NCBFAA Appoints Maurine Cecil Chair of Its New NVOCC Committee

Washington, DC: The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) has appointed Maurine Cecil to the Chairmanship of its recently established NVOCC Committee. Ms. Cecil is Regional Vice President, American Shipping Co., Inc., a national Customs Broker and International freight forwarder in Long Beach, California.
        Maurine is currently the President for the Los Angeles Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association (LACBFFA). Other association experience includes a chair position on the Pacific Coast Council as well as representing the LACBFFA on the steering committee for Cal State Long Beach’s Center for International Trade and Transportation along with the Marine Transportation System’s Regional Committee on Competitiveness. Maurine also recently served as the one of the NCBFAA Area Directors for Area 9, Los Angeles. She has also held chair positions for Women in International Trade-L.A.
        The NCBFAA membership approved establishment of this new Committee at the Association's Annual Conference last month in San Antonio to address the special concerns and issues faced by Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC). As soon as the balance of the Committee is filled, it will begin addressing key areas of concern, including:

• U.S. Customs 24-hour rule, which has had a significant impact on NVOCCs’ business arrangements.
• Instances of rate discrimination by carriers and their associations.
• The developing situation involving the adverse effects of the Peoples Republic of China’s maritime regulations.
• The question of antitrust immunity for carriers.
• Elimination of tariff filing requirements.

        "I am tremendously excited about having the opportunity to serve this important segment of our industry," Ms. Cecil said. "While NVOCCs share a number of common issues and challenges with forwarders, there are also a number of areas unique to this part of the logistics community that deserve the focused attention of a dedicated group."
        "Not only is Maurine a terrific person but she is also a great asset to both of our Associations and I certainly appreciate her taking on the responsibility of leading this new committee," said Billy App, NCBFAA Freight Forwarding Committee Chairman. "In my view, establishment of this NVOCC Committee is another important step in the NCBFAA’s efforts to establish itself as the leading voice of the whole transportation logistics community "
        With headquarters in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA (members.ncbfaa.org) represents nearly 700 member companies - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and air cargo agents. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the strong, effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, Quarterly NCBFAA Bulletin, and various meetings and conferences throughout the year.