Resource Center

For non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs), compliance with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of doing business legally and avoiding steep penalties. During our recent webinar, Avoid Costly FMC Penalties, industry expert Mauricio Larenas of AP Tariffs reminded participants that compliance begins with a simple but critical question: does your business qualify as an NVOCC? Who Qualifies as an NVOCC? According to the FMC, any company that offers ocean shipping services is considered an NVOCC. That definition is broad—so broad that even a small storefront advertising “Ship to Colombia for $50” or a Facebook post offering to move […]

Minimize disruption. Maximize recovery. Insure what matters. Why Insurance Readiness Is Business Resilience Every hurricane season, logistics businesses across the Gulf and East Coasts — and increasingly, inland — face serious risks. From warehouse flooding and power loss to damaged cargo and business shutdowns, the financial fallout can be significant. The good news? Insurance isn’t just a recovery tool — it’s a strategic advantage. This guide will help you evaluate your current policies, identify critical gaps, and understand what protections are most important before the next storm strikes. Designed for: Freight forwarders Customs brokers Warehouse and yard operators Inland and […]

By Trent Van Wormer, Strategic Relationship Manager The transportation industry operates on trust, efficiency, and strong partnerships. For third-party logistics providers (3PLs), choosing a reliable trucking partner is not only critical for operational success but also essential in combating fraud—a persistent threat in the logistics industry. According to the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), fraud-related issues, including double brokering and carrier identity theft, cost the industry millions annually. By conducting thorough due diligence, 3PLs can mitigate risks and build long-term, trustworthy relationships with great trucking partners. Here are the key factors to consider. Operational Capabilities and Capacity Assessing a trucking company’s […]

By: Kelli Milianti, ATA Carnet Manager, Roanoke Insurance Group Inc. When shipping goods for temporary importation and re-exportation, businesses must select a form of security to meet customs requirements. Most often the cargo owner faces the choice between using an ATA Carnet with a carnet bond or a Temporary Import Bond (TIB). Each option has its advantages, but the ATA Carnet generally offers more streamlined benefits for international trade. Benefits of an ATA Carnet 1. Cost Savings: ATA Carnets eliminate duties and value-added taxes (VAT) when goods are re-exported within the validity period, reducing financial burdens[1][2][3]. 2. Simplified Customs Procedures: […]

The threat of cargo theft is a persistent risk for businesses operating in the global supply chain, with organized crime groups continually adapting and evolving their tactics to target high-value goods. According to our latest Cargo Theft Report, the rise in strategic thefts, which involve deception, fraud, and sophisticated planning, is a key trend in 2024, with an exponential increase in the United States in particular. In North America, the risk of cargo theft is heightened, with the United States and Canada experiencing significant increases in thefts. The report highlights that food and beverage products dominate the list of targeted […]

This FAQ is tailored for Canadian importers who need guidance on complying with the upcoming Release Prior to Payment (RPP) changes under the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) initiative. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Under CARM 1. What is the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program? The RPP program allows importers to have their goods released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before they pay duties and taxes. However, importers must now provide their own financial security to participate in RPP, as they can no longer rely on their […]

Customs brokers are essential facilitators of international trade, ensuring that goods are properly cleared through U.S. Customs while navigating a complex regulatory landscape. As advisors to importers and key figures in the global supply chain, brokers face significant risks, particularly when dealing with imports subject to anti-dumping duties (ADD). These duties, imposed to protect domestic industries from unfair pricing practices, present serious financial and liability challenges for importers and customs brokers. This article highlights the heightened risks associated with anti-dumping duties. It underscores the critical need for errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to protect brokers from potentially devastating claims of […]