Impacts from 9/11 continue to affect our once-standard business procedures. Now, shipments into and out of the US are being carefully watched at all seaports for verification of goods, packaging, documentation, and more. In some cases, entire containers are being subjected to extreme tests including full cargo X-Ray, partial verification of contents, and a complete unloading and reloading of the container contents. For all these inspections, the related costs are not quoted as a part of the container transit expense — but these charges will be passed on to the customer. Inspection fees can range from about $500 to $1,000 USD, and there can be charges for storage time and detention. While we cannot object to this elevated security measure, we can prepare for the potential charges that might be incurred should a shipment be subjected to one of these inspections. At Skolnik, we believe a 50/50 split between the shipper and consignee is a fair understanding.

July 8th, 2003 8:15 am Filed under: Uncategorized by Dean Ricker