TRG Bond™ is hosting a free webinar on “Eagle EyeSM: Resolve import related problems faster and easier”.
Register today: Tuesday, June 29th 1pm CT https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/827215339
Eagle EyeSM is a free service made available by TRG Bond™ to all Customs bond clients. As a TRG Bond™ customer you now have access to fast, accurate, private and easily accessible information regarding your import entries; whenever and wherever you have an Internet connection. Eagle EyeSM allows you access to timely information about your entry without you having to track it down.
Not only does this tool, take information directly from U.S. Customs and streamline the data for your review, TRG Bond™ is here to help you understand the data. As our client we want you to maintain the highest level of Customs compliance you can. Many of our users indicate they have access to this vital information on Eagle EyeSM well before they are notified by their customs broker.
Kathryn Cody, TRG Bond’s™ in-house claims specialist will discuss:
- Eagle Eye Reporting Capabilities
o Supplemental duty bills
o Entry status reports
o Customs bond data
o 10+2 ISF & Import Entry penalties
- Using your data to answer these common questions
o Do I have any duties owed to Customs?
o Which broker filed this entry?
o How much customs bond coverage to I have?
o What entries are not yet liquidated?
o What port did my entry come into?
o What is the estimated duty I paid last year?
o What did I pay to clear Customs last year?
- How to activate your Eagle EyeSM account
- Non – Customers: How to apply for a Customs bond with TRG Bond™
About TRG Bond™
Since 1991 TRG Bond™ has been specializing in providing Customs bonds, direct filing, and cargo insurance direct to importers. Our bonds are underwritten by Hanover Insurance (A.M. Best Rated A). This is the identical bond you now carry and your customs broker/FF may continue to clear your entries. More than 6,000 companies, including K-Mart, Sears, Kawasaki and Bosch, save every year by using TRG Bond™.
Register today: Tuesday, June 29th 1pm CT https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/827215339
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Do I need an International Carrier Bond?
A question came in through our online chat service today about a company transporting a plane for repairs. The company already had an International Carrier bond on file or Activity Code 3 bond. They didn't know if this bond would allow them to enter the US after their plane was fixed in Costa Rica.
We get questions everyday to where there is a completely unique situation to an importer or carrier. In this instance we told them to make sure and contact the port in which the plane would be returning to. The size of their carrier bond would have been determined at this port as well, when they went to place the bond. The size of the bond usually depends on the port and the aircraft in question. It is our understanding that entrance to this port would not be different from any of the company's other activies and thus would be included under this bond. However, always make sure and double check with the port!
You can find a complete list of port contact information here.
Make sure and add this to your favorites in your web browser. You will be surprised how ofter you will need to access this!
We get questions everyday to where there is a completely unique situation to an importer or carrier. In this instance we told them to make sure and contact the port in which the plane would be returning to. The size of their carrier bond would have been determined at this port as well, when they went to place the bond. The size of the bond usually depends on the port and the aircraft in question. It is our understanding that entrance to this port would not be different from any of the company's other activies and thus would be included under this bond. However, always make sure and double check with the port!
You can find a complete list of port contact information here.
Make sure and add this to your favorites in your web browser. You will be surprised how ofter you will need to access this!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Stop wasting money on single entry Customs bonds.
Multiple Single Entry Bonds or 1 Continuous Bond?
In the past, it was more economical for low volume importers to purchase single entry bonds. However, U.S. Customs is now requiring that if a single transaction bond is used to clear the entry an additional single entry ISF bond to be place. This increases the costs of single entry transactions; however, TRG has the solution.
Since 1991, TRG has provided continuous Customs bonds direct to importers. The continuous import bond will cover every shipment over a one year period (both entry and ISF). TRG offers the following promotional pricing to low-volume importers. Call us today to see how you can save!
Applying for Continuous bond is easy.
Send TRG a completed 1 page application and Power of Attorney form,
TRG will contact you with any changes needed on the application,
TRG will place the bond with U.S. Customs,
You will provide your broker (or whomever clears your entries) with the new bond number.
It’s really that simple to decrease your import costs! Don’t pay the high costs of single entry bonds. If you are interested in obtain a continuous bond, please contact TRG or apply online today!
In the past, it was more economical for low volume importers to purchase single entry bonds. However, U.S. Customs is now requiring that if a single transaction bond is used to clear the entry an additional single entry ISF bond to be place. This increases the costs of single entry transactions; however, TRG has the solution.
Since 1991, TRG has provided continuous Customs bonds direct to importers. The continuous import bond will cover every shipment over a one year period (both entry and ISF). TRG offers the following promotional pricing to low-volume importers. Call us today to see how you can save!
Applying for Continuous bond is easy.
Send TRG a completed 1 page application and Power of Attorney form,
TRG will contact you with any changes needed on the application,
TRG will place the bond with U.S. Customs,
You will provide your broker (or whomever clears your entries) with the new bond number.
It’s really that simple to decrease your import costs! Don’t pay the high costs of single entry bonds. If you are interested in obtain a continuous bond, please contact TRG or apply online today!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monitoring Liquidated Damages, Supplemental Duties and Customs Entries
If you are a Customs bond holder with TRG, make sure that you are taking advantage of Eagle Eye. This is our free entry monitoring system that has the following 4 reporting capabilities.
The Customs Bond Report: Outlines the customs bond(s) your company currently has on file.
The Entry Status Report: Reflects the status of entries under each import bond. Allows you to see each entry number, entry date & status, import value, estimated duty, liquidation date & amount per bond per importer.
The Supplemental Duty Bills: Includes information on entry liquidation and Customs’ additional bills. View the status of your bills due to classification review or anti-dumping/countervailing upon liquidation.
The Liquidated Damages Report: Streamlined view of any penalty notices by Customs per entry. Failure to respond to Customs may not only increase the penalty amount, but can effect your compliance rating. This report is the most popular among our customer base.
View a vide of Eagle Eye here!
The Customs Bond Report: Outlines the customs bond(s) your company currently has on file.
The Entry Status Report: Reflects the status of entries under each import bond. Allows you to see each entry number, entry date & status, import value, estimated duty, liquidation date & amount per bond per importer.
The Supplemental Duty Bills: Includes information on entry liquidation and Customs’ additional bills. View the status of your bills due to classification review or anti-dumping/countervailing upon liquidation.
The Liquidated Damages Report: Streamlined view of any penalty notices by Customs per entry. Failure to respond to Customs may not only increase the penalty amount, but can effect your compliance rating. This report is the most popular among our customer base.
View a vide of Eagle Eye here!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Kimbree Baker Signs On to TRG
Yesterday we announced our new Marketing Analyst, Kathryn Shaw. Today we are happy to announce that Kimbree Baker has signed on as TRG's new Administrative Assistant.
Both TRG and Kimbree are excited to begin working together. Kimbree joins us from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. Her degree in Economics will put her in the fast lane to learning about globalization and brining her knowledge to the TRG team.
Along with Kathryn, Kimbree will be starting on June 1st. As much as we would like our new additions to start today, we need to give them time to finish up their education and maybe take a short breather!
We look forward to having you both!
Both TRG and Kimbree are excited to begin working together. Kimbree joins us from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. Her degree in Economics will put her in the fast lane to learning about globalization and brining her knowledge to the TRG team.
Along with Kathryn, Kimbree will be starting on June 1st. As much as we would like our new additions to start today, we need to give them time to finish up their education and maybe take a short breather!
We look forward to having you both!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Welcome to TRG, Kathryn Shaw
TRG would like to announce the employment of Kathryn Shaw.
Kathryn will be joining TRG as the company's Marketing Analyst. Working alongside, Jena leary, Marketing Director, Kathryn will assist the marketing department in database management, lead generation, brand awareness, content development and many other critical components of the marketing department. Who knows...maybe the next post you read on this blog will be written by Kathryn :)!
Kathryn starts on June 1st here in the Bozeman office. We are looking forward to the new addition and fresh ideas that Kathryn will bring to the team. A gradute of Montana State University, we are assured that she will put her education to great use!
Kathryn will be joining TRG as the company's Marketing Analyst. Working alongside, Jena leary, Marketing Director, Kathryn will assist the marketing department in database management, lead generation, brand awareness, content development and many other critical components of the marketing department. Who knows...maybe the next post you read on this blog will be written by Kathryn :)!
Kathryn starts on June 1st here in the Bozeman office. We are looking forward to the new addition and fresh ideas that Kathryn will bring to the team. A gradute of Montana State University, we are assured that she will put her education to great use!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
TRG Trade Spotlight l March l Import/Export Recordkeeping
Import/Export Recordkeeping Best Practices by Mike Laden
TRG attended another successful event hosted by the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) www.icpainc.org this past March. With educational sessions ranging from the Pros and Cons of Self-filing to Understanding Incoterms, attendees were buzzing about the depth of knowledge presented at this conference. Mike Laden of TRG Direct presented Import/Export Recordkeeping Best Practices.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
Electronic – Keeping your records in an electronic format will allow you to expedite the document retrieval process as well as implement the following best practices. This will also allow your information to be stored in a “on-demand” centralized location. Electronic storage will need to be approved by Customs & Border Protection (CBP). *Your policies and procedures should require you to keep the originals for 120 days and all electronic records a minimum of 5 years!*
Policies & Procedures Comprehensively Documented – CBP expects to see that you have policies in place prior to an audit. The policy must ensure the preservation of integrity, readability, and security of the information contained in the original records. Include in your procedures a standardized retrieval process for your records.
Completely Crossed Referenced – If the document relates to information elsewhere, be sure to make that connection.
Exception Files – Your import/export records should be able to “tell a story”. Policies should require that any and everything be stored. If there was an email about it, store it. When in doubt, store it!
Audited Before Storage – Set up a procedure for internal auditing of your documents as they move to storage. Penalties may result for negligence and failure to maintain records. This could be $10,000 per violation and each missing document could be considered a violation!
Award Winning TRG
2009 Pros to Know
Mike Laden and Kelby Woodard of TRG Direct have been acknowledged as Supply & Demand Chain’s 2009 Pros to Know. Recipients of this award have personally helped clients address the challenges of the recession and prepare for the recovery ahead. Congratulations and well deserved!
ICPA Founders Awards
We can’t say we were surprised this March when Greg Hodge of TRG was awarded the 2009 ICPA Founders Award at the annual conference. A true advocate of the ICPA, Greg referred the most new members to the ICPA in 2009.
TRG attended another successful event hosted by the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) www.icpainc.org this past March. With educational sessions ranging from the Pros and Cons of Self-filing to Understanding Incoterms, attendees were buzzing about the depth of knowledge presented at this conference. Mike Laden of TRG Direct presented Import/Export Recordkeeping Best Practices.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
Electronic – Keeping your records in an electronic format will allow you to expedite the document retrieval process as well as implement the following best practices. This will also allow your information to be stored in a “on-demand” centralized location. Electronic storage will need to be approved by Customs & Border Protection (CBP). *Your policies and procedures should require you to keep the originals for 120 days and all electronic records a minimum of 5 years!*
Policies & Procedures Comprehensively Documented – CBP expects to see that you have policies in place prior to an audit. The policy must ensure the preservation of integrity, readability, and security of the information contained in the original records. Include in your procedures a standardized retrieval process for your records.
Completely Crossed Referenced – If the document relates to information elsewhere, be sure to make that connection.
Exception Files – Your import/export records should be able to “tell a story”. Policies should require that any and everything be stored. If there was an email about it, store it. When in doubt, store it!
Audited Before Storage – Set up a procedure for internal auditing of your documents as they move to storage. Penalties may result for negligence and failure to maintain records. This could be $10,000 per violation and each missing document could be considered a violation!
Award Winning TRG
2009 Pros to Know
Mike Laden and Kelby Woodard of TRG Direct have been acknowledged as Supply & Demand Chain’s 2009 Pros to Know. Recipients of this award have personally helped clients address the challenges of the recession and prepare for the recovery ahead. Congratulations and well deserved!
ICPA Founders Awards
We can’t say we were surprised this March when Greg Hodge of TRG was awarded the 2009 ICPA Founders Award at the annual conference. A true advocate of the ICPA, Greg referred the most new members to the ICPA in 2009.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Customs Entry Monitoring System Free to Bond Holders
How to use Eagle Eye to answer your import questions.
TRG, the direct provider of US Customs bonds, offers more than just great pricing.
Have you ever wasted time and resources trying to answer one of these important questions?
Do I owe any duties to Customs?
Which entries have not liquidated?
How much duty did I pay last year?
Which of my entries are suspended?
All TRG customs bond holders have free access to this information.
The more you know about your import practices the better for your compliance
What exactly can Eagle Eye do?
The system offers 4 pre-designed reports.
The bond report, the entry status report, the supplemental duty bills report and the liquidated damages report.
The information in these reports streams directly from US Customs.
Eagle Eye is accessed through TRG’s website. You are able to view this timely data from any computer with an Internet connection. The bond report outlines any Customs bonds your company currently has on file.
This report will tell you your bond effective date, bond number, liability amount and many other useful data elements relating to your bond. This is an example of a bond summary report. The entry status report will allow you to see each entry number, date and status as well as import value and estimated duty. This button will allow you to see more detailed information on each entry. You can query the supplemental duty report by bill number, entry number or importer number. This report shows you the status of your bills due to classification review or anti-dumping or countervailing. Again click on each bill to see detailed information. https://traderiskguaranty.com/EagleEyeLanding.aspx
The fourth report is the liquidated damages report and provides you with a streamlined view of any penalty notices by customs per entry.
So that’s a brief overview of Eagle Eye. We hope you take advantage of this free tool. If you are not yet a Customs bond holder with TRG. To take advantage of this system you will need to apply for a bond with us online at trgbond.com. Should you have an questions please submit them to askanexpert@traderiskguaranty.com
TRG, the direct provider of US Customs bonds, offers more than just great pricing.
Have you ever wasted time and resources trying to answer one of these important questions?
Do I owe any duties to Customs?
Which entries have not liquidated?
How much duty did I pay last year?
Which of my entries are suspended?
All TRG customs bond holders have free access to this information.
The more you know about your import practices the better for your compliance
What exactly can Eagle Eye do?
The system offers 4 pre-designed reports.
The bond report, the entry status report, the supplemental duty bills report and the liquidated damages report.
The information in these reports streams directly from US Customs.
Eagle Eye is accessed through TRG’s website. You are able to view this timely data from any computer with an Internet connection. The bond report outlines any Customs bonds your company currently has on file.
This report will tell you your bond effective date, bond number, liability amount and many other useful data elements relating to your bond. This is an example of a bond summary report. The entry status report will allow you to see each entry number, date and status as well as import value and estimated duty. This button will allow you to see more detailed information on each entry. You can query the supplemental duty report by bill number, entry number or importer number. This report shows you the status of your bills due to classification review or anti-dumping or countervailing. Again click on each bill to see detailed information. https://traderiskguaranty.com/EagleEyeLanding.aspx
The fourth report is the liquidated damages report and provides you with a streamlined view of any penalty notices by customs per entry.
So that’s a brief overview of Eagle Eye. We hope you take advantage of this free tool. If you are not yet a Customs bond holder with TRG. To take advantage of this system you will need to apply for a bond with us online at trgbond.com. Should you have an questions please submit them to askanexpert@traderiskguaranty.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
TRG Direct Introduces MyFileIdea a Social Networking Site for Direct-Filers
Have you ever thought about bringing your ISF or entry clearance in-house but wanted to talk with other direct filers about their experience first? Now you can! TRG Direct introduces MyFileIdea, an online forum for International Trade Professionals to engage in conversation regarding the pros and cons of self-filing. Current direct filers can now network in real time with importers investigating the possibilities of in-house Customs clearance. Best of all, this is offered at no cost! Register Now!
MyFileIdea is a place to:
1) Interact with TRG Direct Users
2) Post Comments/Feedback/Ideas
3) Monitor System Updates
4) Vote on Ideas
The greatest feature of MyFileIdea is that users can post their ideas on how to make the system work better for them. TRG Direct is continually upgraded, mostly from ideas that are generated by the user group. MyFileIdea is a hub for these ideas and allows users to brainstorm by feeding off one another.
Users have the capability to monitor where their ideas are in the implementation process. The status of the MyFileIdeas are updated daily:
Implemented: The idea was accepted and the programming changes have been completed.
Pending: The idea has been approved by TRG Direct and is awaiting implementation by the programmers.
Approval: The idea is under review by TRG Direct.
Clarification: The idea needs further explanation by the user.
Alterations: The idea has been reviewed by TRG Direct and the company has some suggestions to make the idea more effective for all users.
MyFileIdea is a place to:
1) Interact with TRG Direct Users
2) Post Comments/Feedback/Ideas
3) Monitor System Updates
4) Vote on Ideas
The greatest feature of MyFileIdea is that users can post their ideas on how to make the system work better for them. TRG Direct is continually upgraded, mostly from ideas that are generated by the user group. MyFileIdea is a hub for these ideas and allows users to brainstorm by feeding off one another.
Users have the capability to monitor where their ideas are in the implementation process. The status of the MyFileIdeas are updated daily:
Implemented: The idea was accepted and the programming changes have been completed.
Pending: The idea has been approved by TRG Direct and is awaiting implementation by the programmers.
Approval: The idea is under review by TRG Direct.
Clarification: The idea needs further explanation by the user.
Alterations: The idea has been reviewed by TRG Direct and the company has some suggestions to make the idea more effective for all users.
Monday, February 22, 2010
TRG Trade Spotlight l February l Top 5 To Do List for Trade Professionals
The International Trade Professional’s Top 5 To Do List for 2010 Have you ever noticed that things just don’t get done unless you have a proper plan of attack? Keeping a hard copy of your to-do list handy will keep you on track. Just like at home, your professional to-do list should contain obtainable goals and coincide with a feasible timetable for you to check the items off the list. In order to help you get started, TRG has created this list of to-dos for the International Trade Professional.
Print this out, keep it in sight and let the check off begin…
□ Take Initiative: Apply for or review your C-TPAT membership. Not only will your company receive numerous benefits from a C-TPAT membership, but it will increase the value of your relationship with U.S. Customs. If you are interested in learning more about applying, visit CBP’s website.
□ Connect with Experts: Set up educational alerts for yourself via social networking sites and online resources where information is continually updated.
o LinkedIn has various groups dedicated to International Trade. When you join a group, you have the ability to ask questions to the other experts in your field and will receive excellent advice for free! Try it out. A few groups you might find worth joining are Customs Specialists or Global Trade Compliance Professionals.
o Blogs are another free wealth of information. If you sign up for Google Readerb you can subscribe to multiple blogs and all of the posts will filter into one easy-to-read website. Our blog on ISF: Jamie’s ISF Blog
□ Gain Exposure: Become a member of an established trade association. There is a small handful of worthy associations for importers to consider as a valuable resource. The International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) and the Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) are two groups TRG does recommend as invaluable resources for International Trade Professionals. Groups such as these include members with the greatest of experience and understanding in trade compliance.
□ Investigate: Complete a thorough review of your import costs. To get started, find out what you are really paying for your brokerage services. TRG Direct has created this form called Deciphering Your Broker’s Bill to help you determine where your fees are stemming from.
□ Explore: The past 10 years have brought technology to trade. Remote Location Filing has brought Direct Filing capabilities, Automated Commercial Environment has created Electronic payment opportunities, and Global Trade Management systems have expanded abilities. Explore each of these technologies and see which could affect your business practices in the most positive way. You may need to present your case for Customs compliance to senior management. Exploring venues will help you do so.
Is there something you think we should add to the list? Let us know: jleary@trgdirect.com
Print this out, keep it in sight and let the check off begin…
□ Take Initiative: Apply for or review your C-TPAT membership. Not only will your company receive numerous benefits from a C-TPAT membership, but it will increase the value of your relationship with U.S. Customs. If you are interested in learning more about applying, visit CBP’s website.
□ Connect with Experts: Set up educational alerts for yourself via social networking sites and online resources where information is continually updated.
o LinkedIn has various groups dedicated to International Trade. When you join a group, you have the ability to ask questions to the other experts in your field and will receive excellent advice for free! Try it out. A few groups you might find worth joining are Customs Specialists or Global Trade Compliance Professionals.
o Blogs are another free wealth of information. If you sign up for Google Readerb you can subscribe to multiple blogs and all of the posts will filter into one easy-to-read website. Our blog on ISF: Jamie’s ISF Blog
□ Gain Exposure: Become a member of an established trade association. There is a small handful of worthy associations for importers to consider as a valuable resource. The International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) and the Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) are two groups TRG does recommend as invaluable resources for International Trade Professionals. Groups such as these include members with the greatest of experience and understanding in trade compliance.
□ Investigate: Complete a thorough review of your import costs. To get started, find out what you are really paying for your brokerage services. TRG Direct has created this form called Deciphering Your Broker’s Bill to help you determine where your fees are stemming from.
□ Explore: The past 10 years have brought technology to trade. Remote Location Filing has brought Direct Filing capabilities, Automated Commercial Environment has created Electronic payment opportunities, and Global Trade Management systems have expanded abilities. Explore each of these technologies and see which could affect your business practices in the most positive way. You may need to present your case for Customs compliance to senior management. Exploring venues will help you do so.
Is there something you think we should add to the list? Let us know: jleary@trgdirect.com
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