In this episode of Logistically Speaking, Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down with Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, at AirCargo 2025 in Dallas. Brandon shares his insights on the current state of the air cargo industry, critical challenges facing forwarders, and emerging opportunities in a changing global landscape.

This episode was recorded on Sunday, March 2nd and at the conference, the imposition of Canadian, Mexican and Chinese tariffs were discussed, came into existence and then in the case of Canada and Mexico, were partially removed two days later on USMCA-qualifying goods.

Key Topics:

• The evolution of the air cargo industry and the shift to multimodal transportation
• Impact of potential tariffs on trade with China, Mexico, and Canada
• Changes to de minimis regulations and their effect on e-commerce
• Air cargo security developments since 9/11
• Infrastructure challenges at U.S. airports and the AfA/NCBFAA white paper initiative
• Future of air cargo including autonomous aircraft and the need for freighter capacity

About Brandon Fried: Brandon Fried was appointed Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association in November 2005. He began his career as a sales representative in Los Angeles before moving to Washington DC, where he owned and operated the Washington office of a global freight forwarder specializing in time-definite air cargo transportation. Brandon joined the Air Forwarders Association in 2000 and was elected Chairperson in 2001, serving for two consecutive terms. He has served on the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, COAC, the CNS Advisory Board, and numerous other industry associations. Brandon brings decades of hands-on experience in the forwarding industry and continues to be a leading voice for air cargo interests in Washington.

In this episode of Logistically Speaking, hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts welcome Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, to discuss:

• The upcoming TPM (Trans-Pacific Maritime) Conference and its significance for the port industry

• Long Beach's initiatives in sustainable cargo movement and zero-emission technologies

• Adapting to larger vessel sizes and improving port infrastructure

• The impact of tariffs and changing trade patterns on port operations

• Efforts to increase exports and address trade imbalances

• The role of foreign trade zones in mitigating tariff impacts

• Updates on detention and demurrage issues following OSRA 2022

• Challenges and opportunities in reshoring manufacturing

Mario Cordero's Bio:

Mario Cordero is the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, a position he has held since 2017. His career in Long Beach began as a member, vice president, and president of the Long Beach Board of Harbors Commission.

In 2011, President Obama appointed Cordero as a Democratic commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission, where he served until 2017, including as the agency's chairman from 2013 onwards. Cordero's leadership has been instrumental in the Port of Long Beach's status as part of the largest container trade gateway in the United States, handling trade valued at $200 billion annually and supporting 2.6 million jobs across the nation.

Under his guidance, the port has made significant strides in environmental initiatives, achieving remarkable reductions in emissions and implementing innovative green energy projects.

In this episode of Logistically Speaking, hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down a day after President Trump's second inauguration to discuss the flurry of Executive Orders and trade rhetoric with Carlos Sesma, Senior Partner at Mexican law firm Sesma, Sesma & McNeese. The conversation explores the complex interplay between politics, trade, and regional economic integration.

• President Trump's announcement of potential 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada
• Changes to Mexico's IMMEX program affecting chapters 61, 62, and 63, introducing a 35% duty rate
• Impact on e-commerce companies using Mexico as a distribution hub
• Relationship between trade policies and immigration concerns

• Mexico's critical dependence on US trade (86% of exports)
• Analysis of Mexico's strategic position between US and China
• Discussion of USMCA renegotiation possibilities
• Impact of potential tariffs on regional manufacturing and supply chains

• Major Mexican infrastructure projects:
  • The Mayan Train project connecting the Yucatan Peninsula
  • Trans-isthmic railway development as Panama Canal alternative
  • New Tulum Airport with cargo capabilities
  • Focus on developing Mexico's southern regions

• Evolution of North American trade relationships
• Role of rail infrastructure in regional connectivity
• CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) railway expansion plans
• Impact of new administrations in all three countries

• Preparation for potential USMCA negotiations
• Changes in Mexican governance and judicial system
• Importance of maintaining business relationships despite political rhetoric
• Regional economic development strategies

• America First Trade Policy
• Mexico Issues 35% Tariff on Textiles

In this episode of Logistically Speaking, co-hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down with Paul Bingham, Director of Global Intelligence and Analytics, Transportation Consulting for S&P Global Market Intelligence, to dissect the potential impact of sweeping new tariff proposals following the November 2024 U.S. presidential election. The discussion centers on how proposed tariffs - ranging from a global 10% import duty to targeted levies of up to 200% on specific trading partners - could reshape international commerce and supply chains. Bingham reveals how S&P Global has recalibrated their economic models to account for these dramatic policy shifts, offering insights into what businesses might expect in 2025 and beyond.

The conversation explores the ripple effects these tariff changes could have throughout the global economy, from consumer prices to fuel costs, and examines how different sectors might adapt to this new trade landscape. Cameron details the means by which the administration can promulgate some of these proposals on day one based on the power vested in the Executive Branch by Congress. Bingham shares detailed analysis on how these policies could impact critical trade relationships, particularly with Mexico and Canada under USMCA, while also addressing concurrent challenges in global shipping, including Red Sea disruptions, evolving air cargo capacity, and the ongoing transformation of international supply chains. The discussion further examines the intersection of tariff policy with other key economic factors, including the CHIPS Act implementation, de minimis trade rules, and the potential responses from BRICS nations.

About Paul Bingham: Paul Bingham serves as the Director of Global Intelligence and Analytics, Transportation Consulting for S&P Global Market Intelligence. With decades of experience in economic and transportation analysis, Bingham is a recognized expert in global trade patterns and supply chain economics. He regularly provides strategic guidance to both public and private sector clients on transportation and trade policy issues. His work at S&P Global includes leading teams that develop economic forecasts and analyze global trade trends, helping organizations navigate complex international market dynamics and policy changes. Bingham is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events, including the recent WESCCON gathering of customs brokers and freight forwarders.

Relevant Links:

USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) https://ustr.gov/usmca

S&P Global Market Intelligence https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/

International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information

CHIPS and Science Act https://www.commerce.gov/chips

Section 232 Trade Investigations https://www.bis.doc.gov/232

De Minimis Trade Rules & Section 321 https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/e-commerce/section-321-value-increases

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) https://www.fmc.gov/

TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association) https://www.tiaca.org/

Suez Canal Alternative Routes https://www.suezcanal.gov.eg/

BRICS Economic Coalition https://infobrics.org/

De minimis, originating from Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, has evolved from its humble $5 threshold (equivalent to $85-90 today) to become a cornerstone of modern e-commerce imports. While the 2015 Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act's increase to $800 grabbed headlines, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) notes that the average de minimis shipment value remains around $55-60. The real story isn't the threshold increase, but rather how the pandemic accelerated e-commerce adoption, leading to an unprecedented surge in these shipments—from hundreds of thousands just a handful of years ago to 1.4 billion in fiscal year 2023.

The implications of de minimis extend far beyond simple duty exemptions. This provision has reshaped supply chains, particularly for high-duty products like apparel and footwear, by enabling companies to fulfill orders directly from overseas warehouses or through facilities in Mexico and Canada. While this has benefited consumers through lower prices and faster delivery times, it's created significant challenges for CBP's enforcement capabilities, particularly in screening for counterfeits and illegal substances like fentanyl.

In this episode, we explore:

• The various methods of processing de minimis shipments, including Type 86 entries, manifest clearances, and the unique advantages of different transportation modes
• How the Consumer Product Safety Commission's upcoming e-filing requirements in 2025 could reshape the landscape for apparel and children's products
• The political battle between government agencies seeking stricter controls and private sector entities defending current practices
• Potential regulatory changes, including CBP's proposed $2 per package fee and the possible exclusion of "import-sensitive" products
• The evolving role of customs brokers in this changing landscape, transitioning from data entry to strategic advisors
• The impact of artificial intelligence and technology on customs processing and compliance

Guest: Tom Gould, Principal of his own consultancy, licensed customs broker, Certified Customs Specialist, and current member of the public-private COAC committee, appointed by Treasury Secretary Yellen and DHS Secretary Mayorkas in 2022.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on this crucial topic that's reshaping international trade and e-commerce.

Source Material: 

US bipartisan FIGHTING for America Act aims to close de minimis loophole 

White House De Minimis Fact Sheet 

Blumenauer Legislation Announcement 

WSJ: Trade ‘Loophole’ Used By China Should Be Closed, House Democrats Tell Biden (paywall) 

CBP Trade Enforcement and Trade Facilitation Act of 2015 

In this episode of Logistically Speaking, hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down with Eric Johnson, Senior Editor of Technology at the Journal of Commerce, to discuss the current state of technology in the supply chain and logistics industry. They explore what innovations are truly transforming the sector versus those that may be more hype than substance.

Key topics covered:

• The evolution of supply chain technology and how it's impacting daily operations
• Artificial intelligence: its potential applications and limitations in logistics
• Blockchain's rise and fall in the industry - lessons learned
• Cybersecurity concerns as supply chains become more digitized
• The role of venture capital and private equity in driving tech innovation
• Challenges in developing and adopting new logistics technologies
• How regulatory requirements influence technology development
• The future of automation in supply chain processes

Whether you're a logistics professional looking to stay ahead of tech trends or a supply chain leader evaluating new solutions, this episode provides valuable insights to help separate the truly transformative innovations from the hype.

Source Material:

• Gartner Magic Quadrant: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-03-20-gartner-identifies-top-trends-in-supply-chain-technology-for-2024

• DHL Logistics Trend Radar: https://www.ajot.com/news/dhl-logistics-trend-radar-7.0-unveils-emerging-ai-trends-and-sustainable-solutions

• Bypassing Airport Security Through SQL Injection: https://ian.sh/tsa

• CBP ACAS Implementation Guide: https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/ACAS%20IG%20v2.3.1_508.pdf

In this edition of Logistically Speaking, Cameron and Scott look back on the NCBFAA's GTEC Conference in Chicago held July 28 - 30, 2024, and discuss a variety of issues and topics that were covered at the event. They spent time discussing the new FMC rules, an interesting case in Georgia over demurrage and detention fees and a reminder about the importance of having the basics in place if you're an NVOCC as it relates to your FMC Qualifying Individual.

They also reacted to observations by four GTEC attendees about what topics are important right now in internationl trade:

• Duty drawback

• FMC basics

• Forced labor

• Export compliance

Thanks to Robyn Moore, Managing Consultant, Duty Drawback for Mohawk Global, Melzie Wilson of The Global Zolutions, Kellie Case, President, The Camelot Company and Kim Calicott, Export Compliance Manager, Mallory Alexander International Logistics.

If it's an election year, there are three certainties you can expect from Congress:

1. 100% of House members are focused on getting re-elected.

2. 33% of Senators are focused on getting re-elected.

3. Probably less than 10% of the country has any belief they'll do something meaningful and significant for the country, other than getting out of DC to stump for their jobs.

Increasingly, though, the two major parties are seeking to both contrast themselves to their opponents while simultaneously appearing unified on issues that are "American" (which feels like a code word for 'nationalist'). 

The question is with social unrest at home, two geopolitical conflicts where America is contributing money and materiel and a presidential replay coming in November, will anything of substance be passed by both chambers to become law?

If anybody knows the answer to that question, it's Peter Friedmann. Peter wears two hats; one is colloquially "Our man in DC," as he is of Counsel to the Pacific Coast Council - an organization consisting of and representing the interests of customs broker and freight forwarder associations along the US West Coast. His other is as Executive Director of the AgTC, a trade association of agricultural exporters looking for overseas market access and equitable treatment for his members from shipping companies whose commercial and financial focus feels import-centric.

Between mid-May and Election Day, both chambers will be jointly in session for thirty-nine days, with an extra five days for the House and eleven for the Senate. Oh, and that includes not working a single day in October. Nice work if you can get elected to it, huh?

For cargo owners and companies working in support of domestic and global supply chains, there are a multitude of issues being debated. From the retroactive renewal of GSP to OSRA 2.0 and a bevy of proposals encompassing China, de minimis and the EV industry, whether you're directly in the industry or a consumer affected by these proposed bills, logistically speaking, will it be a year of trade or tariffs, and what can and should we expect out of Congress in an election year?

Source Material:

• H.R. 7986 - The GSP Reform Act. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7986

• H.R. 7979 - End China's De Minimis Abuse Act. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7979

• H.R. 1833 - The Ocean Shipping Implementation Act of 2023. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1836

• H.R. 7980 - End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act of 2024. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7980

• https://qz.com/biden-us-china-china-tariffs-evs-chips-electric-cars-1851474998

• https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/14/fact-sheet-president-biden-takes-action-to-protect-american-workers-and-businesses-from-chinas-unfair-trade-practices/

Despite having recorded episode 04 talking insurance, at the time we spoke no one could have imagined that a containership would strike and destroy bridge, essentially shutting off an entier port from commerce.

Yet that is what happened when the Dali struck a support pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, taking down the bridge and causing loss of life and billions of dollars in damage for cleanup and new bridge construction.

One week on from the accident, the the investigation process is well underway and federal agencies are working around the clock to safely and quickly re-open the port of Baltimore, the 11th largest port in the United States and the largest port of entry for automobiles, light trucks and operates strong bulk and cruise business that is inaccessible with the closure.

The first legal actions are also being filed, including by the vessel's owner to limit their liability. President Biden promised the US goverment will rebuild the bridge, and they likely will. What undergirds that claim is a complex insurance industry infrastructure that will distribute the loss across multiple entities and ensure that the government and valid claimants are paid.

We asked Philip Bilney to rejoin us - an unusual thing to do after recording once already, but he was kind enough to share his time and contribute his thoughts and insights.

If a butterfly flaps its wings in Asia, a wave crashes against the coastal United States some period of time later, or so the adage goes. Since the attack in Israel last October, besides what is transpiring inside of Gaza, all eyes have been on the Red Sea. The Houthi rebels, whose history in Yemen goes back much further than most people are aware, have made targeting shipping interests a means to gain the world's attention.

The Houthis have said that the attacks on ships and seafarers will continue until such time as there is a cease fire. Most recently, the crew of a UK-flagged vessel was forced to abandon ship after one such attack. Despite the US and other nations' response to the killing of three American servicemembers, the attacks continue. Without getting overtly political, there is a belief that these attacks are being aided by Iran using an intelligence-gathering ship situated right smack in the middle of everything and is helping the Houthis identify potential targets.

Despite an early attempt by several carriers to pass through the area, the inability of a multilateral coalition to sufficiently ensure the safety of all commercial traffic has led carriers to circumnavigate the entirety of the African coast adding both time and cost, plus re-igniting the for-a-period dormant business model of maritime piracy near the southern tip of Africa.

The first reaction of people (and businesses) is to assume that this situation and others in the reason have immediately led to surcharges and higher insurance premiums on cargo in the region. The fact of the matter is, given the way insurance works, there really isn't a bright line from one activity or change in trading conditions to an increase in premiums. It is a much more interconnected web, in fact, that could lead to increases to cargo insurance on other trade lanes, cyber insurance policies or even personal home, auto and health insurance policies, despite the seeming lack of connection between all these coverages.

Joining Cameron and Scott for this episode is Philip Bilney, a man who intimately understands insurance. The Executive Chairman of the +8Partners ecosystem of companies, Phil has spent a lifetime in the insurance industry and markets. Knowledgeable, approachable and with the ability to easily explain complex subjects while providing the necessary background and context to undergird the explanation, Phil is one of the best people to turn to for this issue.