal Requirements. As an importer, If your supplier overseas ships you a full container of cargo after October 15th, 2008 that does not have the proper Mechanical Locking Seal, you may be fined by US customs on a per container basis.

Here are a few samples of mechanical seals that meet the standard:

Don't let this happen to you. Contact a sales team member at the Gateway Logistics Group, sales@gateway-group.com or anyone in the Houston or Miami Import Departments and we can make sure that your suppliers know the correct types of seals to use. We can assist in routing your cargo through a network of agents that are aware of this new requirement. We are a full service Logistics Provider with on staff fully certified Customs Brokers in both Houston and Miami. We can clear cargo remotely for almost any Major US port inbound from any foreign country. If you have questions please do not hesitate to call.

21-Aug-08 3:00 PM

Tropical Storm Edouard Heading For Houston, Gateway Logistics is Prepared.

David Collins — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Tropical Storm Edouard is on track to make landfall in the Houston area, and the Gateway Logistics Group will be prepared. On Tuesday August 5th, the office in Houston may be closed as a precaution for Gateway Employees. However, key contacts will be available in Houston by phone and the Miami Office will be open to field calls and answer requests.

Normal methods of contact: e-mail and phone - will be available unless there are serious outages of power, etc. in the Houston area from the storm.

For more information on the storm please check one of the Houston media outlets for more detailed information on the storm.

http://www.click2houston.com/weather/17084768/detail.html

4-Aug-08 8:00 AM

Gateway Logistics Group of Companies obtain Certified and Validated CTPAT status

noemail@gateway-group.com — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Gateway Logistics Group of Companies has obtained certified and validated CTPAT status. (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism). Gateway Clearance Services Inc. is a Houston Based Clearance Broker that is proud to maintain that status for our supply chain. We are a full service broker with corporate offices in Houston Texas. We have the ability to remote file entries for any cargo bound for the United States and have a full staff in both Houston and Miami available to answer your questions with regards to Import requirements and CTPAT requirements. For CTPAT related questions please contact sales@gateway-group.com, and they will route your request to the appropriate contact in the company. Gateway International Transport, inc. which is the Air and Domestic Freight Division under the corporate umbrella of the Gateway Group has also received the certified and validated CTPAT status as well. Gateway International is a Houston Freight Forwarder with additional offices in...

Gateway Logistics Group Offers Port of Houston Galveston TWIC ESCORT Services to Region

noemail@gateway-group.com — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:24:59 GMT

Gateway Logistics Group can now offer Port of Houston or Galveston TWIC ESCORT Services to Regional Port Facilities. The federal Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) became mandatory on April 14th, 2009. UPDATE: 01/14/2010 *** Please note that “Gateway Logistics Does NOT Escort Truck Drivers into any Houston Port. We can escort Surveyors, Inspectors, Exporters, Importers, or Agents” For rates please contact us sales@gateway-group.com The TWIC program aims to ensure that individuals who pose a threat do not gain unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime transportation system. Beginning 14 April 2009, anyone needing unescorted access to secure areas of the Port of Houston Authority, as well as any federally regulated facility along the Houston Ship Channel, must either have a TWIC card or be escorted while on the property. The purpose of the TWIC program is to increase security at U.S. seaports by providing a common identification...

Gateway Logistics Group acts as Logistics Provider for the first major equipment for the Abreu e Lima Refinery arrive in Pernambuco

noemail@gateway-group.com — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The Gateway Logistics Group, a Houston Freight Fowarder and project logistics provider has helped in moving the first large pieces of equipment for the Abreau e Lima Refinery. This equipment will be received by a Petrobras team in late September 2009 at the Suape port.

The devices, which set sail from the Houston Port (in Texas, USA) on September 14 and will compose the Atmospheric Distillation Unit (ADU), will be unloaded on Tuesday (09/29). Each piece weighs 119 tons and measures 4 meters in diameter and 32 meters in length. The desalters will be stored in an area prepared for this purpose at the site of the Refinery and installed next year.

This source for this press release can be found in the following article. http://www.tbpetroleum.com.br/news/see/id/16036/titulo/the-first-major-equipment-for-the-abreu-e-lima-refinery-arrive-in-pernambuco

Gateway Logistics an experienced provider of specialized transportation planning and execution was awarded a contract to provide the safe delivery of the ADU, and all related materials.

For more information about our company and the services we provide please visit our website.

http://www.gateway-group.com

Gateway International Clearance Services can handle entries related to the Lacey Act beginning May 1st, 2009

noemail@gateway-group.com — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Attention Gateway CHB Clients, CBP announced on Friday March 27, 2009, that their system would be able to begin accepting Lacey Act information via ABI beginning April 1st 2009, and would begin enforcing Lacey Act requirements on May 1, 2009. Rest assured that the Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. and its subsidiary Gateway International Clearance Services Inc. with Customs Brokerages Services Offices in Houston and Miami, will be able to help you meet the Lacey Act requirements on May 1, 2009. Gateway Clearance Services can even assist with Remote Filing Procedures in many of the Major US ports. Please contact one of our licensed Customs House Brokers in either the Houston or Miami Office for more information or assistance. For more information on the Lacey act please see below a copy of the notice sent by CBP on Friday March 27, 2009 to the trade. Introduction The Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq., the Act) as amended makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell,...

Gateway Logistics Group of Corporations receive C-TPAT Certification

noemail@gateway-group.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. is proud to announce that all three companies under it's corporate umbrella received C-TPAT Certification status on September 22, 2008. The companies receiving the C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Program) status of certified partner are: Gateway International Transport, Inc., OverOceans, Inc., and Gateway Clearance Services, Inc. By participating with the CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) the Gateway Logistics Group, Inc family of Coporations are making a vital contribusion to help secure the US borders, as well helping ensure the continued free flow of international trade. For more information on how the Gateway Logistics Group can use thier new C-TPAT certifications to assist you with your corporate shipping and logistics needs you may contact any of the following corporate contacts: Luisa Holloway: Customs House Broker (281-443-7447) Jennifer Thornton: VP Sales (281-443-7447) They can also arrange for you...

Gateway Logistics Vice President Qualifies for the Finals of the FedEx Gold

noemail@gateway-group.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Good Luck is in order to Jason Pitcock - Vice President of the Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. (With corporate headquarters in Houston Texas) who has qualified for the finals in the FedEx Golf Tournament Series of 2008. Playoff will be held at Pebble Beach Resorts in Monterey, CA on October 10 – 13, 2008. The FedEx Golf Challenge is the premier FedEx tournament series of 2008, designed to provide competitors the authentic FedEx experience. This is a tournament that is by invitation only members. This year the number of tournaments has been expanded to include 21 tournaments played in 21 different cities across the U.S., from Honolulu to Miami. Each individual winner from these tournaments will be eligible to play in the championship tournament to be held at Pebble Beach Resorts. The FedEx Golf Challenge Playoff at Pebble Beach will provide an all-inclusive VIP hospitality experience including luxurious accommodations and two days of world-class golf at Spyglass Hill Golf Course...

Gateway Logistics Corporate Office Damaged by Hurricane Ike but is now fully operational

noemail@gateway-group.com — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Gateway Logistics Corporate Office Damaged by Hurricane Ike but is now fully operational Hurricane Ike ripped ashore in Houston Texas on September 13, 2008 and caused great damage to the city of Houston and associated coast line. At the time of this press release almost 40% of the city remains in darkness 10 days after the storm reached shore. The Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. was no exception to the rule as the Houston freight forwarder sustained damage to their corporate office as a result of Hurricane Ike's passage. Roof Sections in both warehouses at the corporate facility were damaged by the storm, and some operations and accounting offices had water damage to carpets and dry wall due to water getting in through faulty windows. The damage to the building however turned out to be mostly superficial as the office never lost power, and received no damage to key computer systems or operations areas....

Gateway Logistics Group assists with planning for 2008 Export Container Shortages

noemail@gateway-group.com — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Please find the details of the Houston Chronicle Article on the subject of Container Shortages. Gateway Logistics Group, is a Houston Based Freight Forwarder that can assist with planning and logistics problems that can arise due to the 2008 container shortages in the United States. Planning is the key for any exporter. Please contact our Corporate Office or visit our website www.gateway-group.com if you would like assistance or have additonal questions on this subject. TRADE - Chronicle Article Container shortage puts some exporters in a box Demand unprecedented as companies scramble to meet surging market for U.S. products Vijay Goradia wants to sell more polymers and chemicals to customers around the globe. But the chairman of Houston-based Vinmar International can't find enough cargo containers or space on ships to export his products. Even though containers may seem plentiful at some U.S. ports, there aren't enough, shipping industry experts say. Some of the...

Census' new FTR tightens enforcement, increases penalties

noemail@gateway-group.com — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Census’ new FTR tightens enforcement, increases penalties Consider an action plan for compliance The Census Bureau (Census) published its long-awaited final rule on the new Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), which eliminates paper documentation and requires exporters to use the Automated Export System (AES) or AESDirect. To view the final rule in its entirety, click here. In addition to clarifying multiple FTR, the rule also significantly increases penalties with greater enforcement from the Department of Commerce (DOC) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While the rule’s effective date is set at July 2, it will not be formally implemented until September 30. Census and the DHS resolved a three-year dispute to issue the final rule, regarding sharing confidential export data and whether or not to allow companies to file export documents up to 10 days after a shipment has left the country, rather than before departure. The rulemaking attempts to make export compliance...

Gateway Logistics Group to Benifit from HRH buyout by Willis Group Holdings Inc.

noemail@gateway-group.com — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:00:00 GMT

HRH have been Gateway's insurance broker for many years. They provide and allow Gateway to provide to shippers and clients, exceptional customer service and pricing. The recent agreement between Willis Holdings and HRH will make them the second largest insurance broker in the world. This will improve Gateway's ability to control their risk management portfolio in a more timely and profitable manner. OverOceans, Inc, a Corporate Based Houston FMC Freight Forwarder and NVOCC, which is a subsidiary of the Gateway Logistics Group, offers its clients all risk cargo insurance as a service added feature on land, air or ocean shipments. Hilb Regal & Hobbs Co. is the broker that allows us to provide this service, as well as covering the Gateway Logistics Group's Inc. and its Subsidiaries umbrella coverage’s in all other areas related to the Freight Forwarding Industry. Recent news indicates the HRH will be purchased outright by Willis Group Holdings Ltd. For more details to that...

Air Operations Coordinator

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Air Operations Coordinator Description: Job duties include, but are not limited to, extensive customer service – freight quotes - status reports and pre-alerts. Duties include: The preparation of documentation for air carriers Coordination of shipments with carriers and clients Assisting the warehouse staff with the preparation of the cargo for shipment, the billing/invoicing of all files in a timely manner and some negotiation of rates with carriers. We are seeking an individual committed to long term employment with opportunities for growth. Experience of 2-3 years in the transportation industry is required. Houston Freight Forwarder seeking Experienced Air Ocean (Project) Operations Coordinator. Required Experience: We are seeking an individual committed to long term employment with opportunities for growth. Experience of 3-5 years in the transportation industry is required. This Job Requires the Follow Skills: Superior customer services...

Ocean Freight Coordinator - Houston Office

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Ocean Freight Coordinator - Houston Office Description: Job responsibilities include extensive customer service support i.e. freight quotes, transit times, routing changes, service information, coordination of the pickup and delivery of cargo and the issuing of biweekly status reports. Job duties include the negotiation of rates, preparation of documentation in compliance with U.S. law, coordination of shipments and the filing of rates with the FMC. The booking of ocean shipments with carriers and NVOCCs. Prepare billing information, issue client invoices and coordinate with the accounting department. Required Experience: A minimum of 2 to 3 years international Ocean Ops experience is required. This Job Requires the Follow Skills: Superior customer services skills Excellent computer aptitude Good working knowledge of world geography The ability to work under pressure with deadlines Education Required: High School Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time Position...

About Us

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:20:52 GMT

The Gateway Logistics Group provides logistics and freight forwarding services to manufacturing, construction, medical and oil related companies. Products include "turn key" logistics services, purchasing, export, import, and customs clearance services. Shipping services include air, ocean, charter, expediting, receiving, checking, and export packing services.

Freight Forwarder services:
Air ocean charter
Expediting, receiving, checking, and exporting

Packing & Customs Clearance

Freight Forwarding

Logistics Provider

Customs Broker

Clearance Broker

Crating

Air Freight

Ocean freight

FMC Fowarder & NVOCC - OverOceans, Inc. a subsidiary of Gateway Logistics Group, Inc.

Freight Quotation

Tracking

Trucking

Supply chain

International Shipping

General Email Questions: Gateway Information

Customs Brokerage

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:05:40 GMT

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE: Gateway International Clearance Services, Inc. Gateway International's customs consultants will evaluate your entire import process from collection at the manufacturing facility to delivery at destination. Customized program development is available to meet all of your global customs brokerage requirements. Our extensive customs brokerage knowledge and experience allow us to process your entries in timely manner at a competitive cost. This is enhanced through an on-line interface with US Customs and other customs agencies worldwide. Import & Customs House Brokerage Services Gateway International offers complete clearance and brokerage services designed to meet your individual requirements including the following: Destination Clearances Formal and Informal entries NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) Barcoding Warehousing USA Pre-Clearance Automated Tariff Classification T.I.B. (Temporary Importation Bond) I.E. (Immediate Export) I.T. (In Transit...

Services

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:44:22 GMT

Domestic Consolidator
Domestic Trucking
Licensed Custom House Brokers
Storage and Warehousing
OverOceans, Inc. FMC Licensed Freight Forwarder and subsidiary of Gateway Logistics Group, Inc.
Export Boxing
Worldwide Agent Network
Packing and Crating
Document preparation and legalization
Consolidator
USA Bonded Warehouse (pending)
Dangerous Goods Management/Fumigation
CFS (Container Freight Station)
OverOcean's Inc. NVOCC (Non Vessel Common Carrier) and subsidiary of Gateway Logistics Group, Inc.
Inspection Coordination

Logistics Ocean Freight Services

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:27:34 GMT

Gateway Logistics Group has a wholly owned subsidiary OverOceans, Inc. that specializes in all types of ocean freight services. OverOceans, Inc is a FMC and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) that can manage your shipments from door-to-door, including all documentation. We can provide consolidation, customs clearance, warehousing, packing & crating, trucking and all risk insurance. OverOceans Inc. has service contracts that assure space availability, lower rates and timely sailings. OverOcean's highly trained and experienced staff can arrange for the transportation of any material from LCL shipments to over dimensional heavy-lift project cargoes. FCL / LCL / Break-BulkHeavy Lift - Over DimensionalProject CargoCharter / Part Charter BrokerageContainer Sales & LeasingConsolidationContainer Loading & UnloadingBarge Services Marine-Surveyor ...

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Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:50:36 GMT

Our Services Include:

• Ocean Freight Services
• Air Freight Service
• Domestic Freight Service
• Customs Brokerage
• Cargo Insurance
• Project Logistics
• Document Services
• Crating and Warehousing

The management and staff of The Gateway Logistics Group will dedicate ourselves to our worldwide trading partners, through the delivery of superior service, innovating and adapting logistics solutions, which will enhance our trading partners' quality, performance, and profitability. READ MORE

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Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:16:05 GMT

Ocean Freight Services OverOceans, Inc. will handle all required logistics involved in US Ocean Freight Forwarder, including: collection, suitable packing and crating, ...(more) Air Cargo Services Gateway Logistics provides air services for many industries both domestic and international. Whether you have a small package or an urgent 60 ton skid unit, Gateway will deliver on time, every time. (more) Project Logistics Services Gateway Logistics Group, Inc. will receive at a designated point of delivery all duly authorized materials for a client. (more) Domestic Freight Services Domestic Freight Services have the following advantages: Door-to-door Service Local Pickup and Delivery Long Distance and Exclusive Truck Service (more) var fadeimages=new Array() // [source, link, target] fadeimages[0]=[/images/oil_image.jpg, /, ] //plain image syntax fadeimages[1]=[/images/oil_image2.jpg, /, ] //image with link syntax fadeimages[2]=[/images/oil_image2.jpg, /, ]...

Gateway Logistics Group Important Forms and Documents

Wed, 13 May 2009 20:45:25 GMT

Credit Application updated 12/15/08 - [194 kb] view and download Gateway Credit Policy 12/1/08 - [75 kb] view and download Customs Power of Attorney [46 kb] view of download LC Reference [557 kb] view of download SED Preparation Authorization [35 kb] view download TSA Security Known Shipper Submission Request [65 kb] view download APHIS Pest Alert (94 kb) view download APHIS Industry Alert (84 kb) view download Important Forms Ocean Export Air Freight Smart Express Crating & Packaging Import Services Export Services Consolidation

Tools

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:59:34 GMT

Domestic Freight Services

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 22:00:15 GMT

Gateway International Transport, Inc.
Air Freight Services

DOMESTIC Outbound/Inbound

Next Flight Service
Overnight (Express) Service
Standard (2-Day) Service
Economy (Deferred) Service

Domestic Freight Services have the following advantages:

Door-to-Door Service
Charter and Broker Services
On Board Courier Service
Specialists in Shipping Oversize Equipment
Local Pickup and Delivery
Long Distance and Exclusive Truck Service

Gateway Logistics Client Information

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:35:19 GMT

DEDICATED TO OUR CLIENTS

At the Gateway Logistics Group, our experienced staff dedicates their efforts to giving our corporate customers the high quality single point of contact service they require. The Gateway Logistics Group Inc. with Corporate Headquarters in Houston, TX USA, has built its reputation on the basis of providing excellent personalized service to every corporation we do business with. Our Goal is to have a close working partnership with you, the corporate customer, along with every vendor we select to work on your behalf. Our staff is ready, trained and able to undertake all your global logistical requirements. We are an international freight forwarder that can handle any corporate shipping or logistics situation.

TOTAL DOOR TO DOOR MANAGEMENT

We issue daily air status reports bi-weekly ocean updates to our clients regarding the movement of their cargo or equipment. Our feedback is proactive, accurate and structured to meet the clients' needs. We take the hassle out of your international trade by ensuring the application of correct INCO terms, the selection of cost effective through-transport services, and by issuing and distributing accurate customs and related shipping documentation.

PROMPT RESPONSES

We speedily respond to information and rate requests from our clients, 24/7, allowing you to respond quickly to your clients' needs.

CENTRALIZED OPERATIONS

We offer our clients the benefit and ease of effective communication with a centralized system for quoting and operational management.

FLEXIBILE SYSTEMS

We do not expect you to fit into a rigid system. We have always been flexible, adaptable and market-orientated. We will continue to innovate and adjust within a dynamic business environment to ensure that we remain responsive to the needs of our clients.

EXPERIENCED STAFF 24/7 SERVICE

Our staff are experienced, dedicated and available 24/7 and are supported by advanced communication and IT systems. One phone call, we do it all: 281-443-SHIP (7447)

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Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:31:33 GMT

File uploaded by Jason Pitcock.

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