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EU Jersey Market – Consumption Posted Solid Gains, Reaching $26B

jersey

EU Jersey Market – Consumption Posted Solid Gains, Reaching $26B

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘EU – Jerseys, Pullovers, Cardigans And Similar Articles – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The revenue of the jersey market in the European Union amounted to $26.1B in 2018, growing by 9.2% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, jersey consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2008 when the market value increased by 18% y-o-y. In that year, the jersey market attained its peak level of $28.9B. From 2009 to 2018, the growth of the jersey market remained at a lower figure.

Production in the EU

In 2018, approx. 229M units of jerseys, pullovers, cardigans and similar articles were produced in the European Union; lowering by -3.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, jersey production continues to indicate a deep curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 10% year-to-year. The volume of jersey production peaked at 398M units in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2018, production remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, jersey production amounted to $4.3B in 2018 estimated in export prices. In general, jersey production continues to indicate a drastic contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 17% y-o-y. Over the period under review, jersey production reached its maximum level at $7.8B in 2007; however, from 2008 to 2018, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports in the EU

In 2018, approx. 1B units of jerseys, pullovers, cardigans and similar articles were exported in the European Union; picking up by 2.9% against the previous year. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2007 to 2018; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when Exports increased by 23% year-to-year. The volume of exports peaked in 2018 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, jersey exports totaled $13.3B in 2018. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2007 to 2018; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed over the period under review. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when Exports increased by 15% year-to-year. In that year, jersey exports reached their peak of $13.5B, and then declined slightly in the following year.

Exports by Country

In 2018, Germany (215M units), distantly followed by Belgium (120M units), Italy (119M units), Spain (102M units), France (85M units), the Netherlands (70M units), Poland (68M units) and Denmark (64M units) were the main exporters of jerseys, pullovers, cardigans and similar articles, together generating 81% of total exports.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of exports, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Poland, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Italy ($3.2B), Germany ($2.7B) and France ($1.4B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2018, with a combined 55% share of total exports. Belgium, Spain, Poland, Denmark and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 29%.

Poland experienced the highest rates of growth with regard to exports, among the main exporting countries over the last eleven years, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The jersey export price in the European Union stood at $13 per unit in 2018, lowering by -4.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the jersey export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the export price increased by 17% against the previous year. The level of export price peaked at $15 per unit in 2008; however, from 2009 to 2018, export prices failed to regain their momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin; the country with the highest price was Italy ($27 per unit), while Spain ($6.9 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Poland, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports in the EU

In 2018, approx. 2.7B units of jerseys, pullovers, cardigans and similar articles were imported in the European Union; growing by 7.3% against the previous year. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2007 to 2018; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2008 when Imports increased by 16% year-to-year. The volume of imports peaked in 2018 and are expected to retain its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, jersey imports stood at $22.6B in 2018. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2007 to 2018; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008 when Imports increased by 19% y-o-y. The level of imports peaked in 2018 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Germany (598M units) and the UK (473M units) represented roughly 40% of total imports of jerseys, pullovers, cardigans and similar articles in 2018. France (305M units) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 11% share, followed by Italy (9.6%), the Netherlands (6.6%), Spain (4.8%), Belgium (4.6%) and Poland (4.6%).

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of imports, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Poland, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($5B), France ($3.2B) and the UK ($3.2B) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2018, with a combined 50% share of total imports. Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and Poland lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

Among the main importing countries, Poland experienced the highest rates of growth with regard to imports, over the last eleven year period, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The jersey import price in the European Union stood at $8,501 per thousand units in 2018, coming down by -1.7% against the previous year. Overall, the jersey import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2011 an increase of 12% y-o-y. In that year, the import prices for jerseys, pullovers, cardigans and similar articles reached their peak level of $10,568 per thousand units. From 2012 to 2018, the growth in terms of the import prices for jerseys, pullovers, cardigans and similar articles failed to regain its momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination; the country with the highest price was France ($10,555 per thousand units), while the UK ($6,731 per thousand units) was amongst the lowest.

From 2007 to 2018, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Poland, while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox AI Platform

International Trade

Hughes Hubbard & Reed Add Partner for International Trade Practices

Boasting international recognition in areas including U.S. investment and international trade regulatory issues related to China, Roy (Ruoweng) Liu is the newest partner of New York-based international law firm. Liu will serve as chair of the Greater China practice for the firm’s Sanctions, Export Controls & Anti-Money Laundering practice.

“As one of the few U.S. trade attorneys based in Washington, D.C., who can advise clients in Mandarin Chinese, Roy Liu brings substantial strengths and unique perspective to Hughes Hubbard,” said Ted Mayer, chair of Hughes Hubbard.

“We are thrilled to have him join our talented team, and we believe his experience, particularly with export controls, economic sanctions, CFIUS, and China-related trade issues, will be extremely valuable to our clients, especially amidst a potentially long-term trade war.”

Liu brings with him a Bachelor of Arts from Williams College and a Juris Doctorate from Stanford University Law School. His professional background includes addressing challenges related to the Entity List, U.S. export controls and economic sanctions, reviews and investigations by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and anti-money laundering (AML). Liu also brings substantial experience in client advising pertaining to a variety of regulatory environments.

“I am excited to join the nimble and effective team at Hughes Hubbard,” said Liu. “I look forward to partnering with their world-renowned International Trade, investigations, and white collar practices.”

Logistics Strategies Imperative for Global Growth

Global Economics Prospects predicts a two-year plateau in overall global growth starting this year. That doesn’t mean development opportunities are not still very much alive and can be leveraged through a realistic, holistically charged strategy. E-commerce alone is shifting big businesses and their customer relationships, increasing product demand and reaching consumers beyond company regions. Alibaba Group announced its initiatives with the government of Rwanda in November and claimed they will utilize the digital economy to support exporters and local producers and their relationship with Chinese consumers.

Global agreements spur economic development and e-commerce success.

“We have already seen tremendous attention from Chinese consumers on Alibaba’s platforms in high-quality Rwandan products such as our top-tier single estate coffee, and we are confident that local products and travel experiences will continue to receive interest and support from the more than half a billion consumers on Alibaba’s platforms,” states RDB Chief Executive Officer Clare Akamanzi.

“Alibaba’s travel services platform, Fliggy, and the RDB will also work together to promote Rwanda as a tourist destination through a Rwanda Tourism Store for booking flights, hotels and travel experiences and a Destination Pavilion where Chinese consumers can learn about visiting the country.”

With Amazon-standard expectations, it’s imperative that during the development and planning periods companies incorporate logistics solutions that tie together all modes of the supply chain, eliminating the possibility of leaving out a vital piece to the supply-chain puzzle.

R&M International Recognized for Export Expansion

Delivered by the hands of Wilbur Ross, R&M International now boasts the
President’s “E” Award for Exports along with other select U.S. companies making a substantial impact on export initiatives. With a focus on producers of raw textile and plastic materials, R&M Sales Corporation focuses on disposal strategies for over production, substandard, and waste materials. The company then utilizes the materials for other opportunities in trading and recycling.

“The President’s “E” Award for Export is a great recognition of a long history of working very hard in developing export markets for raw materials in textiles and plastics,” said Stephen Rawson, Partner, R&M International. “It speaks to the importance we place on logistics, efficiency, and excellence. Foreign buyers want quality products from the United States and we are honored to receive the “E” Award.”

Companies are vetted through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration for the coveted recognition. Selected winners are determined by substantial export growth and the strategies implemented to increase overall exports. R&M reports 79 percent of its sales are to export markets with 90 percent of its suppliers located in domestic market regions.

“Exporting isn’t just for big businesses, 98 percent of all U.S. exporters are small and medium-sized firms,” said Tony Ceballos, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Philadelphia. “Here in Pennsylvania, “E” Award winner R&M International is a great example of how businesses are boosting their bottom line and international competitiveness by exporting.”

“In just the last four years, R&M has nearly doubled its export sales, which now account for nearly 80 percent of total sales. Each year, our Philadelphia office—working in tandem with our worldwide U.S. Commercial service network—helps hundreds of businesses like R&M realize their export goals. Our office can assist your business as well,” Ceballos concluded.

Source: R&M International

The Breakbulk, RoRo and Heavy Lift Industries Gear Up for AntwerpXL 2019

Thousands of industry professionals will gather at the Antwerp Expo in the Port of Antwerp next week when AntwerpXL 2019, the highly-anticipated inaugural event for the breakbulk, RoRo and heavy lift industries, opens its doors. The event, which takes place from 7-9 May 2019, will attract the sector’s top industry names, who recognise the unrivalled business, networking and knowledge sharing opportunities the show has to offer. 

Exhibitors on Show

Over 100 companies, including major names such as Boeckmans, Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW), Fast Lines Belgium and MSC Belgium, will use the event’s platform to showcase market-leading products and services, launch new technologies and make major announcements to a captive international audience.

WW Solutions will highlight its global terminal network and demonstrate its terminal handling capacities for breakbulk cargo, including storage, loading and discharge capabilities via rail, barge, RoRo and LoLo. Also on show, WW Ocean will highlight its deep-sea solutions for breakbulk and project cargo; a fleet of 120 vessels, all able to accommodate cargo stretching up to 6.5 metres tall and weighing up to 400 tonnes.

Both Central Oceans and Rollit CARGO will demonstrate a complete range of services offered to facilitate the transport of oversized, complicated and project related cargoes. Atlas Shipping Services is also exhibiting at the event, along with its three business partners, United Cargo Management, Vision Log – Centaurea Group and Peter Rathmann & Co. GmbH. All four organisations will demonstrate how they handle projects, heavy lift shipments, breakbulk and full charters in different types of machineries. In addition, Caribbean Line & Soreidom will showcase its expertise in logistics and the transport of dry-bulk products, project cargo, heavy-lift and transports for exporters and industrial companies.

Furthermore, MSC Belgium will showcase the results of its recent investment into project cargo and RoRo shipments. The world leading container shipping company now owns two large ConRo vessels as part of its fleet. At AntwerpXL, it will discuss how these vessels, which are more environmentally friendly than others operating between Antwerp and West Africa, have a ramp capacity of 350 tonnes and a deck height of up to six metres.

AntwerpXL will also host a range of entirely service-led industry organisations, including a new legal flat monthly service from LMA Legal, whereby clients can obtain legal advice on any matter related to their daily breakbulk business. 

An Engaging Conference Programme

The highly-anticipated conference programme will provide a cutting-edge educational agenda. Over 40 major names will deliver in-depth presentations, Q&A sessions and debates on the Main Deck Stage, covering innovation, digitisation and lessons from disruptors in the breakbulk, maritime and project cargo industry.  

Bob Delbecque, an internationally-renowned company energiser and business coach, will open the conference with his keynote, ‘A vision of the future’. The presentation will investigate the main drivers of the breakbulk industry, their likely impacts, and what changes the sector could be looking at across international markets.

Day two begins with a keynote session from Paul Birch, Owner of Visionjuice and former Head of Business Planning at British Airways, on developing an adaptable business which thrives on innovation. On the same day, Stephanie Hare, an analyst, strategist and broadcaster in technology, politics and world business, will chair a panel discussion about the impact of trade wars on different parts of the supply chain, and on the challenges and opportunities presented to the industry by Brexit. 

AntwerpXL will also focus on NextGen when it hosts a discussion on how the industry will adapt to new market conditions and new technologies. Chaired by Sue Terpilowski OBE, Managing Director, Image Line Communications, and President, WISTA UK, and Chair, Maritime UK’s Women’s Taskforce, the working lunch session will explore new ways of thinking, working and collaborating for those starting a career in the industry, the conclusions of which will be presented in a session afterwards.

The conference will gather the most innovative and forward-thinking minds in the breakbulk industry, all of whom will be sharing knowledge, best practices and ideas.

A Gathering of Thought-Leaders

Numerous networking opportunities will be on offer at AntwerpXL. Key industry figureheads will be amongst those keen to make new connections and learn from the brightest industry minds.

The event kicks off with a port tour starting at 1pm on Tuesday 7 May. Attendees of this free-to-join experience will see and learn about the port’s multipurpose terminals, Kieldrecht Lock, Deurganckdok, Zuidnatie, Churchill Dock and the Antwerp Railhouse.

AntwerpXL’s Welcome Reception at the Antwerp Expo marks the official launch of the show and gives guests the opportunity to meet the industry-leading organisations exhibiting their latest innovations and developments at the event.

On Wednesday 8 May, Bart Timperman, the Chief Editor at Flows Magazine, will moderate a breakfast seminar, where thought-leaders will discuss the question, ‘Breakbulk in Flanders: Crucial or Marginal?.’ Invaluable industry insights from those who believe breakbulk remains an important engine of volumes and employment, and those who believe it is doomed to become a marginal activity on the fringes of the shipping landscape, will be shared.

As the sun goes down, guests can enjoy the official AntwerpXL Networking Party, hosted at the historic Felix Archive. Visitors will raise a toast to the event and enjoy an evening relaxing with colleagues before heading to Den Engels in the Square to continue the party.

AntwerpXL Connect is the official one-to-one networking platform for this year’s event. The online service provides users with the opportunity to set up meetings with suppliers and prospects and manage their schedule during the event. Meetings will take place onsite in the AntwerpXL Connect Lounge.

The Networking Lounge, VIP Lounge and Antwerp Business Point, on the show floor, are also areas where visitors can congregate and meet with industry peers.

Fueling Innovation

Sponsored by Bulkchain by NxtPort, the Innovation Start-up Zone will feature some of the industry most groundbreaking new companies and showcase the innovative new technologies and products they have developed.

Along with a range of demos, two panel debates exploring the future of the industry will be delivered by leading industry experts. Cees-Willem Koorneef, Director at Port XL Antwerp, and Dominic Sun, Director of Trade Development, Port of Houston, will host each session on bringing a new customer experience to the industry on each day of the show.

Mark Rimmer, StocExpo & Tank Storage Portfolio Divisional Director, comments: “We are thrilled to see so many industry leading organisations recognising the opportunities available at AntwerpXL. There is no better place for companies to exhibit their products and services in front of industry peers, discuss the latest industry trends and demonstrate the value they can provide in order to support the future needs of customers and their global commitments.” 

AntwerpXL takes place on 7-9 May 2019 at the Antwerp Expo in the Port of Antwerp in Belgium. For more information on visiting the exhibition, booking as a delegate for the conference or exhibiting, please visit https://www.easyfairs.com/antwerp-xl-2019/    

About AntwerpXL

AntwerpXL is a new three-day exhibition and conference for the breakbulk, maritime, and project cargo industry, hosted by the Port of Antwerp. Industry leaders from across the supply chain will meet to discover, innovate, and connect at Antwerp Expo, Belgium, from the 7th to the 9th of May 2019.

Freight forwarders, cargo owners, and equipment handlers, as well as terminal operators, EPCs, manufacturers, and project owners will attend to network and learn from the experts.

AntwerpXL – shaping the future of breakbulk.

www.antwerpxl.com  

About Easyfairs

Easyfairs enables communities to “visit the future” at must-attend events that anticipate their needs and present solutions in the ideal format.

The group currently organises over 218 events in 17 countries (Algeria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Emirates, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States). Easyfairs also manages 10 event venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden (Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen-Brussels North, Namur, Gorinchem, Hardenberg, Venray, Gothenburg, Malmö and Stockholm).

The group employs more than 750 people and generated revenues exceeding € 157 million for its financial year 2017-2018.

Easyfairs strives to be the most adaptable, agile and effective player in the events industry by employing committed individuals, deploying the best marketing and technology tools and developing strong brands. Visit the future with Easyfairs.

Find out more on www.easyfairs.com  

Livingston International to Participate in TradeLens Pilot

Global trade management and freight forwarding provider, Livingston Blockchain, confirmed this week its position as the first customs broker to implement the TradeLens pilot for brokerage automation. The blockchain-enabled digital shipping solution aims to provide solutions for trade roadblocks such as delayed transit times, risk factors, and fraud.

“The most important aspect of the platform is the ecosystem – building trust to enable collaboration with one another through a model that benefits everyone. Livingston’s participation in this initiative allows us to analyze the impact of blockchain on the logistics process by bringing in the role of customs administration, which involves the submission, examination and storage of reams of data on a daily basis,” said Peter Patterson, IBM Canada -Blockchain Leader.

Developed by A.P. Moller – Maersk and IBM, the initiative aims to create an efficient and secure trade environment. Livingston’s participation in the TradeLens pilot will consist of sensitive information on shipments while streamlining internal operations – all without added risks.

“We have always prided ourselves on being a forward-thinking customs broker and trade-services provider,” said Craig Conway, Chief Technology Officer, Livingston International. “We are excited to work with Maersk, IBM, CBSA and other members of the TradeLens ecosystem on an initiative we believe will serve our industry well and provide transparency and security in the global movement of goods.”

“As a leader in customs brokerage services, Livingston is now positioned to pioneer the use of blockchain technology and shape its impact to shippers around the world,” said Mike White, CEO of Maersk Global Trade Digitization and head of TradeLens.

Dachser Offers Customers Tips in Potential Brexit Environment

As March 29 draws closer, companies heavily involved in customs clearance prepare for the the changing environment in the near future. With these changes, companies are encouraged to employ forward-thinking and strategic approaches to gauge predicted shifts. Dachser Logistics released three essential tips on how their customers can best prepare for unpredictable changes while maintaining streamlined operations.

“We recommend that our customers prepare for a potentially hard Brexit,” says Wolfgang Reinel, Managing Director European Logistics North Central Europe at DACHSER.

Time is of the essence as companies have about three weeks to strategize and plan for what’s to come once March 29  confronts them. Dachser stresses the importance of acting now, rather than waiting for a Brexit-filled environment to be confirmed.

Additionally, the company added the potential implementation of shifting customs procedures should a hard-Brexit come to fruition, impacting both imports and exports. Company leaders explain Dachser is well able to support its customers, but requires cooperation on all ends for success.

DACHSER can provide its customers with support in many ways when it comes to customs. That being said, here we’re dependent on close cooperation,” said Vinzenz Hingerl, Department Head Customs at DACHSER. “These can all be prepared well in advance. “It’s also important to agree with trade partners on the Incoterms that will apply in the future. This will help avoid processing delays ahead of time. The Incoterms define who commissions customs clearance as well as who assumes the costs for dispatch and for import duties.”

Lastly, as Dacsher continues preparations for a hard-Brexit environment, the company encourages its customers to tap into its well prepared and reliable network of resources.

“Uncertainties are part and parcel of the logistics business,” says Reinel. “Brexit is a challenge and DACHSER is ready to meet it. The UK is and will remain an important part of DACHSER’s European network. We are posting continuous growth there, and despite the disruptions that Brexit could cause, we expect that this positive trend will continue for our UK country organization.”

 

Source: BSY Associates 

How to Become a Freight Broker

Do you have an interest in the transportation and logistics industry? Maybe you’ve always been drawn to trucking or shipping but don’t know how to put that passion to good use? Becoming a licensed freight broker may be a smart career move for you if these are questions you have pondered over time. A freight broker works as an intermediary between manufacturers and shippers, helping move products and goods from one location to the next. Freight brokers can make a steady living working for themselves or as part of a team, and they have an opportunity to do the work they love from home or an office setting.
However, there are certain steps one must take to become a licensed freight broker, including getting the right training, developing a business plan, meeting legal requirements, and obtaining a bond or trust fund. Here’s what you need to know if becoming a freight broker is in your future.

Get the Right Training

One of the first steps in becoming a licensed freight broker is obtaining the right training. Industry experience, in trucking, shipping, or logistics, goes a long way in laying the groundwork for a successful career as a freight broker. However, there are also classes and courses that can and should be pursued in order to get a full understanding of the business. These training opportunities are not legally required to become a freight broker, but they do offer information about trends in the industry, best practices, technology tools, and operating a business in the field.
Several freight broker training schools offer classes and coursework to those who want to work as a freight broker. Some schools offer in-person classes that provide a more personalized curriculum while others are self-study classes completed online. You can use this resource to uncover the top freight broker training schools as well as the classes you might want to complete in order to get your brokerage up and running successfully from the start.

Develop a Business Plan

In addition to industry experience and formal training in the freight broker field, you will also want to develop a business plan to set yourself up for success. Having a strong business plan allows you to evaluate what you need to establish your brokerage now as well as what is required for a solid, profitable future. A business plan includes detailed information about revenue sources, customer acquisition, strengths and weaknesses of the business, and projected financial information that acts as a budget. You can utilize business plan templates like those found on the Small Business Administration’s website to tackle this task.

Meet the Legal Requirements

After developing your business plan, your next step is understanding the meeting the legal requirements to become a licensed freight broker. You will need to register as a motor carrier and receive your motor carrier number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. You will also need to secure your motor carrier authority which is done through an application submitted online. This application requires you to pay a non-refundable $300 fee, so be prepared for this cost when applying. The process of obtaining these legal requirements and submitting the application can take several weeks. Be sure to review the information needed as part of the application process beforehand, and gather the right documentation before submitting your application.

Obtain Your Bond or Trust Fund

In addition to the application process mentioned above, new freight brokers must also satisfy the bond or trust fund requirement. The license to become a freight broker requires you to have a freight broker bond or to establish a trust fund in the amount of $75,000. The bond or trust fund protects shippers and carriers against bad business practices of the licensed broker.
The good news is that if you select the bond option, you do not have the pay the full bond amount of $75,000 up front. Instead, your surety agency charges you a percentage of the total bond amount, with the out of pocket cost ranging from $500 to $2,000. The price you pay is heavily dependent on your financial standing, including your personal credit score and history, so be sure you have your financial ducks in a row before applying.

Have a Marketing Strategy

After you have developed a sound business plan, met the legal licensing requirements, and obtained your freight broker bond, you’re ready to start working with customers. However, you will need a marketing strategy to help you get off on the right foot as a newly licensed freight broker. Many brokers use a combination of business relationships and freight load boards to create potential business, while others use social media, e-mail marketing, and an online presence to generate interest. Any combination of these marketing strategies can be beneficial. Just be sure to budget for the marketing methods you plan to use, and be flexible in your approach if one seems not to work as well as you intended.
The steps to become a licensed freight broker may seem daunting, but following this order makes it easier to get up and running in the industry quickly.

Eric Weisbrot is the Chief Marketing Officer of JW Surety Bonds. With years of experience in the surety industry under several different roles within the company, he is also a contributing author to the surety bond blog.

Freight Forwarders Defended by BIFA General Director

In response to HMRC’s Transitional Simplified Procedures  for Customs in a post-Brexit environment, BIFA General Director Robert Keen released the following comments stating his concern of the impact and fairness between freight forwarders and other players in global trade:
“As the trade association for freight forwarders, which are responsible for managing the supply chains that underpin the UK’s visible international trade, we have long campaigned for friction-less borders post Brexit.
We note the publication of these Transitional Simplified Procedures by HMRC in the event of a non-deal Brexit, and are led to believe that they are aimed at making importing easier by simplifying the declarations at the border and postponing the payment of import duties that would otherwise be due.
However, having reviewed the documentation that has been released, BIFA believes that they are aimed solely at those traders, which have not been previously engaged in international trade, giving an overview of the procedures available to those traders.
Whilst some of the easements that they contain regarding simplifications and special procedures may make it easier for new applicants to obtain these authorizations, there does not appear to be equivalent liberalization of the regimes for existing holders, such as freight forwarders.
In many ways the documentation appears skewed in favor of new applicants for authorizations and actually discriminates against existing holders, particularly relating to special procedures.
It appears to us that TSP allows traders without any customs expertise, and tried and tested systems, to by-pass the strict authorization requirements which otherwise apply to freight forwarders and customs agents.
If the above are the case this will be highly unpopular amongst freight forwarders and customs agents as they appear to be excluded from them and no-one seems willing to say why this is so. That is something on which we will be seeking clarification from HMRC. If this is a true picture of the situation, we question whether the preparations are far enough advanced and whether the systems that will be needed are fully tested.
It is all very well to write down these procedures, but the unanswered question is will they work when systems are largely untried, communication links between the parties involved on the processes are not established, many will be unaware of their responsibilities, and the freight forwarding companies that are at the heart of international trade movements appear to be excluded from them.
TSP should be for all involved in visible international trade movements, including freight forwarders.”
Source: Impress Communications

IMO 2020

Global Marine Lubricants Market to Hit $5.9 bn by 2024

As per a recent industry report put forward by Global Market insights Inc. , Marine Lubricants Market is forecast to register its name in the billion-dollar fraternity down the line of six years, by exceeding a revenue of USD 5.9 billion by 2024 with a projected CAGR of 4.7% over 2017-2024.

Global marine lubricants market size may witness consumption of over 3.4 million tons by 2024. Size of global marine cargo fleet is expected to grow owing to increased interaction between economies in through international trade by marine route. Rise in marine trade frequency can be advantageous due to large shipment transportability, ability to cover huge distances and lowering cost of transportation & maintenance.

U.S. Marine Lubricants Market Size, By Application, 2016 & 2024 (USD Million)

Marine lubricants market size from transport ships which include cargo ships, tankers, container ships & passenger ships should witness significant gains at over 3.5%. Positive indicators towards growth in shipbuilding industry should drive product demand. Global sea trade was sized to be over 9.5 billion tons in 2016 and is anticipated to grow further due to strong trade ties between economies and growing demand for commodities.

Stringent government norms towards nitrogen and sulfur emission reduction might hinder industry growth. This could be overcome by developing bio marine lubricants which emits lower emission concentration owing to high boiling point of esters. This factor helps in reducing overall operational cost during the lifecycle owing to less maintenance, disposable requirements and storage.

Marine lubricants market size from drill ships may witness gains at over 3.5%. Major oil & gas exploring companies have engaged in multiple drilling projects to discover new reserves for hydrocarbon. Increase in offshore drilling activities to meet growing demand of crude oil & its refined products from chemical industries and refineries should favor product demand.

Mineral oil based marine lubricants market size should witness gains at over 3%. Increasing scope in application for engines, stern tubes and turbines should drive product demand. They provide a cost-effective solution and enhance performance & provide smooth movements for assembly parts of the ships.

China synthetic marine lubricants market size should witness gains at close to 4%. These products have high resistance at extreme temperature and are expensive when compared to its counterparts owing to production complexity & purity of base oil. Key benefits include low wearing & tearing properties, high thermal resistance, good load carrying capacity and low friction which are important in long run for engines & turbines.

Germany marine lubricants market size from recreational ships should witness consumption of over 18 kilo tons at the end of 2024. Recreational boating activities include campaigning, sailing, fishing, water sport games and boat racing. Economic growth along with growing overall population should drive tourism industry thereby promoting product demand for recreational boats.

Global marine lubricants market share is consolidated and highly capital intensive with industry participants including ExxonMobil, Shell, Valvoline Inc., Lubricon, Castrol, LUKOIL, Gulf Oil and Indian Oil. Mergers & acquisitions between industry participants may take place which can lead to further market consolidation and enhances company product portfolio & regional presence.

Source: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/marine-lubricants-market