Industry Insights

U.S. Border Protection Offers Risk Assessment Template To join the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and receive the benefits it provides in strengthening international supply chains and gaining specific corporate benefits—including reduced examination fees and access to Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes—applicants must be able to provide a documented process of how the company assesses risk. To facilitate that process, C-TPAT offers an overview of the elements of a good risk assessment in its August 2014 Five Step Risk Assessment for importers, brokers, consolidators, highway carriers, foreign manufacturers and U.S. exporters. Since it’s vital to your financial […]

Roanoke would like to extend our congratulations to Rick Bridges, who was recently appointed as a Director of the Airforwarders Association for the remainder of the 2014 term and the upcoming 2015-2016 term! We are honored to have a member of the Roanoke team on the AfA board. Rick is a well-respected advisor on insurance and risk management matters involving the trade and transportation of freight. It is his dedication to service and in-depth understanding of his clients’ businesses that make him an asset to Roanoke Trade and the Airforwarders Association. Prior to being elected as the AfA Director, Rick […]

Cyber Attacks Rise Against Maritime Industry The International Maritime Bureau warns that the maritime industry could become “the next playground for hackers,” and 2014 has been a banner year with cyber attacks against the industry increasing considerably. Carriers, ports, terminals and other transport operators are targeted by cyber criminals, who take advantage of the sophisticated IT systems the sector relies on. The technology used to manage the movement of cargo needs to be strengthened, the IMB says. High-value cargo and electronics, such as cell phones, are the most targeted shipments, according to consultant BSI. The industrial control systems that handle […]

We humbly extend our gratitude to those that have served our country and protected our freedoms. This Veteran’s Day, we honor those that have maintained the pillars that form this great nation. With profound gratitude we thank you, Veterans and your families, for your selfless sacrifice and service.

Ebola Can Wreck Supply Chains Shippers are likely to experience major delays and growing supply chain costs as they transport goods to and from West Africa as Ebola containment measures become more stringent, according to an analysis done by Business Monitor International. At least one cargo carrier has initiated Ebola inspections on all shipments to and from the region. Those inspections are not free. German carrier Hapag-Lloyd announced plans to charge US$250 per TEU and US$350 per FEU on cargo shipment to Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Business Monitor International expects other carriers to follow suit. Ports […]

Contract Failure Leads to Port Congestion Congestion at U.S. and Canadian West Coast ports is getting worse by the day in the absence of a signed contract between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association. The congestion problem is causing containers to back up on the docks, trucks to wait in long lines, and importers and exporters to divert cargo. Solutions have been proposed, but the lack of a labor contract is preventing implementation or action. As a result, Los Angeles has designated three sites at the harbor as overflow yards where containers and chassis can […]