USA Shipping Updates and FDA Foreign Supplier Registration Renewals
As we share what’s happening in the global shipping industry, we want to remind you we’re here to help you navigate through the constantly changing environment with short and longer-term transport solutions. We appreciate your continued support during these challenging times.
USA Shipping Updates and Forecast:
North Europe to USA – volume capacity on this trade has been tight since July and current blank sailing programs (cancelled sailings) will continue through the last quarter. This will put carriers in the advantage to increase rates for peak season and advance booking is still strongly recommended.
South Europe / Mediterranean to USA – vessel space is full with 7% less capacity on this trade since last year, but blank/cancelled sailings are expected to decline moving forward and bring some improvement.
Oceania to USA – A record grain export season has filled vessels going to the US West Coast and this is expected to continue through the end of the year. The US East Coast service will be moving from weekly to fortnightly which will bring space restrictions on that route. Bad weather and port labor disruption is impacting empty container flows from Sydney and Melbourne to Adelaide and Nelson, for all equipment types and resulting in the implementation of congestion surcharges.
South America to USA – from the West Coast, the Chilean trucking strike is over, capacity is stable except for low inbound volumes from Asia affecting overall equipment balance. The port strike at Buenos Aires terminals ended quickly with minimal disruption. Improvement is expected in vessel space and equipment capacity as the services connecting Panama on transpacific trades start to resume.
Caribbean / Central America – Hurricanes Marco and Laura are behind us, but for any shipments originating from or transiting through (this area is a trans-shipment hub on many shipping routes going to the USA) be reminded that this is still volatile hurricane season. We strongly recommend protecting temperature-sensitive cargoes that move through this region in case of weather delays.
Eastern Canada – operations are still suffering from the disruption of the Montreal port strike. This is affecting containers that were stranded at Halifax, St. Johns and Montreal as well as the CN and CP rail service network.
Los Angeles / Long Beach – import volume surges since July have resulted in challenges securing chassis equipment for trucking partners that do not supply their own. The lack of available chassis units once truckers secure the terminal pickup appointment has run into scenarios where free time limits are exceeded and additional demurrage charges apply.
California Wildfires – Multiple wildfires are still active throughout the state and can be viewed on a map at https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/. We are thankful to report that Hillebrand staff are all safe and accounted for and we’ve reached out to customers and industry partners. The Lightning complex fires in the greater San Francisco Bay Area that started last month are now almost fully contained and currently supplier pickups in this area are continuing with minimal disruption. Air quality throughout California, and now Oregon continues to widely fluctuate with wind patterns. For any questions please connect with your Hillebrand representative or the local office.
FDA Foreign Supplier Registration Renewal Period (October – December 2020)
It’s time to plan ahead for foreign supplier registration renewal with the FDA. Every two years, between October 1st and December 31st, the renewal registration process must be completed. This year the 9 digit DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) is required, here is the website to look it up https://fdadunslookup.com/ or to register one here https://fdadunslookup.com/FDA%20DUNS%20Portal%20User%20Guide.pdf
Where Hillebrand is the nominated FDA agent, we will contact suppliers and complete the renewal. For any new suppliers or questions, please send your inquiries to fdausr@hillebrand.com.
Should you have any questions or need more information please contact your Hillebrand representative. You can also manage pending shipments, pickups, invoices, set up alerts and more on myHillebrand.