CTSA ADOPTS GENERAL RATE INCREASE FOR MAY 1, 2011

Container shipping lines in the Canada Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (CTSA) have called for a General Rate Increase (GRI), effective May 1, 2011.

Effective May 1, 2011, member carriers in the Canada Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (CTSA) say they intend to raise Asia-Canada rates across the board by US$400 per FEU for Vancouver local and door cargo, and by US$600 per FEU for all intermodal and East Coast all-water shipments, with other equipment sizes rated per formula. The new rates will apply to all CTSA origins, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

CTSA is a discussion forum of 10 major container shipping lines serving the trade from Asia to ports and inland points in Canada. Members include:

TSA CARRIERS FILE GENERAL RATE INCREASE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2011
Carrier members of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) serving the East Asia/USA trade lane announced a General Rate Increase (GRI) to go into effect May 1, 2011.

This GRI is consistent with the 2011-12 "revenue stability program" the TSA Carriers announced in November 2010. At that time, the group also recommended its members plan for a peak season surcharge of $400 per FEU, effective from June 15, 2011 through November 30, 2011, with those dates subject to adjustment based on changing market conditions.

This GRI applies to both tariff and service contract rates. It also applies to flat rack, open-top, tank and all other types of special equipment. TSA General Rate Increase (GRI), effective: May 1, 2011, from Asia Ports to:

ICAO CURRENT RADIATION LEVELS IN JAPAN AND TRAVEL ADVISE
Radioactive material from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi plant is gradually spreading outside Japan into the global atmosphere but at extremely low concentrations that do not present health or transportation safety hazards, according to the United Nations organizations closely monitoring the situation.

Japanese authorities confirm that all airports in the country, with the exception of Sendai which was affected by the tsunami of 11 March, continue to operate normally for both international and domestic operations. Continuous monitoring around these airports confirms that radiation levels are well within safe limits from a health perspective. Japanese authorities also confirm that all international seaports not damaged by the earthquake and tsunami are operating normally and that no health risk has been detected around the ports, based on the results of measurements of radiation levels by local governments. Screening for radiation of passengers arriving from Japan is currently considered unnecessary at airports or seaports around the world.

The UN agencies involved in the monitoring process are the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the World Meteorological Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Tourism Organization. Further information is available on the website of the World Health Organization - www.who.int

CFIA BORDER CONTROLS - IMPORTATION OF JAPANESE FOOD AND FEED PRODUCTS
The CFIA has implemented enhanced import controls on all food and animal feed products from areas in Japan affected by the ongoing nuclear crisis. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Border Controls. What does it mean? http://inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/imp/20110331e.shtml

Attestation for Importation of Japanese Food and Feed Products including ingedients.
http://inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/imp/annexe.shtml

NEW CARGO CHAOS AT JAWAHARIAL NEHRU
IFW reports that congestion and labour problems are causing major delays at DP World's terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru. The Western India Shippers Association (Wisa) said a go-slow by workers operating Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) last week had increased congestion.

A spokesman said inventory levels at the terminal were far beyond rated capacity, export gates weren't functioning properly and two shipping lines calling at the terminal were refusing to accept export boxes until at least the middle of April. A spokesperson for a carrier confirmed that container movements were "limited", while the situation at the "very congested" terminal had worsened due to the normal strong growth of exports in March.

CBSA BRAMPTON OFFICE CLOSED EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2011
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Brampton office will close effective April 1, 2011. The CBSA will continue to provide service to the public Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: CBSA Office 496 - TFI Transport 8 L.P. 5425 Dixie Road, Mississauga, ON The Brampton closure will not affect the service currently provided at the following locations:

- CBSA Office 480 - Calibre Systems (Canada) Inc. 6600 Goreway Drive, Mississauga, ON

- CBSA Office 495 - Transcargo Centre 3210 Airway Drive, Mississauga, ON

For more information, contact the Border Information Services line at 1-800-461-9999 or visit the CBSA Web site: www.cbsa.gc.ca

TRANSPORT CANADA INTRODUCES INCREASED AIR CARGO SECURITY
April 1, Transport Canada introduces an increased level of security to the air cargo supply chain. Approved Participant Freight Forwarders must accept, keep and tender air cargo through the secure supply chain, from Registered Shipper to Air Carrier.

To provide proof of security, the Participant Freight Forwarder must now provide the Air Carrier with a specific set of data elements that Transport Canada requires. This proof of security can be provided in a dedicated form or it can be provided in another manner acceptable by the Air Carrier. If the air cargo is not presented to the Air Carrier via the secure supply chain, the Air Carrier will have to apply additional security measures to the cargo. These additional security measures will add delay, cost and complexity to the Canadian air cargo supply chain, at a time when our economy is under strain.

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TORONTO OFFICE MOVED 7 FEB, 2010
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