Insights

Department of Homeland Security Shutdown

February 27, 2015.
Trade Publications

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is scheduled to expire at midnight tonight. The agency shut down will result in the furlough of 30,000 of the Department’s 230,000 employees according to a New York Times Congressional Memo. The shutdown is preceded by a heated debate in congress over immigration...

ILWU and PMA Reach Agreement Ending Port Dispute

February 20, 2015.
Logistics Publications

FINALLY! A tentative five year agreement has been reached between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). The tentative 5 year agreement was reached on, February 20, 2015 and signals the end of a nine month bargaining process between the two agencies. The agreement...

Effects of Trucking Regulations on Your Supply Chain

December 30, 2014.
Logistics Publications

In the weeks following Tracy Morgan’s June 2014 vehicle accident involving a tractor trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike, discussion regarding highway safety regulations took the spotlight in the news. The debate has once again taken center stage on Capitol Hill surrounding Congress’s December 11th vote on...

US West Coast Port Congestion

December 29, 2014.
Logistics Publications

The current projection regarding the congestion in the US West Coast Ports unfortunately is not optimistic. Like our customers have read in many industry publications and in our logistics advisories, the continuous congestion and delays affecting US West Coast ports may leave lasting negative impacts on the region. This is...

Internet Tax Freedom Act Extension

December 18, 2014.
Tax Publications

Congress Passes Appropriations Bill Including Internet Tax Freedom Act Extension Congress passed H.R. 83, the “Consolidated and Further Appropriations Act, 2015” on December 13, 2014. By doing so, the Internet Tax Freedom Act was extended through October 1, 2015. The Internet Tax Freedom Act imposes a temporary moratorium on US states from taxing...

Falling Oil Prices Will Continue to Impact Global Economy in 2015

December 17, 2014.
Logistics Publications

As oil prices continue to hover around $66 a barrel, the impacts are having far more effects on the global economy. Global crude prices have dropped from a high of around $115 per barrel just this past June. Countries which consume the most oil will benefit the most from lower transportation...

Ask the Experts: Are hand-carried items held to the same export regulations as cargo?

December 17, 2014.
Logistics Publications

Yes. Any commercial item traveling on-person, with allowable carry-ons, or with checked luggage are considered a hand-carried export. While it is strongly encouraged that commercial items be handled by approved freight forwarders and clearing agents, there are situations which may require a hand-carried export during employee travel. These...

Taxing Services in Our Intangible World

December 16, 2014.
Tax Publications

With services accounting for an ever larger share of consumption in the United States, many tax professionals are calling for states to expand their tax bases. Traditionally, state sales taxes have applied to only tangible goods, such as cars, furniture and other tangible goods. The world has changed...

Best in Class Concepts for 2015

December 04, 2014.
Trade Publications

With the New Year quickly approaching, the timing is right to create a compliance plan for 2015. The coming year is the ideal time to move forward with new trade compliance ideas. Below are five concepts that will help you ensure a best in class compliance program. These five areas...

WTO Successfully Completes Agreement

December 04, 2014.
Trade Publications

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has finally agreed on a major deal that has been in the works for over a year. The Trade Facilitation Agreement (FTA) is designed to increase trade between countries by reducing legal challenges and costs. The agreement, anticipated to add $1 trillion to the world economy,...

Make NAFTA Work For You In 2015

December 03, 2014.
Trade Publications

The terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) can be an important tool in your savings initiative toolbox. Learn how to make NAFTA work for you in the New Year by utilizing the below tips from our NAFTA experts. Understand the Agreement Savvy businesses have effectively used NAFTA...

US West Coast Port Contract Talks & Congestions - Update

November 20, 2014.
Logistics Publications

The contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) expired on July 1 without a new contract or contract extension in place. Both parties have continuously worked through the extended contract negotiations and on August 26th the parties reached a tentative agreement on...