525 S. Douglas St. , #100• El Segundo, CA 90245 • (310) 607-8000

Once again our industry is deeply entrenched in the news. Normally, we’re happy to operate behind the scenes but as borders started closing and the US began restricting travel from the EU (and now the UK) all eyes are directly on our business. There is no doubt that supply chains worldwide are being affected by virus uncertainties, leading to capacity and distribution disruptions. Currently, air freight is being loaded on cargo-only carriers or routed through Canada, while ocean freight is slowed due to equipment imbalances and quarantines, while companies are working to protect both employees and customers from the resulting effects.

Here at Coppersmith, we want to reassure everyone that we’re here, in the office, ready to answer questions and offer guidance on your shipments, regardless of where this situation goes. We’re asking our people and everyone to remain vigilant about their health and hygiene to do our part in flattening the exposure curve. While most of our staff doesn’t have direct face to face contact with customers, the concern remains among employees and vendors that everyone may be at risk. We understand this concern and are taking every care that anyone who needs time off for illness is fully supported by our team. Our salespeople, who truly prefer giving a personal touch to their accounts are adopting a teleconference approach to be able to reassure our clients that we’re still here for them, even when we’re not there with them. 
Coronavirus leads to 23 hour Houston port shut down
The Houston Port Authority learned that someone who worked at both Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus. In light of this information, and in an abundance of caution, both public terminals were closed and operations temporarily suspended while a thorough investigation was being conducted. The Port Authority’s other public facilities remained open. This is a good lesson on just how quickly the quarantine can change operations around the country.
Amazon stops all "non-essential" shipments
In light of the scarcity of resources in stores and on Amazon, the behemoth shipping company has asked sellers to avoid shipping non-essential products to warehouses so important consumer goods can take precedence. Preference is being given to household goods, medical supplies, and other high-demand products so they can be received, shelved and distributed faster to satiate demand.
Coppersmith is pleased to announce the Promotion of Victoria Lane to Vice President of Corporate Compliance.
CONGRATULATIONS, VICTORIA!

Victoria joined our company as the Import Manager of Ed Jones Company in Portland through acquisition in 2002. Since that time she has assumed the roles of Branch Manager and Customs Compliance Manager for the company. 

She is known and respected throughout the customs brokerage and forwarding industry, by serving repeatedly as the Columbia River Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association President, Pacific Coast Council President, and WESCCON Chairwoman. Nationally, she was voted to be the Area Representative for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America’s Board of Directors and last year she was appointed to NCBFAA’s Customs Committee. Currently she is nominated to become the association’s Secretary in April. 

Coppersmith is proud to have such a dynamic, hard working woman representing our company on a local, regional, and national level. We look forward to her helping us continue to lead this highly regulated industry in corporate compliance.  Congratulations Victoria!
Coppersmith and our partners regret that we're no longer attending the spring trade shows and conferences we announced last month, but the health and safety of our team and our industry partners is too important to take lightly.

We will miss the face time with old friends we don't see every day and getting to meet new friends we've only talked to or heard of, this will just make next year a huge celebration when we all get to be together again.
Should the dates and events that have been cancelled get rescheduled, Coppersmith will be the first to tell you where we will be attending. Until then, stay safe and we'll see you soon!
The border between the US and Canada has been closed to all non-essential traffic due to the escalating threats from the Coronavirus. Transportation of cargo will still be allowed as the nations continue to work to keep goods and services moving into consumers.

Drivers are taking safety precautions between dealing with deliveries and working in public areas on the road despite frequent closures of services and restaurants that truckers depend on.

While non-essential traffic is stopped, border agents are allowing people with balid work permits, including drivers, across the border with little issue.
Container shortages are reaching an emergency level and the response is escalating in seriousness as MSC deploys the MSC MIA, the largest container ship in operation, capable of carrying more than 23,000 TEUs. Normally ships calling from China to the US or Europe carry around 13,000 TEUsof cargo, but the MSC MIA will be collecting not only the full containers ready to ship, but around 6.000 empty boxes to reposition them where they're needed most.
The USTR has announced exclusions on the Section 301 List 4A tariffs on March 10th and 12th, which include exclusions on cleaners, soaps, medical equipment and bedding.
These items are specifically necessary due to the increase in coronavirus cases being seen in the US and the lack of adequate equipment stores of masks and respirators to defend against infection and treat those infected.


As more passenger airlines see their flights drop off, the reduction in belly capapcity for air cargo is a concern for all involved. Some airlines have decided to convert their passenger planes into all cargo flights, loading bellies full of cargo while leaving seats empty to help keep freight moving.
Delta and Korean Air have already started while Cathay Pacific and British Airlines are considering the change.