CBFANC 2020 Recap--A Challenging Year, A Busy Year

Evey Hwang, CBFANC President

CBFANC April: PPE is decidedly essential!    CBFANC held a successful FDA-CBA PPE webinar – well-attended and effective. We are fortunate to have strong leadership with CBP San Francisco with APD Rich DiNucci and Assistant APD Steve Baxter, and with FDA West Coast Import Division Director Dan Solis, WCID Director of Investigations Gordon Chu and Director of Compliance Lawton Lum.   CBFANC Ocean Committee also held two port terminal/stakeholder workshops to ensure open communications for port operations and CBFANC membership.
CBFANC May: Pacific Coast Council President Lalo Acosta together with our PCC Counsel Peter Friedmann started the weekly conference calls which became weekly Zoom calls.   We are grateful for PCC leadership in keeping everyone connected and informed on trade and port concerns.   In May, Port of Oakland held Port Efficiency Task Force as virtual meeting. John Driscoll, Oakland Maritime Director leaves to take on Executive Director for Port of Mobile.   On CBFANC behalf, our board member Peter Gong (Great Way) donated 6000 masks to Oakland’s Truck Work Group for the trucking community.
CBFANC June: Busy month of port news!   At Port of Oakland, Bryan Brandes was named Maritime Director to succeed John Discoll. Andreas Culver elected President of Port Commission (succeeding Ces Butler). Our June highlight was hosting Peter Friedmann for his yearly insights. From facilitating seaport calls to advocacy on FMC, we are more grateful for Peter connecting us with Los Angeles Executive Port Director Gene Seroka to task for greater efficiency at West Coast Ports. With blank sailings, ocean rates doubling, air cargo restrictions, updates from Our Man in DC are more crucial than ever.
End of June, CBP Assistant Port Director Steve Baxter retired!   On behalf of our membership, CBFANC expressed our appreciation for his kind understandings and assistance in working with brokers and forwarders in our member and port community.   Felicia Brown was named Assistant Port Director to succeed Mr. Baxter.   We also received news for Rich DiNucci was named District Field Operations (effective August 1, 2020). We have appreciated Mr. DiNucci as our Area Port Director for his effective leadership since his arrival in September 2017.
CBFANC July: Our Drawback Webinar offered great content and updates from industry experts as Sarah Stroth of NF Stroth & Associates, Tim Vorderstrasse of Flexport, CBP Drawback Specialist Jaclyn Roarty and CBP Branch Chief Jennelle Cray. CBFANC Education Committee continues our Mission to providing our membership on education and agency connections.
On July 22^nd CBFANC met with FDA for annual Broker meeting.   Attending from FDA was Gordon Chu, Director of Investigations Branch; Lawton Lum, Director of Compliance; Marissa Chan, Consumer Safety Officer; Cindy Lewis, Consumer Safety Officer; Dan Solis, Division Director of Division West Coast Imports.   We are very appreciative of Dan Solis who aside from his DWCI responsibilities has also been serving as acting FDA Assistant Commissioner.
The July 30^th PCC board meeting was two hours of information sharing between Pacific Coast Council’s five associations from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. Each association presented updates, their port issues, CBP and PGA concerns. Common pain points between associations were port terminal concerns.   During period of blank sailings, there is still “port congestion”. Lack of availability on containers being discharged from vessels and lack of appointments.   Peter Friedmann cited carrier consolidations and terminal inefficiencies as reasons.
CBFANC August: USMCA commencing on July 1, 2020 seemed to have effected without much entry angst.   Slow crossings at the southern border are still daily issues and tomatoes being held for inspection are ongoing. COVID19 continues to affect global economy and safefy. On behalf of our membership, CBFANC joined NCBFAA and other broker associations nationwide to submit letters to response on multiple concerns adversely affecting customs brokers status quo. As the August 4, 2020 deadline, 54 response letters were submitted
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=USCBP-2020-0009
CBFANC September: Chassis/equipment issues continue to plague West Coast ports and inland points. During AgTC discussion early September, American Trucking Association (ATA) cited need to end box rules with restrictions on chassis/pools. In August, CBFANC with Pacific Coast Council associations joined other port stakeholders to sign onto coalition letter requesting the Executive Directors of Los Angeles and Long Beach to review Port competitiveness and chassis situation. Per Peter Friedmann, the letter asked the Port authorities to “develop and implement strategies” and “best practices that reduce costs to shippers and increase gate productivity”.   Now heading into midst of “peak season”, the situation has not improved much.   Containers stuck at terminals, collecting demurrage, delays to off-terminals and rail to inland.
CBFANC October: Finally! Fumigation treatment (for pest-found) at the Port. Per Port of San Francisco Information Notice 728-21-01 dated October 5 2020 and USDA September 18, 2020, import shipments receiving an Emergency Action Notification (EAN) can be transferred to the USDA-approved treatment facility at Impact Transportation.
On October 15, 2020 Port of Oakland PETF agenda included maritime updates on truck management plan, truck parking, marine terminals, and chassis situation.   Executive Director Danny Wan and Maritime Director Bryan Brandes opened meeting and Business Development Manager Andrew Hwang reported on Port updates.
WESCCON 2020 a virtual success! October 22-23 was two days lead by Pacific Coast Council leadership to provide associations members with informative dialogue with CBP, other government agencies, trade experts and representatives. Great collaborative efforts through PCC leadership can still be viewed https://www.pacificcoastcouncil.org/presentations
CBFANC November: Bruce Murley confirmed as Area Port Director for San Francisco Port.   Serving as APD of Honolulu for many years, Mr. Murley stepped in as San Francisco APD previously and will the second week of January.   Mr. Murley succeeds Mr. Rich DiNucci who transferred August 1, 2020 to Office of Field Operations.   Join us on January 26, 2021 in welcoming APD Bruce Muley at CBFANC’s annual State of the Port (virtual event).
On November 16, 2020, Agriculture Transportation Coalition’s Peter Friedmann, Harbor Truckers Association’s Weston LaBar and Pacific Coast Council Chairman Vince Iacopella held a Press Conference on November 16 2020 to call attention to the continued congestion and delays situation at LA/LB. https://agtrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Coalition-Letter_Suspension-of-Detention-Demurrage_DRAFT-11.13.20_Blast.pdf    Federal Maritime Commission responded with approving a Supplemental Order reenforcing the Fact Finding 29 issued in March 2020 by Commissioner Rebecca Dye. https://www.fmc.gov/commission-approves-supplemental-order-expanding-fact-finding-29-authority/
CBFANC December: West Coast represented at FDA headquarters!   Dan Solis was announced as Assistant Commissioner, Office of Enforcement and Import Operations.   Under his leadership as Division Director for West Coast Imports, Customs Brokers and Trade have enjoyed increased communications and engagement with the DWCI FDA outreach.
East Oakland Stadium Alliance efforts continue on opposing Oakland As land grab through a MLB ballpark and luxury condos at Howard Terminal. August letter was sent to the Port of Oakland which states, “We emphatically agree with the Port Commission that no project should be approved - whether a ballpark at Howard Terminal or any other ancillary development - without complete assurance that all potential impacts to the Port’s primary and core business at the seaport are fundamentally avoided. Everyone, including the Oakland A’s, acknowledges that the potential development of Howard Terminal as a housing-office-stadium project is facially incompatible with the heavy industrial maritime operations at the Port of Oakland and its continued success and growth.” EOSA requested and will meet with Port of Oakland on January 11, 2021 for Seaport Compatibility Measures Re-Engagement meeting.

December 31, 2020 with GSP expirations and exclusion extensions complicated with vessel delays…let’s look forward to less disruptions in the New Year!   Wishing you all health and well-being in 2021!


CBFANC 2020 Recap--A Challenging Year, A Busy Year Evey Hwang, CBFANC President CBFANC April: PPE is decidedly essential! CBFANC held a successful FDA-CBA PPE webinar – well-attended and effective. We are fortunate to have strong leadership with CBP San Francisco with APD Rich DiNucci and Assistant APD Steve Baxter, and with FDA West Coast Import Division Director Dan Solis, WCID Director of Investigations Gordon Chu and Director of Compliance Lawton Lum. CBFANC Ocean Committee also held two port terminal/stakeholder workshops to ensure open communications for port operations and CBFANC membership. CBFANC May: Pacific Coast Council President Lalo Acosta together with our PCC Counsel Peter Friedmann started the weekly conference calls which became weekly Zoom calls. We are grateful for PCC leadership in keeping everyone connected and informed on trade and port concerns. In May, Port of Oakland held Port Efficiency Task Force as virtual meeting. John Driscoll, Oakland Maritime Director leaves to take on Executive Director for Port of Mobile. On CBFANC behalf, our board member Peter Gong (Great Way) donated 6000 masks to Oakland’s Truck Work Group for the trucking community. CBFANC June: Busy month of port news! At Port of Oakland, Bryan Brandes was named Maritime Director to succeed John Discoll. Andreas Culver elected President of Port Commission (succeeding Ces Butler). Our June highlight was hosting Peter Friedmann for his yearly insights. From facilitating seaport calls to advocacy on FMC, we are more grateful for Peter connecting us with Los Angeles Executive Port Director Gene Seroka to task for greater efficiency at West Coast Ports. With blank sailings, ocean rates doubling, air cargo restrictions, updates from Our Man in DC are more crucial than ever. End of June, CBP Assistant Port Director Steve Baxter retired! On behalf of our membership, CBFANC expressed our appreciation for his kind understandings and assistance in working with brokers and forwarders in our member and port community. Felicia Brown was named Assistant Port Director to succeed Mr. Baxter. We also received news for Rich DiNucci was named District Field Operations (effective August 1, 2020). We have appreciated Mr. DiNucci as our Area Port Director for his effective leadership since his arrival in September 2017. CBFANC July: Our Drawback Webinar offered great content and updates from industry experts as Sarah Stroth of NF Stroth & Associates, Tim Vorderstrasse of Flexport, CBP Drawback Specialist Jaclyn Roarty and CBP Branch Chief Jennelle Cray. CBFANC Education Committee continues our Mission to providing our membership on education and agency connections. On July 22^nd CBFANC met with FDA for annual Broker meeting. Attending from FDA was Gordon Chu, Director of Investigations Branch; Lawton Lum, Director of Compliance; Marissa Chan, Consumer Safety Officer; Cindy Lewis, Consumer Safety Officer; Dan Solis, Division Director of Division West Coast Imports. We are very appreciative of Dan Solis who aside from his DWCI responsibilities has also been serving as acting FDA Assistant Commissioner. The July 30^th PCC board meeting was two hours of information sharing between Pacific Coast Council’s five associations from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. Each association presented updates, their port issues, CBP and PGA concerns. Common pain points between associations were port terminal concerns. During period of blank sailings, there is still “port congestion”. Lack of availability on containers being discharged from vessels and lack of appointments. Peter Friedmann cited carrier consolidations and terminal inefficiencies as reasons. CBFANC August: USMCA commencing on July 1, 2020 seemed to have effected without much entry angst. Slow crossings at the southern border are still daily issues and tomatoes being held for inspection are ongoing. COVID19 continues to affect global economy and safefy. On behalf of our membership, CBFANC joined NCBFAA and other broker associations nationwide to submit letters to response on multiple concerns adversely affecting customs brokers status quo. As the August 4, 2020 deadline, 54 response letters were submitted https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=USCBP-2020-0009 CBFANC September: Chassis/equipment issues continue to plague West Coast ports and inland points. During AgTC discussion early September, American Trucking Association (ATA) cited need to end box rules with restrictions on chassis/pools. In August, CBFANC with Pacific Coast Council associations joined other port stakeholders to sign onto coalition letter requesting the Executive Directors of Los Angeles and Long Beach to review Port competitiveness and chassis situation. Per Peter Friedmann, the letter asked the Port authorities to “develop and implement strategies” and “best practices that reduce costs to shippers and increase gate productivity”. Now heading into midst of “peak season”, the situation has not improved much. Containers stuck at terminals, collecting demurrage, delays to off-terminals and rail to inland. CBFANC October: Finally! Fumigation treatment (for pest-found) at the Port. Per Port of San Francisco Information Notice 728-21-01 dated October 5 2020 and USDA September 18, 2020, import shipments receiving an Emergency Action Notification (EAN) can be transferred to the USDA-approved treatment facility at Impact Transportation. On October 15, 2020 Port of Oakland PETF agenda included maritime updates on truck management plan, truck parking, marine terminals, and chassis situation. Executive Director Danny Wan and Maritime Director Bryan Brandes opened meeting and Business Development Manager Andrew Hwang reported on Port updates. WESCCON 2020 a virtual success! October 22-23 was two days lead by Pacific Coast Council leadership to provide associations members with informative dialogue with CBP, other government agencies, trade experts and representatives. Great collaborative efforts through PCC leadership can still be viewed https://www.pacificcoastcouncil.org/presentations CBFANC November: Bruce Murley confirmed as Area Port Director for San Francisco Port. Serving as APD of Honolulu for many years, Mr. Murley stepped in as San Francisco APD previously and will the second week of January. Mr. Murley succeeds Mr. Rich DiNucci who transferred August 1, 2020 to Office of Field Operations. Join us on January 26, 2021 in welcoming APD Bruce Muley at CBFANC’s annual State of the Port (virtual event). On November 16, 2020, Agriculture Transportation Coalition’s Peter Friedmann, Harbor Truckers Association’s Weston LaBar and Pacific Coast Council Chairman Vince Iacopella held a Press Conference on November 16 2020 to call attention to the continued congestion and delays situation at LA/LB. https://agtrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Coalition-Letter_Suspension-of-Detention-Demurrage_DRAFT-11.13.20_Blast.pdf Federal Maritime Commission responded with approving a Supplemental Order reenforcing the Fact Finding 29 issued in March 2020 by Commissioner Rebecca Dye. https://www.fmc.gov/commission-approves-supplemental-order-expanding-fact-finding-29-authority/ CBFANC December: West Coast represented at FDA headquarters! Dan Solis was announced as Assistant Commissioner, Office of Enforcement and Import Operations. Under his leadership as Division Director for West Coast Imports, Customs Brokers and Trade have enjoyed increased communications and engagement with the DWCI FDA outreach. East Oakland Stadium Alliance efforts continue on opposing Oakland As land grab through a MLB ballpark and luxury condos at Howard Terminal. August letter was sent to the Port of Oakland which states, “We emphatically agree with the Port Commission that no project should be approved - whether a ballpark at Howard Terminal or any other ancillary development - without complete assurance that all potential impacts to the Port’s primary and core business at the seaport are fundamentally avoided. Everyone, including the Oakland A’s, acknowledges that the potential development of Howard Terminal as a housing-office-stadium project is facially incompatible with the heavy industrial maritime operations at the Port of Oakland and its continued success and growth.” EOSA requested and will meet with Port of Oakland on January 11, 2021 for Seaport Compatibility Measures Re-Engagement meeting. December 31, 2020 with GSP expirations and exclusion extensions complicated with vessel delays…let’s look forward to less disruptions in the New Year! Wishing you all health and well-being in 2021!
CBFANC Newsletter - copy of December 2020 - Info Expeditor