Date: Monday, October 18, 2004

Re:	BILBAO TO USA SHIPMENTS - STILL FACING ONGOING SITUATIONS

Dear NASA Member:

As you already know, most shipping lines have gone through a re-structuring process in recent years. Before restructuring there were 15 different shipping lines with almost 15 different vessels to choose from. This meant a much wider choice of departure dates, services, etc.

These lines now share the same vessels which causes a reduction in the weekly space availability. We are also affected by serious availability problems due to the increase of cargo from growing demand and peak season.

To all this we have the added problems caused by the dock strikes in Northern Europe (Rotterdam, Le Havre, etc) and the congestion issue affecting the West Coast of the USA.

Unfortunately, this remains an issue we will be facing for quite some time. For this reason, we would ask you to take into account the following transit times for all shipments from the port of Bilbao:

- East Coast (New York, Baltimore, Norfolk, etc)		30 days
- Gulf (Miami, Houston, etc)		30 days
- West Coast (Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, etc)		45 days

We recommend that you place orders well in advance to avoid the risk of running out of stock.

As an alternative, we can offer direct shipments ex Barcelona and Valencia ports; hence the transit times decrease to the following:

- East Coast (New York, Norfolk, etc)		8 - 10 days
- Gulf (Miami, Houston, etc)		12 - 18 days
- West Coast (Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, etc)		30 - 35 days

The diversion costs vary depending on the exact point of loading, but as a general guideline, please note the following:

La Rioja Area		+ US$ 475
Navarra Area		+ US$ 425
Ribera del Duero Area		+ US$ 550
Rueda Area		+ US$ 200
Toro Area		+ US$ 425

If you need exact rate quotes, please don't hesitate to contact your sales representative. We will gladly provide you with a competitive quote within one working day.

Regards,
NASA

Judy Mannix
Administrator