04-09-2013, 12:41 PM
Sorry O,
I was on vacation and not paying attention to the boards.
Here are my suggestions: Just keep in mind that your goods (lumber) are more likely to be inspected than most other goods so you have an issue there. You have a big red target on you basically. Lumber presents very difficult problems.
1. Use an NVO that does not only the ocean transportation but the customs brokerage and potential transloads all as one bundled service. FedEx Trade Networks, Expeditors etc. This will help you get some priority through the ports and can (not guarenteed) save you time there.
2. You should consider transload options at the ports directly. Strip containers at the port city and run inland via truck. While more expensive it will keep your inspections seemless to your customers.
3. Don't clear multiple containers on single entries. This can save you duty and tax but customs hold goods for inspection on an entry level. Do one entry per container and over the long run it will reduce the amount of containers held at the port. Again more expensive but if your goal is to reduce containers held only money can fix that.
4. Use an NVO that has alternative port options. You didn't list your port of entries so I will make a guess. i.e., Instead of paying for LA/LB port pay for a SEA service instead. Different ports have different levels of inspection capabilities.
What is your port of entry now?
5. Make sure your containers are loaded for easy movement of the goods. Most inspections take longer because containers aren't loaded worth a shit. Plus if you want to transload the faster the transload the cheaper the option gets.
I have a few more comments that I will quote you from.
I know the FedEx Trade Networks guys and can hook you up with people to help you. Just PM me with some details.
I was on vacation and not paying attention to the boards.
Here are my suggestions: Just keep in mind that your goods (lumber) are more likely to be inspected than most other goods so you have an issue there. You have a big red target on you basically. Lumber presents very difficult problems.
1. Use an NVO that does not only the ocean transportation but the customs brokerage and potential transloads all as one bundled service. FedEx Trade Networks, Expeditors etc. This will help you get some priority through the ports and can (not guarenteed) save you time there.
2. You should consider transload options at the ports directly. Strip containers at the port city and run inland via truck. While more expensive it will keep your inspections seemless to your customers.
3. Don't clear multiple containers on single entries. This can save you duty and tax but customs hold goods for inspection on an entry level. Do one entry per container and over the long run it will reduce the amount of containers held at the port. Again more expensive but if your goal is to reduce containers held only money can fix that.
4. Use an NVO that has alternative port options. You didn't list your port of entries so I will make a guess. i.e., Instead of paying for LA/LB port pay for a SEA service instead. Different ports have different levels of inspection capabilities.
What is your port of entry now?
5. Make sure your containers are loaded for easy movement of the goods. Most inspections take longer because containers aren't loaded worth a shit. Plus if you want to transload the faster the transload the cheaper the option gets.
I have a few more comments that I will quote you from.
I know the FedEx Trade Networks guys and can hook you up with people to help you. Just PM me with some details.