Peter Friedmann and Dinner

Debbie Fischer

Dear CBIFFAWS Members,

A notice was sent out last week advising that we have had to change our November meeting from the 13th (luncheon) to November 15th (dinner).  My sincere apologies for any inconvenience this change may have caused you and I want to thank each one of you for your kind understanding.  This change has allowed our association the benefit of having Peter Friedman as our guest speaker.  Those of you who know Peter or have had the pleasure of hearing him speak can recognize the value of what Peter will bring to our community event.

Peter Friedmann is "Our Man In DC", representing international trade interests around the country, from multinational corporations, the major name brands of apparel and footwear we all wear, agriculture and forest products, exporters and importers, port authorities and cities. He is most proud of his relationship with the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders, whom he has represented before federal agencies such as CBP, FMC, USTR and Congress, for 20 years. As he is born and raised in Seattle, a Husky, both undergrad and law school, he has a particular affinity for the Pacific Northwest and for the Washington State brokers and forwarders.

There is much on the table that will directly impact each customs broker, freight forwarder, trucker, warehouse operator and anyone in Puget Sound engaged in domestic and international transportation and trade. Peter will lead an informal and lively discussion of all of these, as well as the results of the recent elections and their impact on brokers and forwarders.

•  Ocean carrier "congestion" surcharges in case of labor strike at ports in the US
• The continuing east coast longshore negotiations, and rerouting of cargo through west coast ports
• Continuing efforts of Teamsters to unionize the dray truck drivers into Seattle and Tacoma
• Ongoing Columbia River labor strike diverting (perhaps permanently) cargo to Tacoma/Seattle
• CBP's aggressive menu of initiatives;
  • Role of the Broker
  • Centers for Excellence and Expertise (CEE's) - will brokers have access?
  • A new CTPAT program for exports
  • ACE - will it be mandatory before it is ready?
• New export documentation - Option 4, transitioning to a new "Hybrid Option 3"
• TransPacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations -- opportunities will especially benefit PNW brokers/forwarders

As you can see Peter will be able to provide our community with up to date details that directly impact our local community.  I am certain each and every one of our members will benefit greatly from attending this event.

I look forward to seeing each of you at: