Members Invited to Support the NCBFAA, Generate Revenue for Themselves

 

       As an incentive to those wishing to participate in the NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI) Webinar program by presenting a topic, the NCBFAA is modifying its Webinar program. Henceforth, any Webinar presenter employed by an NCBFAA member will be entitled to receive 25 percent of the value of registrations booked for that session.

       For those unfamiliar with the NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI), it provides the industry with well-regarded customs and export certifications, which require the accumulation of continuing education credits for annual renewal, thus increasing the participant’s knowledge base and professionalism. One element of the continuing education program is the provision of regularly scheduled Webinars that are available to certified persons as well as any others with an interest in the industry specific topics, such as these. 

        What will this incentive mean to presenters? A review of NCBFAA Webinar finances for the last few months indicated that, had this program been in effect, participating presenters would have received a payment of $500 to $5,000 for a 60 to 90 minute presentation based on topics with which presenters, as subject matter experts, are thoroughly familiar. Essentially, the presenter selects the topic and, if there is a fit, the NEI will set up the Webinar; market the Webinar; moderate he Webinar; collect Webinar revenue; and remit proceeds to the presenter.

       Naturally, a proposal like this includes conditions.

  • First, the Presenter will be an independent contractor and will need to submit a W-9 form before being considered for inclusion in the cadre of presenters. IMPORTANT NOTE: Return page one only; no checks to individuals released without a completed W-9 on file.
  • Second, the Presenter must return the “License for Presentations to National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc.” form for each Webinar, which would include contact information, credentials and potential Webinar topic including a précis for the Webinar topic.
  •  Third, the Presenter MUST have all presentation materials to the NCBFAA at least three business days before the date of the presentation. For example, if the presentation is scheduled for Monday, the presentation materials need to be with the NCBFAA by opening of business the previous Wednesday. Failure to meet that deadline will reduce the payout by 50 percent.

       To market effectively, NEI must have the précis accurately describing the presentation at least one month (when the topic is confirmed would be better) prior to its scheduled date.

       Should the session have to be cancelled for any reason, there will be no payment unless it is rescheduled. Then the payment will be based on any revenue not refunded for the original session plus any new registrations received in the interim between the postponement and the new date.

        Although we have restructured our Webinar program to provide a remuneration opportunity for our presenters, you are more than welcome to decline to share in the profits should you prefer that they be used to further the work of the Association. Any such decision would be voluntary on your part; please do not feel any obligation to decline your share as you will have earned it and would be fully entitled to receive it.

There’s No Better Time to Register for the GAC Than the Fourth of July

      As we pause this week to celebrate the Fourth of July, let’s remember what that freedom means. Ours is a republic of the people, by the people and for the people. Please exercise your right to free speech and join your fellow industry members at the NCBFAA Government Affairs Conference, Washington D.C. September 9–11.

      If you have not made your hotel reservation, please do so this week. Rooms in DC are always scarce and this year our conference is earlier in the month while some will still be taking late summer vacations. The hotel is a great venue, two blocks from Capitol Hill. Remember to also send in your conference reservation to NCBFAA and look for those travel bargains on the Internet.

        We have an event-filled day planned for Monday with seven sessions ranging from what is happening on Capitol Hill, IPR requirement changes, Logistics, FDA, and the changing Role of the Broker to name a few.

        Tuesday we will go up to Capitol Hill to speak with your representatives in the House and the Senate. We hope to see lots of new faces join our regular attendees. This is your chance to make your voice heard. Log on today to ncbfaa.org to register for the conference and the link to the hotel. There is strength in numbers.

       See you in Washington!

NCBFAA Request for Member Response to Freight Rate Indices Survey

       The FMC recently issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) in its Docket No. 12-07, as to whether it should develop and publish freight rate indices. The NCBFAA is considering filing comments on this NOI and would like your responses to this survey by the close of business, July 3, 2012.

 

Board Approves 8 New Members

        At its June 23, 2012, meeting, the NCBFAA Board of Directors approved for membership the following firms:

  • Regular Members
    • EH Harms USA, Inc., Baltimore, MD
    • Gava International Freight Consolidators (USA) Inc, Bensenville, IL
    • HOC USA, Inc., Tonawanda, NY
    • OTX Logistics, Miami Beach, FL
    • NorthStar Shipping & Trading, Houston, TX
  • Affiliate Members
    • Amber Road, East Rutherford, NJ
    • Interstate Personnel Global Logistics Division, Torrance, CA
    • Veroot, Medina, OH

NCBFAA Member-Get-A-Member Campaign Continues

       Strength in numbers, that’s what it’s all about. In celebration of its 115th birthday, the NCBFAA has begun its Member-Get-A-Member campaign to recruit new members. During the campaign, current members that successfully recruit new members to the NCBFAA will be eligible for prizes, up to a $1,000 gift card.

        To date, the following members have successfully recruited new members:

  • A.N. Deringer Inc.
  • BDG International, Inc.
  • Schenker, Inc.
  • UPS Supply Chain Solutions

        To each of these companies, thank you very much!

         If you are not the primary contact for your company but would like to receive the packet to be able to talk to companies you come in contact with, or, if you have any questions, please contact Jeff Short, NCBFAA Membership Director, at .

        Help make the NCBFAA larger and its voice even stronger by doing all you can to help us grow our membership. Spread the word to your colleagues about the great work the NCBFAA does on behalf of our industry as highlighted in this Monday Morning eBriefing and how critical their support is to the success of these efforts!

Responding to CBP Forms Through the ACE Portal

       CBP is pleased to announce that all authorized users with “Full Access” to forms and who have selected “Portal” as a mode of communication can now respond to CBP forms through the ACE Portal for both ACS filed and ACE filed entry summaries. The issues previously experienced by users when attempting to respond to forms for ACS filed entry summaries have been resolved. Brokers responding to CBP Forms 28, 29 and 4647 on behalf of their clients must do so through the importer’s portal account. Importers will need to grant brokers the appropriate access.

        When searching for a form, the search capabilities will only return forms in the “Sent” or “Closed” status. To view forms where a response has been sent through the ACE Portal but where CBP has not closed the request, users must select “Response Received” from the “CBP Status” drop down.

ACE Overview and Status Update Presentation

       An updated copy of the ACE Overview and Status Update presentation has been posted to CBP.gov. The presentation provides an overview of ACE functionality that has been delivered to date as well as ACE functionality scheduled to be delivered in 2012 and the future.

VICTORY - Brokers, IACs Exempted from Motor Carrier Regulation

      In the mammoth transportation bill due for passage at the time of this report, NCBFAA - and their ally, the Air Forwarders Association - gained a specific exemption for customs brokers and indirect air carriers from regulation included in the bill. Originally, the bill would have imposed DOT regulation on both brokers and IACs, requiring a $100,000 bond and penalties for violations of the statute. Designed to bring "fly-by-night" brokers and forwarders under a regulatory framework, the original bill over-reached and would have imposed this burden on our industry.

       Under the terms of the Senate bill, ocean freight forwarders and NVOCCs had been already exempted. The addition of exemptions for customs brokers and IACs was made in conference committee. This applies to all transactions for brokers that are part of an international movement of cargo.

       Particular praise needs to go to the Florida Association - which jumped in early to assist in convincing the House. Then, big-time praise is a must for the New York and New Jersey Associations that interacted with their Senators.

Sense of Congress on HMF Trust Fund Included in Highway Bill

       Also included in the massive Highway Bill conference report is a Sense of Congress regarding the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Citing the $6.28 billion fund that is expected to grow 13 percent in 2012 and the inadequate investment in dredging needs at U.S. ports, Congress expressed their view that "the amounts in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund should be fully expended to operate and maintain the navigation channels of the United States."

         NCBFAA has been a strong supporter of legislation introduced by Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), the Realize America's Maritime Potential Act (the RAMP Act) which would force the government to spend the money it has collected from the harbor maintenance fee on badly needed harbor maintenance projects - the purpose for which the fee was intended. There was an effort to include the RAMP Act in the Highway Bill, but Congress opted instead for the non-binding Sense of Congress. While this may be viewed as a step in the right direction, it has to be considered a disappointment. It does not dislodge the impasse that has existed to gain access to the HMT.

        More work remains to be done.

ACAS Pilot Tests Facilitation of Security Data Filings

         As our air forwarder members know, CBP and TSA have embarked on a pilot to receive advance data about air shipments in coordination with the express carriers, the airlines (foreign and domestic) and forwarders. The program will ultimately include IACs who will submit data to CBP/TSA either directly or through their carrier. While presently this may involve IACs who have an overseas presence, ultimately it will include medium and small companies both overseas and here in the US. This is because there will be agreements with foreign governments to recognize each other's air security programs and potentially to make ACAS a global program.

         ACAS enables express carriers, passenger air carriers, freight forwarders, and all-cargo air carriers to send and receive advance security filing data and related action messages for all air cargo through CBP’s Automated Targeting System (ATS), based on three ACAS filing options:

  • Two-Part Carrier Filing – Air carrier transmits advance shipment data for security filing while subsequently transmitting post-departure Automated Manifest System (AMS) data in accordance with Trade Act requirements.
  • Forwarder and Carrier Dual Filing – Freight forwarder may transmit House Air Waybill (AWB) data directly to CBP to meet pre-loading targeting and manifest requirements; forwarder and carrier receive ACAS responses prior to consolidation and delivery to air carriers. Air carriers accept forwarder cargo for transport after confirming successful ACAS transmission, and perform required screening.
  • Single Filing of ACAS and AMS data – Air carriers transmit the AMS manifest to CBP prior to loading of cargo, and perform all required screening. The pre-loading AMS manifest transmission would be used by CBP to satisfy both ACAS and AMS requirements.

        ACAS is currently a pilot project and rulemaking will be required to trigger mandatory submissions of data. DHS recognizes the importance of public participation in the design of this rulemaking process. Consistent with Executive Order 13563, CBP recognizes that the rulemaking process should not only protect the public health and welfare but also promote economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation. CBP will actively engage the public during the drafting process with a goal of making certain the NPRM is informed and improved by public comment. TSA may not implement formal rulemaking, but will issue SSI security programs to regulate industry-screening procedures and incorporate the usage of ACAS procedures.

        CBP and TSA have been soliciting involvement by IACs and want participation to continue to grow. If you are interested in learning more about, and possibly participating in, the pilot, please contact NCBFAA HQ  to be linked to the appropriate source of information.

DOC Continues Its NAFTA Webinar Series

       The DOC has scheduled a series of webinars dedicated to a better understanding of NAFTA. With the exception of August, the webinars are monthly through February 2013, are $25 each and are from 2-3 p.m. EDT. Participants will be able to ask questions and get answers from the speakers.

NEI Schedules CES Grandfathering Session for the GAC

      Are you qualified and interested in becoming CES certified? If you are, and you are coming to the September 9-11 GAC, here’s an invitation to get grandfathered into the Certified Export Specialist (CES) program. The CES certification program is designed to help trade professionals involved in the export industry to become proficient and knowledgeable in current export regulations. During the GAC, the NEI plans to convene a CES Grandfathering session provided there is a minimum of 10 particpants.

      The benefits to you of attending the class and obtaining your CES designation include:

  • Reviewing your knowledge of export procedures.
  • Keeping current with recent changes affecting the export industry.
  • Gaining recognition and increase stature among colleagues and clients.

       If this looks like something for you, here is what you have to do to qualify for this opportunity.

  • Have 10 years minimum experience with an OTI (Freight Forwarder, NVOCC) or an exporter.
  • Hold a supervisory or management position within your current company.
  • Complete an application accompanied by an officer’s certification on company letterhead verifying your position/title.
  • Pass a required knowledge exam (Passing score is 75%), and once achieved:
  • Complete the online enrollment form at http://education.ncbfaa.org.
  • Pay the required fee of $95.00 ($80 for MOU participating companies) to register after passing the exam

        Those who are interested in pursuing this certification should email their intention to do so to nei@ncbfaa.org. Details on the time, price and location will be available shortly.

Important NEI Information for Members and Non-Members 
      Individual CES Course Blocks - Whether you are a grandfathered CES who wants to brush up on their expertise or a newbie who is looking to gain some insight into the export industry, we have an exciting and exclusive opportunity for you! The CES course material is now being offered in individual blocks, so you can pick and choose the material that is most pertinent to your professional needs. With topics ranging from U.S. Export Controls to Carrier Liability, Cargo Insurance and Claim Procedures, we are certain there is something for everyone. While everyone is welcome to participate in this educational offering, only CCS and grandfathered CES students can receive credit for these blocks (some restrictions apply). Please contact nei@ncbfaa.org with any questions!
        NCBFAA's GISTNet Offerings - The NCBFAA has partnered with GISTnet to offer a number of their courses related to international trade and cargo transportation. For those certified in either the CCS or CES programs, participation in these courses is another venue for acquiring the CEUs needed for renewing certification. Specific areas of interest currently available include: Cargo Transportation-General; Customs Broker Topics; Dangerous Goods; Export/Import-General; Supply Chain Security; and U.S. Export Compliance. Click here for more information on these offerings.
        POA Handbook Using a Power of Attorney - The Third Edition is still available. This Third Edition POA Handbook contains significant updates including recent changes to the Power of Attorney form and the importer security filing as well as an updated compilation of CBP rulings on powers of attorneys. Issues addressed in the Third Edition of the Handbook include broker/forwarder relationships and POA validation bringing the publication into line with current industry practice. If you wish to order multiple copies, please contact the Educational Institute at 202-466-0222 or email. 
      Certified Export Specialist (CES) Certification Program - Designed to help trade professionals involved in the export industry become competent and well informed in current export regulations, the CES program will provide you with numerous opportunities for honing your professional skills while continuing to stay up with the rapidly changing marketplace within which OTI/Freight Forwarders function. The available coursework is varied and wide-ranging, encompassing all aspects of the trade. 
      Ongoing enrollment for the CES Course is available now! Cost: $650.00 per member participant; $1,250 per non-member participant.
 
      To register please follow the steps below:

  • Go to the NCBFAA's homepage
  • Select the Educational Institute tab
  • Select Certified Export Specialist (CES) Certification Program
  • Select CES Application and Registration
  • Follow the steps for application and registration
  • Complete payment information
    If you have any questions, please contact NEI by email or phone at (202) 466-0222.

 

 

Calendar of Events

2012

Please distribute this Monday Morning eBriefing to key people in your main and branch offices. The Monday Morning eBriefing is compiled by NCBFAA officers and staff; Customs Counsel Alan Klestadt, Esq; Washington Representative Jon Kent; Transportation and General Counsel Edward Greenberg, Esq; and Cindy Thomas. Questions? Send e-mail to staff@ncbfaa.org.