News

The EU recently issued a new customs mandate with an effective date of 01/01/2011.

This mandate requires all cargo destined for, or transiting through, Europe to be declared to EU customs prior to the cargo loading to vessels in the USA. Steamship lines are now implementing new Documentation cutoff dates that are approximately two working days prior to the vessel cutoff date at the port terminal. Shippers are now required to provide container and seal numbers, as well as other bill of lading information by this mandatory Documentation Cutoff date and time.

How will this impact your business?

• Late Gates and appointments within the 2 day window will no longer be possible.
• Loading schedules will be tighter and will require more coordination to ensure document cutoff dates are met.
• Decisions on rolled bookings will be made sooner than later.
• Trucking capacity will be paramount in order to ensure shorter loading parameters are met.

What are we doing to help?

At Gulf Winds, we have added a field within our container management program that now tracks document cutoff dates relative to vessel cutoff. We have the tools in place to provide you with complete visibility throughout the export process ensuring you make sound business decisions and comply with this new mandate. Please reach out to your sales and or customer service representative if you have any questions on how this will impact your business going forward.

God Bless / Todd Stewart / Vice President