Important Summer Information

(ISPM 15) Wood Packaging Certification Program:
Entire containers are being returned to country of export (collect) for even consolidated cargo that does not meet the ISPM 15 regulations on wood packing. That means that for a single skid of non-conforming untreated or improperly documented wood packaging, the entire container is returned at the sole expense of that shipper who improperly documented and sealed that shipment. We cannot more strongly suggest that shippers use plastic pallets from now on, or properly sealed pressure treated green wood properly documented and/or pressure treated plywood crating. Many U.S. consignees have not received their cargo because their shippers chose inexpensive wood packaging that was found by U.S. border authorities not to be up to ISPM 15 regulations, and those shippers have paid the very high price of freight return - cargo is not unloaded and treated (it is returned under the U.S. Government legislation), and the shipper pays the cost.

Musson International will not be held responsible for how your shippers load the container, or what packing material they use, or whether it is properly documented for ISPM 15 standards -North American consignees must arrange with their international suppliers to read the appropriate literature and follow the legislation. All additional charges will be for the account of the shipper who's incorrect packing made the return necessary; however, if the shipper cannot be located, the U.S. consignee will pay these costs. While we provide this link to the Government's site, it is entirely up to the shipper and consignee to conform to the legislation.

For International Exporters, in 2001, the Commission of the European Communities (EU) advised the Government of the United States of its intention to adopt the new phytosanitary entry requirements for wood packaging constructed of coniferous (pine, spruce, Douglas-fir, fir, etc.) materials, except Thuja (Cedar) originating from Japan, China, Canada, and the United States. The new EU requirements came into effect October 1, 2001. These were only the first countries to adopt the measures - almost every country worldwide now require pressure treated, heat treated, or fumigation treated wood packaging. For this reason, we strongly suggest plastic skids be used instead of wood.

ADVANCE COMMERCIAL INFORMATION (ACI / ACM)
Following 911, the United States initiated a measure to combat terrorism that required EDI messages on all cargo being imported into the States to be sent to US Customs prior to consignment from the exporting country. Most countries now require some form of ACI reporting. Unsatisfactory details force that freight to be left behind, obviously thereby causing unexpected cost and delay. Since inception, less than a handful of our clients have been affected by such incidents.

BAF, CAF, PCS, GRI's & PSS - WHAT'S ON YOUR INVOICES:
Bunker Adjustment Factor is the sea freight term used for "Gas". Ships run on gas, gas costs money and the oil cartels are constantly fluctuating the cost of it, so the lines charge a fee to maintain an average cost. Currency Adjustment Factor is being seen more because fees are generally charged in US$, and the exchange rate for US is suffering, so to maintain an average sell rate against a devalued dollar, CAF is charged. Port Congestion Surcharge is the fee levied on a size of container as that portion of the ship's cost to remain at anchor while the backlog of containers in port are cleared to make space for the ship to dock and unload. General Rate Increases usually come into effect around May 1st, increasing the freight costs as generally agreed among the lines. Peak Season Surcharge is similar to GRI's, with the exception that it comes off when the increased demand for space generally reduces.