On the week of April 23^rd, we were notified that Importers are now receiving their additional MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee) invoices from Customs.

The invoices reflect the MPF increase of October 1, 2011.

Any entry filed on or after 10/1/2011, until the Customs system was reprogrammed with the new MPF rate of 0.3464%, will be getting an invoice from Customs if the amount owed is $20 or larger.

Meet Your MSP U.S. Group Sales
reps at the South of the River Small
Business Expo!

We are proud to announce that U.S. Group Consolidator with have a booth at the South of the River Small Business Expo on Tuesday, May 8^th. Come stop by the booth and meet Doug Bramer and Heidi Stensland of the Minneapolis office. We will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the Freight Forwarding industry. Read Full Article.

Containerized Exports Jumped
9.6 Percent in February

Joseph Bonney

Shipments of paper, paperboard, pet foods and animal feed lead gains in U.S. exports.

U.S. containerized exports in February rose 9.6 percent from a year earlier, driven by strong gains in paper and paperboard, building materials and refrigerated goods, PIERS data show.

Looking for Shipping Options
in Vietnam?

Vietnam has been attracting many new services. U.S. Group (Consolidator Int’l) has established offices in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. For contact information please log onto www.usgroupconsol.com, and go under Office Locations.

WITH labour costs increasing in China, Vietnam continues its evolution of turning into Asia-Pacific’s manufacturing country of choice.  

American Airlines to Axe 1,200 Jobs

American Airlines is planning to axe 1,200 airport cargo and baggage jobs as part of a bankruptcy restructuring plan to cut its wage bill by US$1.25 billion.

All AA jobs at airports in six US cities and two in Canada will be outsourced.

The Fort Worth-based carrier said the staff changes would be implemented within the next 60 to 120 days. Read Full Article.

Cargo Thieves Increasingly
Sophisticated, Expert Warns

Bill Mongelluzzo

Warehouse operators advised to boost fencing and lighting.

An expert in cargo theft advised warehouse operators and motor carriers to spare no expense when it comes to securing their assets because thieves are becoming ever more sophisticated in carrying out their trade.  
Read Full Article.

U.S. Takes on Japanese Ink
Maker’s Import Violation

The United States has intervened in a lawsuit against Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co. Ltd. of Japan and three of its U.S. subsidiaries for knowingly misrepresenting the country of origin on import documents presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday. Read Full Article.