Insights

The SOLAS Controversy

August 22, 2016.
Logistics Publications

The Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) rule, which came into effect on the 1 of July, has caused shippers a great amount of irritation as they question the necessity of the SOLAS Rule since the industry has survived for hundreds of years without it. According to AgTC Executive Director,...

The Price Tag of Olympic Gold

August 19, 2016.
Tax Publications

As Olympians wrap up competition in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, a tax bill may be waiting for them back in the United States. Unlike most other countries, the US taxes the winnings of its Olympians. This includes a tax on the gold, silver, or...

U.S. Cross Border Logistics

August 01, 2016.
Logistics Publications

Is your shipment stuck at the boarder once again? Well, you are not alone, as many logistics professionals have experienced this same obstacle. Whereby, a standard pick up from Canada to the U.S is arranged and yet, the awarded carrier has called to share the dreaded news that...

Global Day of Action for Port Workers

July 13, 2016.
Logistics Publications

In a show of solidarity, on July 7, 2016, dockworkers in U.S. East, West & Gulf Coast ports as well as ports in Europe participated in the first ever “Global Day of Action”, which was an hour long work stoppage to highlight the dock workers safety and working conditions....

Brexit: A Brave New Global World?

July 07, 2016.
Trade Publications

The vote on June 23, 2016, known as Brexit to most, but what many hail as, “British Independence Day”, has left a vacuum of uncertainty and dissolution demonstrated by the plunging world markets and a decrease in the value of the British pound not seen in three decades. What...

States Attempt to Force Retailers’ Hands

June 29, 2016.
Tax Publications

As internet sales continue to increase each year, jurisdictions realize they are losing out on a major source of revenue in the form of sales tax. With the push from state and local governments increasing, the United States Senate has agreed to hold a vote in late 2016 on whether jurisdictions...

Simplified Exemption Process for Nonprofit Organizations

June 29, 2016.
Tax Publications

New for 2016 and available in Florida is Form DR-5 (Application for a Consumer's Certificate of Exemption). This application is available on the Florida Department of Revenue’s website. It is intended to expedite the process for establishing whether companies are exempt from paying tax on purchases. Florida Exemption...

SOLAS Update on Container Weight Requirement

June 28, 2016.
Logistics Publications

On July 1, 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will enact an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention: Chapter VI, Part A, Regulation 2 – Cargo Information. This amendment establishes a mandatory container weight verification requirement that requires a loaded container to have a verified weight before being placed...

The Hidden Benefits of an FTZ

June 28, 2016.
Trade Publications

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a geographical territory inside the United States that is considered outside the Customs territory of the US, whereby goods can be imported without entry processing and subsequent payment of duty and taxes. These zones, originally created during the depression to bolster foreign commerce...

No Duty, No Problem: How to Use the Tariff Concession System in Australia

June 28, 2016.
Trade Publications

When growing a successful business, knowing all available options to save money can be crucial to development and continued success. One program that all savvy importers in Australia should know is the Tariff Concession System (TCOs). Australian customs estimated that approximately $1.9 billion dollars in revenue was foregone through the use...

Resale Certificates: 101

June 27, 2016.
Tax Publications

Resale certificates can go by a number of different names: Reseller‘s Permit, Resale License, Resale Exemption Certificate, etc. Whatever name the document goes by, the function of it is to allow retailers to buy products without paying sales tax. Resale certificates cannot be used for...

Ten Ways the New Panama Canal May Affect Logistics

June 24, 2016.
Logistics Publications

June 26th, 2016 is a big day for the historic Panama Canal , which is the only waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in the western world. The canal has been undergoing an expansion project that will widen and deepen its capacity. June 26th marks its official re-opening...