Freight Forwarders

Ocean Shippers Turning to e-Invoicing

INTTRA release study findings that show 81% of surveyed ocean shippers look to cut costs through e-Invoicing in 2013. The findings were based on a global study of high-volume shippers and freight forwarders that included 4 of the top 5 global logistics providers. Four years of economic volatility have intensified pressure on carriers and shippers to seek new ways to reduce costs and have seen no relief on pressure to increase service levels. One cost reduction method that has demonstrated results across government and commercial sectors is electronic invoicing (e-Invoicing). Once referred to simply as a “best practice,” e-Invoicing is emerging as a critical cost reduction tool for companies in or those impacted by the struggling ocean shipping industry. The 2012 global study found that: 81% of respondents want to receive invoices electronically in 2013. 77% rate “managing disputes” as their greatest invoicing challenge, with reducing the “time and cost to process invoices” as a close second at 68%. The top 10 country e-Invoicing launch preferences for shippers include the United Kingdom, China, the Netherlands, United States, Germany, Singapore, Australia, France, Hong Kong and Italy. "Invoicing, dispute resolution and payment processes are highly fragmented across the industry and represent a significant area of cost and inefficiency,” said Otto Schacht

WSS Middle East Wins World Cargo Alliance Award

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has won the prestigious title of ‘Best Partner 2011 - Middle East,’ which was presented by the World Cargo Alliance (WCA) at their annual conference in Bangkok earlier this month. “We are honored to have taken this title, and I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the maritime logistics team in the Middle East for their splendid work throughout 2011,” said Flemming Andersen, Area Logistics Manager Middle East at WSS

Customs Set to Begin Third Phase of C-TPAT

U.S. Customs Service Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today announced that Customs will begin taking applications as of August 26, 2002, from brokers, freight forwarders, and non-vessel operating common carriers for membership in the Customs-Trade Partnership program. The program, dubbed C-TPAT, is an initiative between business and government to protect global commerce from terrorism. Unveiled this past April, the program initially sought membership from the importing and global transportation

U.S. Freight Forwarder Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges

A Kirkland, Wash.-based freight forwarder involved in the military's program for shipping household goods of military and civilian Department of Defense (DOD) personnel between the U.S. and foreign countries pleaded guilty to criminal offenses related to its participation in that program, the Department of Justice announced today. Criminal charges were filed today in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va., against Air Van Lines International Inc. (AVLC). Under the terms of a

Descartes Acquires Oceanwide Logistics

Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider, has acquired the logistics business of privately-held Oceanwide Inc. in an all-cash transaction. Oceanwide's logistics business is focused on a web-based, hosted SaaS model suited for customs brokers and freight forwarders who choose to outsource rather than procure or manage traditional enterprise applications behind their own firewalls.

SBS Worldwide Enhances Services

Global full service freight forwarder, SBS Worldwide launched a key ocean freight consolidation service through the US West Coast gateway for its customers in the north of the UK through its Manchester office, the first of a series of planned enhancements this year. Chairman, Steve Walker is certain that as the economic chill hardens, exporters and importers in one of the most important commercial, industrial and retail regions of the UK will welcome his company’s improved services

FMC Budget Request

The Administration requests $19.5 million for the operation of the Federal Maritime Commission for fiscal year 2005. Approximately $18.4 million was appropriated for FMC operations in fiscal year 2004. The FMC is a five member independent agency responsible for enforcing international shipping rules and regulations involving carriers (container ship operators), shippers (companies owning goods to be transported), and transportation facilitators such as freight forwarders

McGraw-Hill Education Selects SBS Worldwide for Freight Deal

Academic publisher, McGraw-Hill Education, has appointed SBS Worldwide as its freight forwarder and supply chain partner of choice for all inbound air and sea consignments.   SBS will manage the logistics of cargo being delivered to the McGraw-Hill Education EMEA headquarters in Maidenhead, Berkshire, which will include inbound shipments from a diverse range of locations, such as USA, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore

ASEAN Ports and Shipping 2012 Scheduled

Indonesia Port Corporation I, II, III and IV will bring the ASEAN Ports and Shipping Exhibition and Conference event to Jakarta by hosting the 10th annual event at the luxurious five-star Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jakarta on Wednesday and Thursday May 30 and 31, 2012. There will be a two days Conference featuring 35 world-class senior executive speakers who will analyze latest global transport and logistics challenges and opportunities

Claudio Bozzo Selected As 2013 Person of the Year

NY/NJ Forwarders & Brokers Association to present award on January 25 in New York The New York/New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association (NY/NJ FFFBA) has selected Claudio Bozzo, President and CEO of Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA) Inc., to receive the "2013 Person of the Year" Award. For nearly 100 years, this award has recognized those who have significantly impacted the region's global trade community.