Dear Valued Unique Customer,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of Unique Logistics International (ATL), Inc for the 06/07 contract season.
Between now and May we will be preparing diligently for the upcoming 07/08 contract renewals. To ensure a smooth turn around once contracts are completed, we would like to ask for your assistance. Over the next few weeks Jill Werkheiser in my office will be contacting you to discuss your current origin/destination points. This will be a good opportunity to remove all points not required and/or inform us of any points that you may want added. If we can condense the list to only what is necessary, then this will make the process once contracts are complete so that the updating will go smooth and efficiently, as we know everyone will be anxiously awaiting their new rates. As always, we can add origin/destination points as well as alternative carrier options throughout the year as your business evolves. We appreciate everyone's assistance with completing this task.
At present, the ocean contract season for most accounts including the large BCO’s (i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, Home Depot) with the carriers has been very slow. As advised, the announced TSA ocean carriers GRI and PSS as follows:
|
|
|
|
20' |
40' |
40H |
|
GRI for States of CA. OR. WA via USWC. (eff. May 1, 2007) |
240 |
300 |
338 | ||
|
GRI for AWS via USEC (eff. May 1, 2007) |
400 |
500 |
563 | ||
|
GRI for MLB via USWC (eff. May 1, 2007) |
520 |
650 |
732 | ||
|
Peak Season Surcharge via WC/MLB (June 15 - October 15, 2007) |
320 |
400 |
450 | ||
The largest increase is for MLB/IPI cargo utilizing the rail via west coast. Many of the ocean carriers were faced with re-negotiating their rail contracts at reportedly 20-40% increases from the rail. Additionally, there have been several reports from ocean carriers that they will eliminate many non-profitable inland U.S. points due to higher rail, fuel, trucking, and equipment repositioning costs.
Consistent with previous shipping seasons, the bookings for April are elevated due to many shippers and importers are trying to ship cargo prior to the May 1 GRI (General Rate Increase). From some markets (i.e. Central and North China Ports), the vessels are already over-booked for weeks 16, 17 and 18. For this reason, we are requesting our customers to make sure that the vendors are booking a minimum of 10-14 days in advance to secure the necessary bookings with the ocean carriers. However, please be aware that space booking can be tight during this time and the ocean carriers have the ability to roll bookings from one weeks sailing to the next.
Unique Logistics International appreciates your support of our services. Your patience and understanding during the ocean contract season is greatly appreciated. Thank you for being our valued customer!
Thank you for your support of Unique Logistics International (ATL).
David Hickmott
Executive Vice President
Office: 404-767-0500 ext 306
Cell#678-478-6604
E-Mail: dhickmott@uli-atl.com
Website: www.uli-atl.com