Licensed Customs Broker

The Journal of Commerce reports that the American Trucking Association is warning that there is already a shortage of 20,000 drivers in long-haul trucking that could increase to 111,000 by 2014 if current trends continue. The article notes that the shortage is worsened by security and safety measures established during the last few years. (JoC, dated 06/27/05, www.joc.com.)

In the July 6, 2005 issue of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Bulletin, CBP issued a notice containing guidelines with the following title, which are effective July 6, 2005:

In a statement containing his June 9, 2005 oral testimony before the House Government Reform Committee, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff answered a question on the use of third-party, certified auditors to improve container security/inspection, by stating that DHS is starting to talk about how it can tap into that expertise, so DHS doesn't have to own everything itself. Secretary Chertoff added that DHS wants to set the baseline, and does not necessarily want to operate it all as a government operation. (DHS statement, dated 06/09/05, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4536 )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site new "Trade Engagement Biweekly Reports" which summarize topics discussed during workshops held to develop the business requirements for Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Release 5.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a notice announcing that it has renewed the affirmative finding for the Government of Mexico under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This affirmative finding allows yellowfin tuna harvested in the Eastern Tropical Pacific in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) by Mexican-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under Mexican jurisdiction to be imported into the U.S., effective April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006. NOAA explains that every 5 years, governments must request an affirmative finding and submit certain documentation. In addition, on an annual basis, NOAA will review the affirmative finding and determine whether the harvesting nation continues to meet the requirements. (FR Pub 06/17/05, at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-12022.pdf)

Add'l Reference Materials for Exam)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site a document entitled, Answers to Question Cards Submitted at CBP Trade Symposium 2004.

The Journal of Commerce reports that registration will begin in May for shippers wishing to participate in a test of PierPass in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, although full implementation of the program will be delayed until late June or early July (from a June 1 target date). PierPass, which will charge an extra $20 per TEU for cargo moving through terminal gates during weekday hours, is an effort to shift more cargo movements to nights and weekends to reduce peak-hour traffic. (JoC, dated 04/18/05, www.joc.com)

According to a columnist in the Washington Post's business section, the sugar lobby has come out against the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), in a bid to finally get sugar off the negotiating table once and for all, and preserve their tariffs and import quotas that cost Americans at least $1 billon a year in subsidies and artificially high sugar prices. (Washington Post, 05/11/05, www.washingtonpost.com )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an ABI administrative message regarding ways that brokers can validate powers of attorney (POA).