The Jones Act, as a law protecting U.S. maritime shipping, requires that all ships engaged in domestic trade be built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and manned by American crews. This act not only safeguards the interests of the domestic market but also provides legal protection for seafarers, making it a crucial legal framework for U.S. maritime commerce.
CAIN (Customs Assigned Importer Number) is an essential tool designed for foreign importers without an EIN. Flexport can act as a representative to apply for CAIN, ensuring a smooth import process and facilitating your entry into the U.S. market.
Monroe Port in Michigan will launch its first international container terminal compliant with the Safe Port Act in 2026, breaking a long-standing bottleneck in container transportation. The new terminal will provide convenient services for export and import businesses, promote regional economic development, and achieve efficient and cost-effective container shipping.
International freight forwarders play a vital role in cargo transportation, providing shippers and consignees with services like carrier selection, customs clearance, cargo pickup, and freight payment. They also act as multimodal transport operators, offering end-to-end solutions. Value-added services include shipment supervision and special cargo handling, ensuring logistics safety and efficiency - making them indispensable in global trade.
The U.S. has strengthened the customs clearance review for FBA shipments under the 321 Act. Certain packages that meet specific criteria will no longer qualify for the $800 tax exemption, posing a risk of being returned. Merchants need to prepay duties in advance and understand the new customs requirements to ensure smooth entry of their goods.
The US government has intensified the customs clearance review of FBA goods, enhancing management under the 321 Act. Shipments exceeding one package on the same day are considered split shipments and require formal customs clearance, along with an Employer Identification Number. Amazon does not support this type of clearance, increasing the risk of denied entry for goods. Sellers should actively monitor these changes to avoid potential financial losses.
In modern logistics, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and freight forwarders play crucial roles as intermediaries in goods transportation, but they have different legal statuses and responsibilities. NVOCCs assume the role of carriers and are responsible for the safety of the goods during transit, whereas freight forwarders act solely as intermediaries and do not assume transportation liability. Additionally, there are significant differences in their charging methods and the conditions required for their establishment.
This case study explores the complexities of the contractual nature between freight forwarders and shippers. With the development of international cargo transportation, maritime freight forwarders can act as either agents or carriers, leading to disputes regarding legal relationships. The crux lies in whether both parties negotiated freight for the entire transport; if the agent's role is not explicitly defined, they may be regarded as the carrier. The findings indicate that specific expressions of intent and the classification of cost types are crucial in determining the nature of the legal relationship.
