Insights

SOLAS Update on Container Weight Requirement

May 11, 2016.
Logistics Publications

There are less than two months until a global container weight mandate will go into effect making it a violation of SOLAS to load a packed container onto a vessel, to which SOLAS applies, without a verified gross weight. Unfortunately, since the ruling was announced, industry updates have only muddled...

Panama Canal to Double Capacity in 2016

April 27, 2016.
Logistics Publications

Since its establishment in 1914, the Panama Canal has served as the major artery for maritime shipping between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. However, with the ever-growing demand for international trade, and the advent of larger and larger container vessels, the Panama Canal is gradually being rendered obsolete as it nears...

India: The Stand-Out Emerging Market

April 27, 2016.
Logistics Publications

Will India surpass China to become the strongest emerging market? It does not seem likely considering China’s large leading margin, but there are several signs that make it seem like a real possibility over the next several years. In a global survey of the Agility...

Gaining the Competitive Advantage in Logistics

April 25, 2016.
Logistics Publications

Businesses are always searching for a competitive advantage that will set them apart from others offering a similar product or service. The competitive advantage is gained by offering a customer services of greater value, lower pricing or greater benefits. Without a distinguishing advantage, what is the lure for...

Five Fundamentals to Successful Implementations

April 25, 2016.
Logistics Publications

All implementations have challenges whether changing a software platform, service provider or process change. I was recently tasked with implementing our logistics services for a client where the old provider had ended their contract as of August 31, 2015 and we then took over on September 1, 2015. I had a month to...

SOLAS Update on Container Weight Requirement

April 04, 2016.
Logistics Publications, Tax Publications

On July 1, the SOLAS container weight rule will go into effect making it a violation of SOLAS to load a packed container onto a vessel, to which SOLAS applies, without proper weight verification. With just three months to go there is desperation within the industry as to the specifics of...

Massachusetts 2016 Tax Amnesty Program

March 15, 2016.
Tax Publications

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has advised that a tax amnesty will be available to businesses and individuals who are currently non-registrants, non-filers or under reporters. This is an opportunity to report and remit taxes owed with penalties being waived. The amnesty will also apply to those presently under...

Tennessee Rulings Regarding Software & Services

March 15, 2016.
Tax Publications

A recent ruling by the Tennessee Department of Revenue states sales of information services, electronic storage services, electronic delivery services and payment services are nontaxable. The Department of Revenue has also ruled that the seller is not obligated to collect sales tax on a sale of remotely accessed software if...

FCC: What do you mean radio waves are regulated?

March 11, 2016.
Trade Publications

Trade compliance professionals love acronyms. Accustomed to an alphabet soup of government agencies and trade programs, trade professionals use acronyms in their jargon frequently. That said, some acronyms, like FCC, are known but their importance, particularly in product importation is not clearly understood. What is the FCC? The FCC stands...

The Transaction Value Blues

March 11, 2016.
Trade Publications

When shipping goods internationally, one of the most common mistakes is the inaccurate valuation of goods. Valuation is the appraisement of a product for duty estimates. Improper valuation can result in the under or over payment of duties and taxes. The impact on duties and taxes makes valuation a high...

Self-Driving Vehicles Changing Logistics

February 25, 2016.
Logistics Publications

The logistics industry is constantly evolving to keep up with new trends and current issues and in today’s world. Technological advancement is often a solution for increasing efficiency and resolving problems. One of these technological advancements that can change logistics is the introduction of automated vehicles. Automated...

The Influence of the Oil Price on Upstream Oil & Gas Logistics

February 22, 2016.
Logistics Publications

Since mid-2014 we have witnessed a steep decline in the price of oil, with a significant drop over the recent months. As you may know, this has had a significant impact on operations within the Oil & Gas industry; however most operators (and governments) anticipated a price level far above $80...