Holidays Retail Imports Up Despite Government Shutdown
Despite concerns over the government shutdown, import volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to grow 9.1% in October over the same month last year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. The numbers reflect merchandise ordered months before the shutdown as retailers planned for the holiday season. “With the holidays nearly here, retailers are making sure their shelves are well-stocked,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has furloughed 6,000 workers because of the government shutdown that began last week…
Hearing on Implementation of the SAFE Port Act
The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime & Global Counterterrorism of the House Committee on Homeland Security conducted an oversight hearing on Implementation of the SAFE Port Act. In his prepared statement, Committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-MS) noted that the transportation worker identification credential (TWIC) program and the container security device regulations are far behind schedule. Subcommittee Chair Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) expressed her interest in the C-TPAT third party validator pilot program, the empty container security pilot program, long range vessel tracking, and the TWIC program. Ms. Maurine Fanguy, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), discussed recent progress in implementation of the TWIC program.
Senate Hearing on Implementation of the SAFE Port Act
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation conducted an oversight hearing on Implementation of the SAFE Port Act, which was enacted by Congress in 2006. RADM David Pekoske, USCG explained Coast Guard port security efforts, including development of salvage response plans, unannounced inspections of maritime facilities, and long range identification and tracking. Ms. Maurine Fanguy, TSA, explained the significant progress made with respect to implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. Mr. Thomas Winkowski, CBP, provided information regarding the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and other programs of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Mr.
