After 18 years providing import solutions from Barrington, Illinois TRG has expanded to Bozeman, Montana. November 9th marked the official opening of the new office which will now serve as the company’s headquarters. All departments have been centralized to this location. In 2005 President and managing partner, John Michel, expanded to Montana in a smaller town South of Bozeman. After years of rapid growth the company found the need to increase staff and set its sites on Bozeman.
TRG’s business is focused on U.S. Customs bond, Marine Cargo Insurance and self-filing which some might say is an odd combination for sales out of Montana. However, the company’s direct marketing approach over the years has shown that sales, if done properly, can be accomplished from any remote location. TRG caters to importers of all sizes and all locations of the U.S. and Canada. Even though few customers are actually found in Montana, the company has been able to bring a wealth of education to the local U.S. importers. http://www.trgbond.com
TRG Bond, the division specializing in U.S. Customs bonds, has placed key staff members in Montana to help facilitate sales and customer service. “Having the ability to speak face to face with our Customs bond underwriters, Claims Department and sales executives has increased productivity and the effectiveness of internal communication.” Courtney Larson, Customs Bond Administrator comments about the move.
TRG Marine Insurance will soon follow suite as Sales, Marketing and Administration will be settled into the Montana office by the first of the year. “We are expecting TRG Marine Insurance to transition into a leading product role in 2010, as our ability to present a more cohesive sales approach improves.” Gregg Cummings, National Sales Manager said, “TRG Marine’s manager’s placement in the Bozeman office will play a vital role in the development of this product.”
The Illinois office will still play an important role for TRG Direct, the web-based system for entry filing and Importer Security Filing. Members of the accounting department and direct filing customer service remain in Barrington where they share an office with TRG’s sister company, Corporation for International Business. http://www.trgdirect.com
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Why is my cargo being inspected?
Have you ever wondered why CBP has chosen to inspect your cargo?
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have updated their cargo examination processes in order to better protect American borders from contraband. One of these changes is the introduction of inspectional technology, known as Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS). This system utilizes low-energy x-ray and/or low-energy gamma radiation in order to effectively inspect cargo without slowing down the import process. It also increases the number of daily inspections and since VACIS provides a better picture, physical examinations are less frequent. VACIS allows Customs to identify contraband, such as illegal drugs, currency, or guns.
CBP will identify which containers will be inspected prior to the vessel’s arrival, and the terminal must make the cargo available for CBP inspection 48 hours after arrival. If you are a direct filer you will be notified of a hold by an ABI cargo release response. CBP typically opts to inspect cargo from suspected or actual law violators. VACIS can be used at all air, sea, and land ports and for even the most difficult commodities.
If Contraband is Detected…
During the examination, the cargo is placed in a shielded enclosure, and gamma rays are sent through the cargo. The amount of gamma radiation detected informs CBP of the density and thickness of cargo, allowing them to identify contraband. It takes only seconds to scan, but it takes 30-40 minutes per container to analyze the image. If any concern arises after a VACIS scan or the shipment is high risk, the container could then go to a Container Examination Station (CES) where individual boxes or pallets are unloaded and scanned with a smaller x-ray machine. It takes about a day to unload, scan, and reload 12 containers. CTPAT members go to the front of the line if their cargo is taken to a CES.
Since CBP is unable to determine what exactly is in each container, they are looking to the importer for help. Importer Security Filing is a new initiative that will allow CBP determine which shipments are at a higher risk for National Security threats. Now that the importer is required to relay the origin, contents, etc of the container, CBP has a head start in their inspection process.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have updated their cargo examination processes in order to better protect American borders from contraband. One of these changes is the introduction of inspectional technology, known as Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS). This system utilizes low-energy x-ray and/or low-energy gamma radiation in order to effectively inspect cargo without slowing down the import process. It also increases the number of daily inspections and since VACIS provides a better picture, physical examinations are less frequent. VACIS allows Customs to identify contraband, such as illegal drugs, currency, or guns.
CBP will identify which containers will be inspected prior to the vessel’s arrival, and the terminal must make the cargo available for CBP inspection 48 hours after arrival. If you are a direct filer you will be notified of a hold by an ABI cargo release response. CBP typically opts to inspect cargo from suspected or actual law violators. VACIS can be used at all air, sea, and land ports and for even the most difficult commodities.
If Contraband is Detected…
During the examination, the cargo is placed in a shielded enclosure, and gamma rays are sent through the cargo. The amount of gamma radiation detected informs CBP of the density and thickness of cargo, allowing them to identify contraband. It takes only seconds to scan, but it takes 30-40 minutes per container to analyze the image. If any concern arises after a VACIS scan or the shipment is high risk, the container could then go to a Container Examination Station (CES) where individual boxes or pallets are unloaded and scanned with a smaller x-ray machine. It takes about a day to unload, scan, and reload 12 containers. CTPAT members go to the front of the line if their cargo is taken to a CES.
Since CBP is unable to determine what exactly is in each container, they are looking to the importer for help. Importer Security Filing is a new initiative that will allow CBP determine which shipments are at a higher risk for National Security threats. Now that the importer is required to relay the origin, contents, etc of the container, CBP has a head start in their inspection process.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Meet TRG National Sales Manager, Gregg Cummings
The International Compliance Professional's Association just sent out an email on our very on Gregg Cummings.
1. Tell us about yourself, your company, and what services you offer.
My name is Gregg Cummings and I am the National Sales Manager for TRG. TRG is an import services provider with offices in Barrington Illinois and Bozeman Montana specializing in 3 areas: US Customs Bonds, Marine Cargo Insurance and TRG Direct, a web based application which allows an importer to direct file their Customs entry and ISF.
TRG was founded in 1991 by John Michel and provides US Custom's surety bonds directly to importers. In addition to the cost savings of buying your bond direct, importers with bonds under $1MM can also take advantage of a 3 year pricing strategy to lock in their low price for an extended period of time.
TRG Marine provides Marine Cargo insurance and has established relationships with several insurance companies enabling us to offer competitive rates for this important coverage.
Perhaps the most publicity for TRG this year has been our Direct Filing application which includes an ISF module. ISF has been a real challenge for importers to implement in difficult economic times and resource constraints and we have offered a "zero start up fee ISF only" approach to help importers learn how they can meet their ISF obligation by filing it in house and experience how bringing some of these processes in house can lower costs (only $5 per ISF) and increase control and visibility into their supply chain.
2. How did you get started in the business?
I came to the import services arena after spending 20 years in Chicago in the Brokerage industry. I sold short term securities and structured bonds to corporations which worked out very well right up until the entire industry vaporized in 2007. At that time my family had a home in Montana that we loved and took that opportunity to move here full time. It was at that time I met John Michel who was increasing the exposure of TRG in Montana and I viewed the challenge of starting something new, growing a sales force and expanding a business was very appealing.
3. What's the best piece of advice you would give a person starting in the business?
As far as advice for anyone looking to get started in this business, I would suggest that you do join an organization like the ICPA to meet a network of professionals that can be resources for your questions and growth.
4. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
I don't know about hidden talents but I am quite active. My family has four horses and we all ride quite frequently. I have also run triathlon's for 20 years and just signed up to run the LA Marathon this coming March. Living in Bozeman also allows for an active ski season since I am only 8 miles from our local ski resort.
5. What's your favorite thing about ICPA?
TRG has been very involved with ICPA for years. We attend all the conferences and have many important customers and relationships with ICPA professionals. The blog is a particularly good resource for discussion and education on issues affecting an individual's import practices and supply chain.
1. Tell us about yourself, your company, and what services you offer.
My name is Gregg Cummings and I am the National Sales Manager for TRG. TRG is an import services provider with offices in Barrington Illinois and Bozeman Montana specializing in 3 areas: US Customs Bonds, Marine Cargo Insurance and TRG Direct, a web based application which allows an importer to direct file their Customs entry and ISF.
TRG was founded in 1991 by John Michel and provides US Custom's surety bonds directly to importers. In addition to the cost savings of buying your bond direct, importers with bonds under $1MM can also take advantage of a 3 year pricing strategy to lock in their low price for an extended period of time.
TRG Marine provides Marine Cargo insurance and has established relationships with several insurance companies enabling us to offer competitive rates for this important coverage.
Perhaps the most publicity for TRG this year has been our Direct Filing application which includes an ISF module. ISF has been a real challenge for importers to implement in difficult economic times and resource constraints and we have offered a "zero start up fee ISF only" approach to help importers learn how they can meet their ISF obligation by filing it in house and experience how bringing some of these processes in house can lower costs (only $5 per ISF) and increase control and visibility into their supply chain.
2. How did you get started in the business?
I came to the import services arena after spending 20 years in Chicago in the Brokerage industry. I sold short term securities and structured bonds to corporations which worked out very well right up until the entire industry vaporized in 2007. At that time my family had a home in Montana that we loved and took that opportunity to move here full time. It was at that time I met John Michel who was increasing the exposure of TRG in Montana and I viewed the challenge of starting something new, growing a sales force and expanding a business was very appealing.
3. What's the best piece of advice you would give a person starting in the business?
As far as advice for anyone looking to get started in this business, I would suggest that you do join an organization like the ICPA to meet a network of professionals that can be resources for your questions and growth.
4. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
I don't know about hidden talents but I am quite active. My family has four horses and we all ride quite frequently. I have also run triathlon's for 20 years and just signed up to run the LA Marathon this coming March. Living in Bozeman also allows for an active ski season since I am only 8 miles from our local ski resort.
5. What's your favorite thing about ICPA?
TRG has been very involved with ICPA for years. We attend all the conferences and have many important customers and relationships with ICPA professionals. The blog is a particularly good resource for discussion and education on issues affecting an individual's import practices and supply chain.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Renewal of Your US Customs Bond
When the time comes for your Continuous Customs bond to renew, make sure to compare your current rates with TRG's rates. We have updated our online application and every importer should look into TRG and see how easy it is to apply for the same bond direct.
“Applying for a Customs bond is already a simple process when handled by a professional company, but we need to go beyond simple. This improved application streamlines the process for the importer as well as the process for our administrative staff,” stated John Michel, TRG President. “Changes we are making internally not only relieve any sense of burden the importer may have, it also minimizes our costs to allow TRG bond prices to remain extremely competitive. In fact, we have not increased pricing on the $50,000 Importer Bond even once in our entirety.”
“Applying for a Customs bond is already a simple process when handled by a professional company, but we need to go beyond simple. This improved application streamlines the process for the importer as well as the process for our administrative staff,” stated John Michel, TRG President. “Changes we are making internally not only relieve any sense of burden the importer may have, it also minimizes our costs to allow TRG bond prices to remain extremely competitive. In fact, we have not increased pricing on the $50,000 Importer Bond even once in our entirety.”
Friday, October 16, 2009
What is My Customs Broker Charging me for?
Quotations for customs brokerage services are usually dependent on a number of factors including the complexity of the entry, your anticipated entry volume and sometimes your level of experience in the business. The base entry fee broker’s charge is usually between $75-$100. What many importers fail to recognize is that even if they are quoted a dollar amount entry fee, that might not be all that they are paying for. If the invoice from your broker contains multiple lines of charges then this is what is commonly referred to as the laundry list fee schedule. As you can see in the chart to the right the entry fee was quoted at only $45, but the accumulation of fees resulted in an actual entry fee of $142. Many of the line items on the bill were for “out-of-pocket” payments to other service providers such as carriers, local truckers, Customs or a terminal. The remaining items on the invoice are considered revenue items or a component of the broker’s income for handling this transaction.
The bottom line is that despite thinking your base entry fee is only $75; if your invoice contains any one of these charges; your entry rate is more than $75. We recommend that you carefully review your broker’s invoices to ensure that the fees charged are consistent with the fees quoted and that the fees charged are also warranted.To access the tool TRG has created to help you decipher your own broker’s bill click here.
The bottom line is that despite thinking your base entry fee is only $75; if your invoice contains any one of these charges; your entry rate is more than $75. We recommend that you carefully review your broker’s invoices to ensure that the fees charged are consistent with the fees quoted and that the fees charged are also warranted.To access the tool TRG has created to help you decipher your own broker’s bill click here.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Certificates of Participation in TRG Direct's ISF Vendor Compliance Program
TRG Direct has released the first batch of certificates of participation in their ISF Vendor Compliance Program.
- Participants have received educational training in
Understanding the background and the data elements of ISF,
Awareness of the severity of penalties associated with non-compliance,
Best practices for communicating with US importers on timely ISF data delivery,
Ensuring policies & procedures are in place for future relationships with new US importers.
Participation in this program in no way insures the vendor/supplier will be compliant in delivery of Importer Security Filing information to the U.S. importer. Participation does however, demonstrate the vendor’s/supplier’s willingness to be fully educated on ISF and engage in ISF compliant practices.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Marine Insurance is a Hard Keyword to Crack
TRG Marine offers Marine Insurance. We have offered annual policies since 1991, when John and Laura Michel began TRG. However, keyword optimization for this product is TAXING! There are synonyms up the ying yang for marine insurance, let's see: marine cargo insurance, freight insurance, shipping insurance, cargo insurance, the list goes on and on.
With all these keywords and ALL these marine insurance providers, how do we possibly compete in the search engines for these keywords. OK, pay per click, ugghh we can only pay so much for a lead. Of course we do this, so how do we compete organically? I'm still trying to figure this out. You'll see us rank for "Marine Cargo Insurance", YAY one out of many keywords. Google us and let us know what you find!
With all these keywords and ALL these marine insurance providers, how do we possibly compete in the search engines for these keywords. OK, pay per click, ugghh we can only pay so much for a lead. Of course we do this, so how do we compete organically? I'm still trying to figure this out. You'll see us rank for "Marine Cargo Insurance", YAY one out of many keywords. Google us and let us know what you find!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Easy Entries vs Hard Entries l Is Direct Filing for You?
What is the ease or complexity of your import processes? Every supply chain is different. To gain a better understanding of your supply chain and the ease or difficulty of a consumption entry filing, take this short questionnaire and gather a more comprehensive view of your import entries.
How many entries do you have per year, or anticipate in the next year?*
How many tariff numbers do you have?
How many ports do you use?
How many entries are subject to Anti-dumping/Countervailing?**
How many entries are subject to quota?***
How many entries are subject to FDA or other regulatory organization?
How many are border entries, meaning they enter the US by truck from Canada or Mexico?
What commodities do you import?
Understanding your results to this survey can assist you in improving processes in-house and moving toward a best-in-class importer. If you would like to discuss these qualifying questions and how they may effect your importing, please contact Sarah Braun, sbraun@traderiskguaranty.com or 847-756-7531.
*Customs Entry is defined as “A statement of the kinds, quantities and values of goods imported together with duties, if any, that is declared before customs authorities”.
**Anti-dumping/Countervailing duties are applied when a foreign manufacturer is able to sell goods in the US less than fair value, causing injury to the US industry.
***Quotas permit a specified quantity of imported merchandise to be entered at a reduced rate of duty during the quota period. Once the tariff-rate quota limit is reached, goods may still be entered but at a higher rate of duty.
How many entries do you have per year, or anticipate in the next year?*
How many tariff numbers do you have?
How many ports do you use?
How many entries are subject to Anti-dumping/Countervailing?**
How many entries are subject to quota?***
How many entries are subject to FDA or other regulatory organization?
How many are border entries, meaning they enter the US by truck from Canada or Mexico?
What commodities do you import?
Understanding your results to this survey can assist you in improving processes in-house and moving toward a best-in-class importer. If you would like to discuss these qualifying questions and how they may effect your importing, please contact Sarah Braun, sbraun@traderiskguaranty.com or 847-756-7531.
*Customs Entry is defined as “A statement of the kinds, quantities and values of goods imported together with duties, if any, that is declared before customs authorities”.
**Anti-dumping/Countervailing duties are applied when a foreign manufacturer is able to sell goods in the US less than fair value, causing injury to the US industry.
***Quotas permit a specified quantity of imported merchandise to be entered at a reduced rate of duty during the quota period. Once the tariff-rate quota limit is reached, goods may still be entered but at a higher rate of duty.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Kelby Woodard's Article on ISF
Kelby Woodard of Trade Innovations and TRG Direct recently published an article with IBT. What a Fairy Tale can Teach us About ISF.
Kelby Woodard is the Executive Vice President of TRG Direct.
View a copy of this article here: http://tradeinnovations.com/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsItemID=76
Mr. Woodard spent eleven (11) years with a mass retailer located in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the Director of Supply Chain Assets Protection. In this capacity, he and his team were instrumental in providing supply chain security expertise to the legacy US Customs Service in the months and years following the attacks of September 11th. The result of these consultations was the formation of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. His employer was one of the seven charter members of C-TPAT and has maintained a leadership position in defining new criteria and standards as a result of his efforts. Mr. Woodard also managed the Operation Safe Commerce project and Smart Box testing and has worked on several projects focused on the use of RFID technology to secure global commerce.
Mr. Woodard was responsible for a global security team that focused on risk analysis and mitigation strategies spanning a supply chain spread throughout 84 countries. He and his team was also responsible for significantly reducing cargo theft issues within the United States and providing assets protection services to 28 distribution centers. Prior to his experience in the private sector, Mr. Woodard served with the U.S. Customs Service in Washington, DC. Mr. Woodard holds an MBA in International Business from the University of Dallas and Certificate of Global Security Management from Georgetown University.
Mr. Woodard is a renowned expert on subjects ranging from global security to cargo theft issues and advises key congressional staffers regarding these issues on a regular basis. He has given numerous presentations around the world to groups such as the World Customs Organization (WCO), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), International Cargo Security Council (ICSC), ECR Europe, RFID Journal Live, and Retail Forward Europe. He has also trained countless overseas vendors on the complexities of complying with US security requirements. Mr. Woodard has authored articles on the future of supply Chain within the new global security context in Loss Prevention, International Security, Supply Chain Management Review, as well as numerous other periodicals.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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