This story appears in the Jan. 30 print edition of Transport Topics.
Truck freight rose 10.5% in December, the fastest pace in 13 years, as surges in manufacturing and inventory restocking propelled American Trucking Associations’ tonnage index to a record high. The seasonally adjusted index reached 124.5, the trade group reported on Jan. 24, achieving the greatest year-over-year percentage growth since July 1998 and pushing the index above the previous high mark of 121.6 in January 2005.“Not only did truck tonnage increase due to solid manufacturing output in December but also from some likely inventory re-stocking,” said Bob Costello, ATA’s chief economist, who also said he was surprised by the magnitude of the gain. “Inventories, especially at the retail level, are exceedingly lean, and I suspect that tonnage was higher than expected as the supply chain did some restocking during the month,” Costello said.
During 2011, tonnage rose 5.9%, which also was the largest annual rise since 1998.Month-to-month comparisons were equally favorable. The index spiked 6.8% in December above November, eclipsing the 0.3% sequential increase in the prior month. The month-to-month improvement was the fastest since January 2005. The trucking report underscored the strengthening economic picture. The Federal Reserve on Jan. 18 announced a 0.9% rise in factory output in December, which was the highest growth pace in all of last year. Among the growth sectors were wood products, metals, machinery, plastics and chemicals. In addition, the Commerce Department said on Jan. 26 that orders for goods meant to last three years or more climbed 3%, adding to the positive momentum.
Hercules handles CSA shipments daily to all destinations in Canada and all of our line-haul drivers are CSA approved. Hercules was the first CSA LTL Carrier in 2001 and we have extensive experience with the program.
Do you have experience with non-CSA or un-cleared freight holding up your shipment at the border? With our robust EDI system, failed PARS shipments or other shipment issues on the trailer will not get in the way of delivering cleared freight and CSA freight. Hercules can move both CSA and non-CSA shipments on the same trailer.
We currently offer different methods for you to inform us of your CSA instructions of what is and isn’t eligible to move CSA - our systems will handle the idiosyncrasies. CSA lead sheets and bar coding with importers business number will be electronically created by Hercules at the time of dispatch to the frontier port, no need to worry about using manual stickers.
Lately we have received questions regarding the upcoming requirements of eManifest, and if we are ready.
Since 2001, Hercules has been transmitting EDI cargo and conveyance data elements to CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) from our US terminals prior to trailer departure for the border as part of CBSA’s EDI-LTL Highway Cargo platform. Hercules was the first EDI LTL carrier with CBSA and our process meets the requirements upcoming for eManifest.
In addition, Hercules platform allows for seamless integration of CSA and non-CSA freight on the same trailer without delay to each other. Below is an overview of the process.
August 29 2011 was an interesting day in New York & New Jersey waking up to the effects of hurricane Irene. Many businesses were closed due to flooding and a state of emergency issued for many areas. Below are a few photos taken by our Jersey City terminal when they arrived at work.
Hercules is honored to be named a “Carrier of Choice” by Canadian Transportation and Logistics Magazine. This award is issued to carriers who have won Shippers Choice Awards for five consecutive years, of which Hercules has won for both our LTL and TL services.
Thank you to all of our customers who supported Hercules. We are honored to receive this elite designation and will continue to work hard to continue to grow our business while maintaining the high level service you have come to expect.
The publication annually reaches out to the shipping marketplace and purchasers of transportation services to rank carriers across all modes within the industry in the categories of On-Time Performance, Quality of Equipment & Operations, Information Technology, Competitive Pricing, Customer Service, Leadership in Problem Solving, Value Added Services, and Sustainable Transportation Practices. The results are published in the August issue of Canadian Transportation and Logistics magazine online ( www.ctl.ca ) and in print.
Thank you for being an important partner with Hercules and allowing us to showcase our innovative no-breakbulk LTL solution. We continue to work hard to earn your loyalty, and provide a safe and reliable transportation solution that you and your customers can depend on.
Some key developments in our company over the last year have been:
-Significant addition of tractors and drivers expanding direct coverage areas
-Transit time reduction in 25 key lanes
-Received SmartWay certification as a responsible “Green” carrier
-Completed new dispatch software for improved real time website information
-Purchase of a new 65 door terminal in Los Angeles California
All businesses are affected by rising costs and the trucking industry is no exception. This last year we have seen a rise in insurance premiums, equipment costs for tractors and trailers hosting the new efficient “green” features for reduction of our carbon footprint, compliance costs with CSA 2010, real estate, and border program regulations and programming associated with E-manifest –Canada Border Services Agency and US Customs Border Protection.
Effective August 1, 2011 Hercules will implement a 5.95% general rate increase on our HRCF100 tariff.
We value our relationship and ask for your support of this increase to allow us to deliver continued innovation.
Fleets Seek More Uniformity in Inspections of Shipments Crossing U.S.-Canada Border
By Eric Miller, Staff Reporter
This story appears in the March 14 print edition of Transport Topics.
Even with the proper security credentials, it's a bit of a crapshoot every time one of Kevin Hogan's company trucks leaves a terminal in Ontario for a border crossing with a load of freight bound for the United States.
The truck may sail through the gate in minutes, or it may be held up for hours for an inspection or X-ray by a suspicious U.S. border patrol agent, said Hogan, operations manager for Premium Transportation Inc., Centralia, Ontario.
I wish there would be some uniformity. Sometimes, you get the feeling that they don't want our goods over there, with the ruckus that the drivers go through to get across the border, Hogan added.
Things don't seem much better on the other side of the border, said Brad Wood, customs compliance manager for Celadon Trucking Services, Indianapolis. The company is a unit of Celadon Group, which ranks No. 42 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of for-hire carriers in the United States and Canada.
We've jumped though all the hoops that they've asked us to jump through to get our trucks across the border more efficiently, Wood said. But [efficiency] just doesn't seem to be happening.
But now that could change. There is renewed optimism that a formal agreement at the very top levels of government in both countries will find some solutions to the congestion mess at many U.S.-Canada border crossings and at the same time improve security coordination among law enforcement agencies.
The agreement that President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed last month calls for the formation of a joint border council to review over the next two years everything from incompatible electronic transponders to paper cargo manifests that put a drag on crossing border checkpoints.
Until the agreement kicks into high gear, however, the problems remain.
The biggest thing is discrepancies between the customs officers, Premium Transportation's Hogan told Transport Topics. It depends on who you get when you come up to the booth. Even with the same load, if you get X customs agent, you drive right on through, and if you get Y agent, you go for an X-ray.
An X-ray or inspection can mean a delay of several hours, just enough so that the truck driver can't return home the same night after making a delivery, Hogan said.
Wood said that Celadon has virtually every possible security credential a carrier can have.
Celadon is a FAST, CSA, PIP and C-TPAT-approved carrier, Wood told TT. We have all these credentials, and we're supposed to be a trusted carrier. But yet, we're still seeing several delays at the border in and out of Canada subject to random inspections.
Of course, these border crossing delays are really nothing new to motor carriers that send their trucks across busy pots at the U.S.-Canadian border. The question is: Will things really change?
Trucking industry representatives in both countries welcomed the announcement about the new agreement. The hope now is that the bureaucrats running the joint project will bring to the table representatives of trade groups and motor carriers whose trucks encounter border challenges on a daily basis.
The concern, however, is that the so-called U.S.-Canadian Regulatory Cooperation Council, composed of agencies from both countries that deal with security, trade and infrastructure at the border, will be top-heavy with government bureaucrats who see the problems from 30,000 feet.
David Bradley, president and CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance, said he has heard such promises of streamlining the border in the past, only to end up disappointed with the results.
It will be essential for the governments to truly consult with the organizations whose members and businesses are living the border problems every day, Bradley said in a statement.
Bill Graves, president of American Trucking Associations, called the agreement a positive first step to increasing the competitiveness of business on both sides of the border.
But Margaret Irwin, director of customs, immigration, and cross-border operations for ATA, said that the new problems the council will discuss likely will be the same ones officials have been talking about for years.
We're talking about reverse inspections, harmonizing regulations requirements at the border, and harmonizing the IT [information technology] part of it so that the manifests are equal, Irwin told TT.
She said some of the same issues between Canada, Mexico and the United States were on the agenda during 2005 working group meetings of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.
It was during those 2005 meetings that the promising idea of reverse inspections came up, but an attempt to test the system at a crossing in Buffalo was rejected by then-Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, Irwin said.
Under a reverse-inspection system, U.S. and Canadian customs officials would set up stations on opposite sides of the border.
It would take congestion off the bridge, or away from the bridge,Irwin said.
Jennifer Fox, CTA's vice president for customs issues, said that since 9/11, security has been the name of the game at the border.
It's been trumping trade, Fox said. Layer after layer of security initiatives has caused industry to have to adopt, invest and find workarounds that have resulted in slowdowns and administrative burden and cost.
Ironically, such criticisms are being made only weeks after a congressional report concluded that the terrorist threat along the Canadian-U.S. border is high because of limited law enforcement and a lack of interagency coordination.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials, however, say they do their best to balance security and the flow of goods.
While security is our core mission, CBP also has important trade responsibilities, Alan Bersin, commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of
Homeland Security, told a Senate committee last year.
Our security and trade facilitation missions are mutually supportive. By utilizing risk-based strategies and applying a multilayered approach, we can focus our time and resources on the small percentage of goods that are high-risk or about which we know the least which, in turn, allows us to expedite trade that is low-risk or about which we already know a great deal, Bersin said.
To fully meet the agency's responsibilities, Bersin said, it must identify and stop threats before they arrive at American ports. That requires that CBP secure the flow of cargo at each stage of the supply chain at the point of origin, while in transit, and when it arrives in the United States, Bersin said.
But Fox said that CTA would like to see changes that would better utilize border crossing lanes designed for carriers that participate in CBP's Free and Secure Trade program, or FAST.
The FAST program allows for expedited processing for commercial carriers that have completed background checks and fulfilled certain eligibility requirements.
Right now, use of the FAST lanes is so contingent on whether or not a carrier's customers have participated in those programs, Fox said. The benefit is almost lost completely for just a carrier.
Fox added: The companies that have made the investments have done what they needed to do for years on end now to prove that they're secure. Now, what is the government prepared to do to help facilitate trade?
But Bersin testified that CBP needs the trade community to assume its fair share of the security burden, to exercise reasonable care in customs matters, provide information to better understand the parties to a transaction, and to invest in the resources necessary to keep up with current requirements.
We weigh the cumulative costs of our decisions on business and, when possible, provide for simplified commercial processing, Bersin said. CBP and the trade community must be partners, leveraging both parties expertise.
Jeff Bryan, president of Jeff Bryan Transport Ltd., Burford, Ontario, said trusted traveler programs are a great idea, but that he doesn't think they're embraced by all the customs officials.
Bryan said his biggest concern with the post 9/11 security regulations involves an inequity related to in transit trips that carriers make though the United States to save mileage and time when they make deliveries to receivers on Canada's West Coast.
Bryan said in past years his company would make trips to Vancouver, British Columbia, by crossing into Port Huron, Mich., and cut a path across the United States below Chicago.
But today the paperwork required to put an in-transit bond through the United States is so burdensome to the shippers that they're not willing to do it,Bryan said. Essentially you have to create a U.S. Customs invoice for a shipment that's not destined for the U.S.
By contrast, a U.S. carrier traveling from Buffalo to Detroit travels though Canada with little hassle, Bryan said.
We all understand that we're trying to protect the security of the American people and the Canadian people,Bryan said. But we have to be able to get across the border with our commerce.
Greg Palmer, owner of Trans-Freight-McNamara, Ayr, Ontario, also said his company used to do in-transits from Toronto to Vancouver. Going through the United States is 200 miles shorter and a carrier doesn't have to brave bad Canadian highways in winter, he said.
The in-transit route also would allow the Canadian carrier to dump a small load in Michigan on the way.
There's some inequity there, and it's not an equal playing field from a competition perspective, Palmer said.
Meanwhile, the delicate balance between security and the flow of commerce at the border will continue to be a hot button for the industry.
Only time will tell if the new commission can tamp the widespread criticism.
I think we're hoping that they go deeper than the superficial stuff, ATA's Irwin said. There's been a chronic habit to pick off the easy stuff put a couple more booths up or more officers on.
Bipartisan Group Urges Administration to Abandon Proposed HOS Changes
A bipartisan group of Congressmen and Senators called on the Obama administration to abandon its controversial hours-of-service proposal and retain the current safety rules.
"The rules currently in place are working well and do not need to be changed," 122 representatives wrote to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Since the current rules were implemented seven years ago, the trucking industry's safety performance has improved at an unprecedented rate."
The letter notes that since the rules went into effect in 2004, the number of fatal and injurious crashes involving large trucks have fallen to historic lows, even as trucks hauling the nation's food, fuel, medicine and other goods have driven almost 10 billion more miles.
"If the proposed changes are put in place, companies will be forced to increase the number of trucks on the road necessary for delivering the same amount of freight; adding to final product costs and increasing congestion on our nation's highways," a group of 23 senators wrote in their letter to LaHood.
Lawmakers added that the proposed rules are much more opaque and complex than the current standards and "such complexity will only serve to hamper both industry compliance and motor carrier enforcement." "It is increasingly clear that this proposal is the result of political pressure and not a fair interpretation of trucking's safety record," American Trucking Associations President and CEO Bill Graves said. "ATA appreciates that some politicians are basing their views not on politics, but
on the hard evidence that the current hours-of-service rules are working."
ATA requests extension for EOBR comments, HOS documents
According to regulations.gov, only 89 comments have been file in response to the EOBR rulemaking. On the other hand, 6,437 comments, most of them in favor of retaining the present HOS rule, have been filed since the comment period, which ends Friday.
ARLINGTON, Va. - The American Trucking Associations has asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to extend the comment period for Electronic On-Board Recorders and Hours of Service Supporting Documents by 45 days.
As it stands now, comments are due on or before April 4.
"FMCSA currently has several substantive rulemakings that stand to greatly impact the trucking industry with open dockets," Senior Vice President Dave Osiecki wrote in a March 1 letter to FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro. "We believe that we and other impacted parties require greater time to analyze the effects of these proposed rules and to respond appropriately."
One of the rulemakings to which Osiecki referred is the proposed Hours of Service rulemaking, which has garnered the rapt attention of the trucking industry, including the ATA, which has made known to the FMCSA that the rulemaking should be withdrawn.
According to regulations.gov, only 89 comments have been file in response to the EOBR rulemaking. On the other hand, 6,437 comments, most of them in favor of retaining the present HOS rule, have been filed since the comment period, which ends Friday, was opened after the rulemaking was announced Dec. 23.
A spokesperson for the FMCSA said late Wednesday that the agency was reviewing the request.
OTTAWA – In its official submission to the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Notice of Proposed Rule-Making (NPRM) on changes to that country’s hours of service regulations, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) said the proposed changes will have a significant negative impact on the efficiency and productivity of the North American supply chain and would be particularly disruptive to the shipment of US exports with no appreciable benefit to driver safety.
“The systems, routes and schedules carriers deploy in shipping US exports to Canada have been designed around the current hours of service rules,” said CTA CEO David Bradley. “Any reduction in the current rules will have detrimental effect on the ability of trucking to service the delivery of US exports which will have a negative impact on the US manufacturing sector at a time when the economy is still very fragile”
A reduction of driving and on-duty time, as proposed in the NPRM, would add complexities and costs to the supply chain and could add from one to three days to the transit time for US goods destined for Canada.
“Canada is the number one export destination for the United States as a whole and for about 70 per cent of the individual US states,” explained Bradley. “President Obama has set a goal to increase US exports and Canada is the United States’ major customer. During the recession, exports to Canada were a key to survival for many US businesses. The proposed changes to the hours of service rules will negatively impact that trade.”
Bradley says that CTA agrees with the American Trucking Associations (ATA) position that truck safety is improving and the current rules are working. “The same is true in Canada,” he says.” And, our rules are somewhat more flexible than the current US rules.”
In its submission, CTA says the Canadian experience (where allowable on-duty and driving times are longer and where flexibility is provided through more flexible sleeper berth and re-start provisions) indicates that there has been no safety downside to more flexible hours of service regulation. Says Bradley: “We don’t need new rules; we need better enforcement. We support an EOBR mandate for drivers currently required to use logbooks.”
Supply chain needs time to prepare, says Canadian Trucking Alliance
The Canadian Trucking Alliance is calling for enough time to prepare for looming rule changes governing the treatment of wood packaging materials (WPM) crossing the Canada-U.S. border.
The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proposed amending regulations that would remove an exemption allowing WPM from Canada into the U.S. without meeting treatment and marking requirements applied to all other countries. Chemical or heat treatment is designed to reduce the spread of harmful insects, and international standards are applied to WPM entering the U.S. and Canada from other countries.
In a submission to the APHIS, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) cautioned there will be serious disruptions at the land border unless industry is given adequate time to prepare for the change.
“CTA takes no position on the science behind the decision to eliminate the exemption,” said the CTA’s CEO, David Bradley. “Canada and the U.S. share a common interest in protecting our forest resources, and if this means treatment of pallets and dunnage, then so be it. But at the same time, CTA’s discussions with industry and government officials have made it abundantly clear that we are simply not ready at this time to ensure that there is an adequate supply of treated WPM in circulation to meet the demands of Canada-U.S. trade, and nor has APHIS outlined detailed plans on how it will apply and enforce the rules at the border.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are 320 million pallets used each year in transporting Canadian goods into the U.S. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency plans to eliminate a similar exemption for WPM entering Canada from the U.S.
According to a written submission, CTA argued enforcement shouldn’t begin “until APHIS and CFIA, working with industry, are satisfied that there are enough WPM compliant pallets in circulation to meet the demands of Canada-U.S. trade.”
Servicing as one of Hercules main arteries, Hercules Chicago Terminal is closed today due to the snow which started the afternoon of Feb 1st. The city received 12-18 inches overnight and more has fallen through the morning and is expected to fall. For the safety of our employees trucks started to be shut down late yesterday. Along with today’s closure of the terminal this will affect transit of some shipments originating in, or passing through the Chicago area.
Additionally, Hercules Dallas Terminal was closed Feb 1st and will remain closed Feb 2nd due to ice and power issues.
A major winter storm blasts the Southeast with snow, sleet, ice, rain and a few thunderstorms today.
The snow should be heaviest in eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, northwestern South Carolina and far northern Georgia. Additional accumulations of 3 to 10 inches are expected in those areas through early this evening.
Snow changes to sleet and light freezing rain across the remainder of northern Georgia, northern Alabama, central South Carolina and parts of central North Carolina. Some ice accretion is expected with most areas picking up 1/4 inch or less. A few localized areas could pick up 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice through this evening.
Thunderstorms could produce briefly gusty winds and heavy downpours across central and southern Florida today and tonight.
A separate system brings light snow and snow showers to the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma and northern Arkansas. Accumulations should be light, generally 1 to 3 inches. There could also be some light freezing rain or freezing drizzle in southern sections of Arkansas and Oklahoma through midday.
Wind-driven snow pummeled the East Coast from Maine to the Carolinas on Monday, stranding thousands of holiday travelers and snarling morning commutes.
The storm that swept into the region on Sunday brought lashing winds, heavy snow and reduced visibility, causing airports and rail lines to shut down.
Many commuters appeared to be heeding the call to stay off the roads. In greater Boston, highways into the city were nearly abandoned early Monday, as many workers were given the day off and others were on vacation for the holiday week.
The Atlantic storm unleashed powerful winds as it moved up the coast, dumping a foot of sideways-blowing snow on some areas with more expected up to the morning commute Monday. Massachusetts and Maine declared states of emergency with only essential workers asked to work in Boston.
New York area airports including JFK International were closed Sunday evening but were expected to reopen early Monday as the brunt of the storm moved north.
State of Emergency declared near Sarnia, Ontario: Freight destined for Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes effected by severe weather.
All Eastern Provincial freight currently moving through our system is currently 24-48 hours delayed: due to severe road conditions causing closures on Highway 401 & 402. Ontario Provincial Police indicate Highway 402 near Sarnia will remain closed for the next 24-48 hours.
We endeavor to insure that our drivers and your freight arrive as soon as safely possible at their destination.
When viewing a shipment at herculesfreight.com you can now “tag” a shipment by clicking the DAILY SHIPMENT UPDATES button and you will receive automatic daily emails with the shipment status until the shipment has been delivered.
Additionally, if you currently use the “in-transit” feature regularly to review all of your shipments in-transit, you will now see a new link on this page. This enables users to setup this report to be pushed to you daily via email. You can adjust the frequency, content, and format of the report.
The new features were designed to provide additional options for shipment tracking and to keep shipment information at your fingertips. If you have any questions about using the new tools please contact your sales representative.
Hercules is pleased to announce that we have won Shippers Choice Awards in two categories - LTL and TL - by the readers of Canadian Transportation & Logistics Magazine in the 2010 poll. An excerpt from the article with a summary table of how we stacked up to our peers (alphabetical listing) is shown below. As it is the marketplace which ranks carriers and evaluates our company in the poll, it makes this award a very special one to our company. Thank you to all who have supported Hercules. The full article will be in the August print issue of CT&L magazine (www.ctl.ca). If you would like to be emailed a copy of the article please contact us and we’d be happy to send it to you.
Streamlined shipping from the US to Canada is the focus of Hercules service model. Most US based competitors charge a “Homeland Security Fee”, “Canadian Processing Fee”, or some sort of related surcharge on shipments moving from the US to Canada.
Hercules does not charge these fees to our customers, which can add up to a considerable percentage of your freight cost on smaller shipments.
Online rating is available on our website under “FREIGHT SERVICES” and logged in users receive customized pricing for their account. If you have any questions, please contact your sales representative for details.
Hercules received a SmartWay certification for our latest generation “green” fleet.
SmartWay is a collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency and the freight industry, aimed at reducing air pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases.
As one of Canada’s fastest growing motor carriers, Hercules is aware of our responsibility to ensure we provide a transportation solution which is conscious of the environment. As such, we have been one of the early adaptors of the latest advances in commercial equipment available to freight carriers.
Some of the most noticeable features of the new equipment are automatic transmissions, trailer fairings “skirts”, single wide bias tires, and tire inflation systems. For an interactive view of all features on our new trucks click on the “Hercules Man” icons below and learn about each, and where they are located on the truck. A larger view of this interactive feature can be found on our home page.
Hercules has opened a new 65-door terminal in Los Angeles, quadrupling our capacity from the area.
The facility is set on four acres at the heart of the interchange for Interstates 5 and 10, offering quick access to major routes, and will be home to 40 Hercules drivers. New security features such as biometric entry are part of the sophisticated security at the terminal.
The new building will help facilitate Hercules' continued double-digit growth of our streamlined US/CAN cross-border LTL service. Hercules services Los Angeles to Canada with transit times of two days to Vancouver, three days to Calgary and Edmonton, four days to Winnipeg and Toronto, and five days to Montreal.
In an attempt to maintain and improve our transportation solution, in the face of unprecedented trade conditions, effective August 01, 2010, a general rate increase of 5.6% will be implemented on HRCF tariff 100. The increase is necessary amid rising business costs not limited to; insurance, wages and benefits, technology, implementing systems to reduce our carbon footprint and FMCSA Comprehensive Safety Analysis “CSA 2010”. Rates are available at www.herculesfreight.com . Personalized rates with discounts are available with a valid customer login; take advantage of this and other services offered on our website; www.herculesfreight.com.
Hercules is committed to providing you the best overall experience in transportation. To ensure you a competitive marketplace in both the US and Canada we continue to drive down costs while working hard to maintain your loyalty. Hercules appreciates your continued support. We look forward to our continued partnership and providing the reliability you expect.
One of Canada’s fastest growing cross border LTL motor carriers celebrates a Quarter Century of their innovative cross border solution
New Westminster, BC, May 1 2010 - Twenty-five years ago, Canadian based Hercules burst onto the LTL marketplace and began to evolve with a different cross border service than was previously available. Today, Hercules is an award winning carrier. Employing over 500 people throughout its 24 terminals in the US and Canada, Hercules is viewed as a forward thinking carrier in the marketplace.
A Concept All Its Own
From the beginning, Hercules had a confident business model which initially focused on the small and medium sized Canadian importer. At that time these Canadian companies did not receive the same benefits from their existing carriers as the manufacturers and suppliers received on the US side. At its inception, Hercules began as a freight forwarder with one US terminal and four Canadian terminals. Hercules has evolved into a carrier in which others are mirroring. Hercules was the 1st CSA carrier. Equipment and terminals have been added on both sides of the US and Canadian border. Hercules opened it's own in house customs brokerage to ensure a quick and seamless border crossing for our customers. In addition we have branched out our service into the US domestic LTL traffic. At the heart of Hercules service is a “no break-bulk” model of moving LTL from the US to Canada, mostly with team drivers. Team drivers provide for faster transit times than the US based break-bulk carriers. The other benefit that customers receive from Hercules is the reduction of handling, which diminishes claims and reduces the opportunity for misroutes. Our customs brokerage has grown into a successful division with a varied clientele and the ability to handle all your inbound clearance needs. The majority of Hercules’ year after year growth has been marketplace buzz and strong sales effort. The other growth spurt came with two acquisitions of motor carriers (Clipper in 2005, and CalPak Express in 2006). Hercules has made its mark as a reliable and effective option to the large US motor carriers.
Breakthrough features and key milestones
1985 Initial terminals opened in Vancouver BC, Winnipeg MB, Calgary and Edmonton AB, and Chicago IL.
1987 Toronto, ON terminal added to the network.
1989 Los Angeles, CA terminal added to network.
1990 Hercules began acquiring company owned equipment.
1995 Doing business in Canada also meant that crossing the border and shipment clearance was an integral part to the business model. Hercules carriers began installing document image scanners in their P&D fleet to scan customs paperwork to the terminal so a PARS could be setup, while the driver was still on the road making pickups.
1997 Hercules opens its own licensed Customs Brokerage service.
2000 A real-time website was launched allowing customer rate inquiries, shipment status and relevant information .
2001 Hercules became the first LTL carrier to be CSA approved and began moving 100% of their cargo using the CSA EDI Highway Cargo system with CBSA.
2005 Purchased US domestic carrier Clipper from Arkansas Best Corporation. The acquisition brought the addition of eight US terminals and opened a regional US domestic service.
2007 Purchased California regional carrier Cal Pak Express. The acquisition brought the addition of two terminals in Northern California.
2008 The carrier made a move to handheld driver computers, similar to the ones used by the large courier companies. The cellular handhelds provide clients instant tracking information and also is helping to reduce operating costs by reducing phone calls and dispatch related work.
2009 The carriers’ fleet now features trucks with fuel efficient motors, wide biased single tires, trailer fairings and a host of other features all aimed at improving the carriers fuel mileage and making their equipment safer on the roads.
"Over the last 25 years the market place has changed a lot, but what hasn't changed is the long standing premise of doing the right thing. We have preached that to our Hercules team, and it seems to payoff, both for our organization and our customer's. I am thrilled to have some of the same employees and customers today that we had back in 1985. I thank them as well as the rest of our team and our solid customer base for supporting Hercules for our first twenty five" says President Martin Burnham.
Hercules is a full service asset based motor carrier operating 24 terminals throughout the US and Canada. The Vancouver BC based carrier has LTL services from the United States to all major Canadian Cities, as well as TL and LTL from major Canadian cities to select regions in the USA. www.herculesfreight.com
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) wishes to advise you of certain amendments
to the Customs Tariff announced in the Budget which was presented March 4, 2010 by the
Minister of Finance.
These changes will come into effect March 5, 2010.
The Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) rate of duty for a number of tariff items is being
reduced to zero; while certain others will be subject to a staged reduction to
MFN duty-free. In a few cases, current tariff items have been split as the reduction to
MFN duty-free for some goods will be immediate and for others will be staged.
The changes are expected to be available for use in the Customs Commercial System
(CCS) by March 10, 2010 and will be available for use by Electronic Commerce clients
one day after the Customs Commercial System is updated.
Although the budget document lists the changes to the tariff on pages 431-447, these changes are also found in Tariff Notice TN-49 at http://cscb.ca/listinfo/TariffNoticeTN49.pdf (in English) and http://cscb.ca/listinfo/TariffNoticeTN49_fr.pdf (in French).
The 2010 federal budget was tabled at 4pm EST March 4, 2010. The document is available at: http://cscb.ca/listinfo/2010FederalBudget.pdf
The Olympic Games will have an impact on most businesses in the Vancouver area. The anticipated impact will mainly be due to road closures, traffic congestion and security measures.
Specifically during this time, deliveries in the downtown core will be difficult due to traffic congestion due to road closures of some major routes.
For any inquiries regarding shipments in and out of the Vancouver area during Olympic season, please contact the Hercules New Westminster Terminal at 604-517-1331.
Our rating process has been updated on our website, in addition to receiving freight quotes, the system will now calculate accesorial fees for the most common services. We have also included the ability to enter your own discount and floor rates. For customers who login, discounts, floor rates and postal codes are automatically filled in for you. If you don’t have an account get one here.
IN THE MATTER OF an inquiry, under section 42 of the Special Import Measures Act, respecting:
THE DUMPING OF MATTRESS INNERSPRING UNITS, WITH OR WITHOUT EDGEGUARDS, USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF INNERSPRING MATTRESSES, ORIGINATING IN OR EXPORTED FROM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
FINDING
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal, under the provisions of section 42 of the Special Import Measures Act, has conducted an inquiry to determine whether the dumping of mattress innerspring units, with or without edgeguards, used in the manufacture of innerspring mattresses, originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China, has caused injury or retardation or is threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry.
Further to the issuance by the President of the Canada Border Services Agency of a final determination dated October 26, 2009, that the aforementioned goods have been dumped, and pursuant to subsection 43(1) of the Special Import Measures Act, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal hereby finds that the dumping of the aforementioned goods has caused injury to the domestic industry.
This Finding is available on the CITT website at: http://www.citt.gc.ca/dumping/inquirie/findings/nq2j002_e.asp.
New technology and designs have created a more aerodynamic and fuel efficient vehicle, which is also safer on our streets. Each feature saves a few percent in fuel use, therefore reducing carbon emissions for a greener environment.
Advances in commercial equipment are available for in the market for freight carriers and Hercules has been one of the early adaptors. It is good for business and good for the environment. Hercules is helping look down the road at our future please join us on the journey
A few highlights are
•Lightweight Trailers •Trailer Fairings •Low Rolling Resistance Tires (Super Singles) •Aerodynamic Tractor •Fuel Efficient Motor •Speed Limiter •Cruise Control •Automatic Transmission •Anti Idle Device •APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) •Tandem 28 Foot Trailers (PUPS) Move 5% More Cargo for similar fuel use
You can be a part of our efforts to protect our environment and resources. What can you do? You can further our efforts and Help Hercules Go Green by signing up now to receive your invoices via email.
…The request is for the removal, for an indeterminate period of time, of the customs duty on importations from all countries of:
(1) woven fabric, solely of cotton, bleached, of a width exceeding 280 cm, having a sum of yarns per 10 cm in the warp and the weft of 1,070 or more, of tariff item No. 5208.29.99, for use in the manufacture of bed linen, duvet covers, pillow shams, cushions and cushion covers;
(2) woven fabric, solely of cotton, of a width exceeding 280 cm, having a sum of yarns per 10 cm in the warp and the weft of 730 or more, of tariff item No. 5208.32.90, for use in the manufacture of bed linen, duvet covers, pillow shams, cushions and cushion covers;
(3) woven fabric, solely of cotton, of a width exceeding 280 cm, having a sum of yarns per 10 cm in the warp and the weft of 1,080 or more, of tariff item No. 5208.39.90, for use in the manufacture of bed linen, duvet covers, pillow shams, cushions and cushion covers;
(4) woven fabric, solely of cotton, of a width exceeding 280 cm, having a sum of yarns per 10 cm in the warp and the weft of 830 or more, of tariff item No. 5209.39.90, for use in the manufacture of bed linen, duvet covers, pillow shams, cushions and cushion covers;
(5) woven fabric, solely of flax, dyed, of a width exceeding 280 cm, having a sum of yarns per 10 cm in the warp and the weft of 410 or more, of tariff item No. 5309.19.90, for use in the manufacture of bed linen, duvet covers, pillow shams, cushions and cushion covers;
(6) woven fabric, solely of rayon, bleached, of a width exceeding 280 cm, having a sum of yarns per 10 cm in the warp and the weft of 1,060 or more, of tariff item No. 5516.11.00, for use in the manufacture of bed linen, duvet covers, pillow shams, cushions and cushion covers; and
(7) woven fabric, solely of rayon, dyed, of a width exceeding 280 cm, having a sum of yarns per 10 cm in the warp and the weft of 1,085 or more, of tariff item No. 5516.12.90, for use in the manufacture of bed linen, duvet covers, pillow shams, cushions and cushion covers (the subject fabrics).
The Tribunal will conduct an investigation under section 19 of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Act into the appropriateness of reducing or removing the customs duty on importations of the subject fabrics, which are classified under tariff item Nos. 5208.29.99, 5208.32.90, 5208.39.90, 5209.39.90, 5309.19.90, 5516.11.00 and 5516.12.90.
The Tribunal’s investigation commenced on June 12, 2009, and will be conducted by way of written submissions. To participate in the Tribunal’s investigation, the requester and any interested parties must file with the Tribunal a notice of appearance in Form I of the Textile Reference Guidelines on or before July 6, 2009. The Tribunal’s recommendations to the Minister of Finance are scheduled to be issued by September 18, 2009.
For information on how to file a submission and the investigation schedule, please visit the CITT website at: http://www.citt.gc.ca/textiles/investig/notices/tr2i002_e.asp.
This note is from the “Roundtable” blog in the May 26th edition of “The Journal of Commerce”; it is written by Susan Kohn Ross.
The [US] Patriot Act contains a provision which allows the U.S. to prosecute for export violations, see 18 U.S.C. 554. Gerardo Cantu was indicted under 46 counts, one each per shipment. Cantu pled guilty to ten (10) counts agreeing that he imported fabric rolls from China, moved them in-bond and intended to import them into Mexico relying on phony NAFTA Certificates of Origin. Cantu was sentenced to six (6) months in prison, three (3) years probation, and an $8,000 fine for fraudulently and knowingly facilitating the transportation, concealment and sale of Chinese textiles from the United States to Mexico with falsified invoices and NAFTA certificates of origin.
The violations came to light when an outbound shipment was designed [sic] for examination and a NAFTA Certificate of Origin claiming U.S. origin was found…. Cantu was interviewed and admitted he was doing so in order to evade Mexican duties….
Any wonder why we keep seeing more export inspections?
Notice was received by the Secretary of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (the Tribunal) on April 27, 2009, from the Director General of the Trade Programs Directorate at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) stating that the President of the CBSA had initiated an investigation into a complaint respecting the alleged injurious dumping of mattress innerspring units, with or without edge guards, used in the manufacture of innerspring mattresses, originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China.
Pursuant to subsection 34(2) of the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA), the Tribunal has initiated a preliminary injury inquiry to determine whether the evidence discloses a reasonable indication that the dumping of the subject goods has caused injury or retardation or is threatening to cause injury, as these words are defined in SIMA.
The Tribunal’s inquiry will be conducted by way of written submissions. Each person or government wishing to participate in the inquiry must file a notice of participation with the Secretary on or before May 13, 2009. Each counsel who intends to represent a party in the inquiry must file a notice of representation, as well as a declaration and undertaking, with the Secretary on or before May 13, 2009…
Submissions by parties opposed to the complaint must be filed on or before May 28, 2009. These submissions should include evidence, e.g. documents and sources that support the factual statements in the submissions, and argument concerning the questions of:
- whether there are goods produced in Canada, other than those identified in the CBSA’s statement of reasons for initiating the investigation, that are like goods to the allegedly dumped goods;
- whether there is more than one class of allegedly dumped goods;
- which domestic producers of like goods comprise the domestic industry; and
- whether the information before the Tribunal discloses a reasonable indication that the alleged dumping of the goods has caused injury or retardation, or threatens to cause injury.
The complainant may make submissions in response to the submissions of parties opposed to the complaint by June 5, 2009. At that time, other parties supporting the complaint may also make submissions to the Tribunal…
Written submissions, correspondence and requests for information regarding this notice should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Canadian International Trade Tribunal
Standard Life Centre
333 Laurier Avenue West
15th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G7
Telephone: 613-993-3595
Fax: 613-990-2439
E-mail: secretary@citt-tcce.gc.ca
…At the end of the official process, the Tribunal will issue a decision supported by a summary of the case, a summary of the arguments and an analysis of the case.
The entire notice is available on the CITT website at: http://www.citt.gc.ca/dumping/preinq/notices/pi2j001_e.asp.
A listing of commonly imported commodities that may require import permits
and/or certificates along with contact information for the respective
government department or agency.
This publication has been provided in order to give the reader a better understanding of the verification process under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Concerning a determination under paragraph 76.03(7)(a) of the Special Import Measures Act regarding CERTAIN STAINLESS STEEL WIRE ORIGINATING IN OR EXPORTED FROM INDIA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, SWITZERLAND AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
On March 12, 2009, pursuant to paragraph 76.03(7)(a) of the Special Import Measures Act, the President of the Canada Border Services Agency determined that the expiry of the finding made by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal on July 30, 2004, in Inquiry No. NQ-2004-001, concerning certain stainless steel wire originating in or exported from the Republic of Korea and Switzerland was likely to result in the continuation or resumption of dumping of the goods into Canada. The President also determined that the expiry of the finding was likely to result in the continuation or resumption of dumping of certain stainless steel wire originating in or exported from the United States of America. Lastly, the President determined that the expiry of the finding was likely to result in the continuation or resumption of subsidizing of certain stainless steel wire originating in or exported from India.
The entire Statement of Reasons is available on the CBSA website at: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/er-rre/rr2008-004/rr2008-004-e08-de-eng.pdf.
Yesterday, Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan delivered the province’s 2009 budget. The budget anticipates a deficit of $3.9 billion in 2008-09 and $14.1 billion in 2009-10. As expected, this budget proposes to harmonize Ontario’s provincial sales tax (PST) with the federal GST to create a single, value-added sales tax, effective July 1, 2010.
The budget also proposes tax cuts for businesses that include reductions in the general corporate income tax rate, the small business income tax rate, and the manufacturing and processing income tax rate, among other measures.
For individuals, the budget includes a personal income tax rate cut, dividend tax increases for eligible and non-eligible dividends, and a temporary relief measure to offset the increased cost of the harmonized sales tax to consumers.
Further details are available on the Ontario Ministry of Finance website at: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/english/budget/ontariobudgets/2009/
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today found that the dumping and subsidizing of custom-shaped and standard-shaped aluminum extrusions, excluding certain products, originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China have caused injury to the domestic producers. Anti-dumping and countervailing duties will therefore be collected by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The findings are available on the CITT website at: http://www.citt-tcce.gc.ca/dumping/inquirie/findings/nq2i003_e.asp.
The Department of Finance is currently reviewing a request for the removal of the customs duties on imports of backed aluminium foil of a thickness of less than 0.127 mm, not printed and not embossed, which is classified under tariff item No. 7607.20.90 of the Custom Tariff, dutiable at 6.5% under the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Tariff. There is a 5% General Preferential Tariff (GPT) rate for these goods.
Currently backed aluminium foil of a thickness of less than 0.127 mm, not printed but which is embossed, is classified under tariff item No. 7607.20.10, and enters Free under the MFN Tariff. The applicant for duty relief claims that the only difference between its imports and those that currently receive duty-free entry is that its imports are not embossed. The applicant advises that this aluminium foil which is not embossed is not available from Canadian production, and that tariff relief would enhance its competitiveness in both the domestic and export markets.
Those with an interest in this request may contact Paul Robichaud by April 16, 2009.
Paul Robichaud
International Trade Policy Division
Department of Finance
14th Floor, East Tower
140 O'Connor Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G5
Phone: (613) 992-2510
Fax: (613) 992-6761
e-mail: Paul.Robichaud@fin.gc.ca
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, building on his successful recent trade visit to India, today announced that the Government of Canada is seeking advice from Canadians on developing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India…
“The Canada-India commercial relationship is strong and has the potential for long-term growth,” said Minister Day. “These consultations will build on the report prepared last year by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and the Confederation of Indian Industry. Entitled “India and Canada: A New Era of Cooperation”, this report makes important recommendations on the future of the bilateral relationship.”…
“Two-way merchandise trade reached a record high of $4.6 billion in 2008. India is a dynamic, rapidly growing market that represents a huge opportunity for Canadian goods, services and technology,” said Minister Day. “It is our goal to triple bilateral trade in the next five years…”
The public comment period will run until April 6, 2009.
Details on the public consultation process can be accessed on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s website at www.international.gc.ca/consultations/active/index.aspx?lang=eng#cepa.
At the Canada-EU Summit on October 17, 2008 in Quebec City, Leaders agreed to work towards a stronger economic partnership. The first step in that process is now complete. Canada and the EU have now established areas for the negotiation of an ambitious and comprehensive economic agreement. Together with provinces and territories, and in consultation with Canadian stakeholders, the Government of Canada will now prepare its detailed negotiating mandate with a view to formally launch negotiations as early as possible.
The Joint Report on the EU-Canada Scoping Exercise is available at: http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/assets/pdfs/Canada-EUJointReport2009-03-05.pdf
Data about current commercial relations between Canada and EU is available at: http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/eu-ue/fastfacts-faitsaillants.aspx?lang=eng
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade consultations on possible comprehensive economic agreement negotiations with the European Union
The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians on the scope of a possible comprehensive economic agreement between Canada and the European Union (EU).
This notice is part of the Government of Canada’s domestic consultation process with business, citizen-based organizations and individual Canadians, as well as with provincial and territorial governments, to obtain advice and views on priorities, objectives and concerns to help outline the parameters of this initiative.
This notice is available at: http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2008/20081220/html/notice-e.html#d104
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Ontario Ministry of Revenue have announced a single system for corporate tax filing in Ontario, which will save Ontario businesses up to $100 million in total administrative costs each year.
Starting in 2009, the CRA will administer Ontario's corporate income tax, corporate minimum tax, capital tax, and special additional tax on life insurers, as well as the Ontario Corporations Information Act Annual Return, which will be included in a single T2 tax return. This means that Ontario businesses will benefit from one form, one set of rules, one audit, one appeals process, one point of contact.
Ontario corporate taxpayers should now be sending their Ontario corporate tax instalment payments directly to the CRA and not to the Ontario Ministry of Revenue.
The T2 return with Ontario and federal forms will be made available in December 2008 and should be filed with the CRA for corporate tax years ending after December 31, 2008.
The Ontario government will continue to administer the province's mining tax, insurance premiums tax, and Electricity Act payments-in-lieu of federal and Ontario corporate taxes.
More information can be found at www.cra.gc.ca/ctao.
Did you know that you can file your goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) return electronically from your home or office?
Eligible registrants can use the access code from their personalized return to file returns with an amount owing, a nil balance, or a refund of $10,000 or less using GST/HST NETFILE, GST/HST TELEFILE, or My Business Account.
When you file electronically, do not mail a copy of your return to the Canada Revenue Agency. If you need to pay a balance owing, use your financial institution's Internet or telephone banking service or Form RC158, GST/HST NETFILE/TELEFILE Remittance Voucher, to make your payment.
If you are filing on paper, be sure to include your Business Number and report period dates to ensure quick processing of your return. When filing on paper, do not use Form RC158 to make your payment.
For more information on filing your GST/HST return electronically, go to www.cra.gc.ca/gsthst-filing.
There has been continued relief in the climbing diesel prices from earlier in 2008. On 10/13 the US National Average was 3.659 down from the high on 7/7 of 4.727.
August 2008 - Hercules is proud to announce we have won two 2008 Shippers Choice Awards, in the LTL and Truckload Categories, from Canadian Transportation and Logistics Magazine for the third year in a row!
Thank you to all of those in the marketplace who voted for Hercules. We are thrilled at the results and will continue to work hard at further refining our "no break-bulk" LTL service US-CAN, and our TL service CAN-US.
The full article will be in CT&L's August 2008 issue of the magazine.
CT&L Magazine is a leading Canadian publication with editorial content including industry news reports, case studies, industry profiles, specific market analysis as well as interpretation of Canadian logistics trends and issues. (CT&L – www.ctl.ca)
April 2008 - Los Angeles, CA - Hercules Forwarding Inc. has deployed advanced driver handheld scanning technology to allow for real time tracing of LTL truck shipments. The new handheld scanners have deployed in Hercules West Coast US terminals with a rollout to other terminals throughout 2008.
Hercules drivers are now armed with the Intermec CN3 Mobile Computer. Drivers place a bar-coded PRO sticker on the bill of lading and scan at time of pickup and delivery. The shipment status will be wirelessly updated from the drivers’ handheld to Hercules network, providing customers an instant shipment status. Drivers also receive their pickups directly on the handheld from dispatch. Similar technology is currently used by the large courier companies in North America.
“This new technology streamlines our operation, and improves communications between our drivers, dispatch and our customers. This same information is sent to our website within minutes, and provides customers real time visibility on pickup and delivery times.” says company Vice President Martin Burnham Jr.
August 2007 - Hercules is proud to announce we have won two 2007 Shippers Choice Awards, in the LTL and Truckload Categories, from Canadian Transportation and Logistics Magazine.
“Service to Canada has been a focus of our company since our inception in 1985. Thank you to all the customers who took the time to rank Hercules against major competitors in the marketplace. We work hard to deliver a unique LTL product, and reliable TL service, and are thrilled at the voting results by the market – thank you to those who voted” says Vice President Martin Burnham Jr.
CT&L Magazine is a leading Canadian publication with editorial content including industry news reports, case studies, industry profiles, specific market analysis as well as interpretation of Canadian logistics trends and issues. (CT&L – www.ctl.ca)
Attention Hercules Customers:
We have received questions regarding the pending changes by CBSA and the border. Hercules is ready for the upcoming changes and freight will continue to move seamlessly as it is currently. We infact have been communicating EDI with Canada Customs since 2002, and are a CSA Approved Carrier moving CSA shipments daily. Please see the below notice from CBSA.
- HERCULES FORWARDING INC. -
Measures to Increase the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for Release Purposes
(Customs Notice 07-008)(Canada Border Services Agency)
1. The purpose of this notice is to advise all parties involved in importing commercial shipments into Canada and to announce changes to the import release process.
2. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is currently developing an initiative entitled Advance Commercial Information (ACI), also referred to as E-manifest. Phase I and II of ACI has already been implemented in both the air and marine modes. ACI is based on the provision of electronic pre-arrival cargo information to the CBSA for risk assessment purposes, and will eventually include electronic pre-arrival importer admissibility data. Further information regarding ACI may be found at www.cbsa.gc.ca.
3. With the full implementation of ACI in all modes, clients will be required to use either ACI or the Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) for commercial importations. Importers approved to participate in the CSA program are entitled to a streamlined clearance process for eligible goods when an approved carrier and driver registered with the Commercial Driver Registration Program are involved. Further information regarding CSA may be found at cbsa.gc.ca
4. In order to move the commercial program forward, and prepare clients for full implementation of ACI, and to address security concerns, the CBSA has made the decision to increase the use of EDI by eliminating the use of paper service options to the greatest extent possible. This supports the CBSA’s strategy for managing the border and helps achieve a common goal among both government and industry of reducing paper.
5. Effective with the date of this notice, the CBSA will no longer accept applications for the Frequent Importer Release System (FIRST). In addition, the FIRST service option will be eliminated as of January 31, 2008.
6. Unless otherwise exempted, paper Release on Minimum Documentation (RMD) and paper Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) service options will not be accepted by the CBSA as of October 15, 2007. The exceptions are as follows:
(a) Goods subject to the requirements an Other Government Department (OGD) where there is no EDI link between the CBSA and the OGD;
(b) The invoice for the release transaction contains more than 999 invoice lines;
(c) There is more than one warehouse sub-location code per release transaction;
(d) The release transaction is covered by multiple highway cargo control numbers at the frontier;
(e) The CBSA has issued a paper Form Y50, Reject Document Control, to the importer/broker in the case of courier low-value shipments;
(f) Bonded warehouse RMD (grey wrapper); and
(g) Goods to be released from a Queen’s warehouse.
As a registered herculesfreight.com user, shippers and consignees have access to a variety of shipping documents pertaining to their shipment such as Bills of Lading and Delivery Receipts etc.
To view your documents follow the following simple steps.
1. Login to herculesfreight.com with your user name and password
2. Click “In Transit” for a full list of all shipments, or search for the shipment you are looking for under the TRACKER icon.
3. Click on the hyperlinked pro number for the shipment you wish to view in more detail
4. Click “Image Documents” for a full list of imaged documents pertaining to the shipment.
In 2007 Hercules will also be imaging all Canada Customs documentation, as we take steps towards a complete electronic and paperless system.
Should you need assistance with the above steps to view your documents please email webmaster@herculesfreight.com
Hercules is proud to announce we have won two 2006 Shippers Choice Awards in categories for both LTL and Truckload from Canadian Transportation and Logistics Magazine (CT&L – www.ctl.ca)
CT&L Magazine is a leading Canadian publication with editorial content including industry news reports, case studies, industry profiles, specific market analysis as well as interpretation of Canadian logistics trends and issues.
Annually CT&L magazine invites the marketplace to evaluate carriers on several criteria including On-Time Performance, Equipment & Operations, Competitive Pricing, I.T., Customer Service, etc. and the results are published in the August issue of the magazine. Hercules was ranked a top supplier in these categories!
“We are thrilled that the marketplace has ranked Hercules a top carrier in Canada, we work very hard to ensure we deliver our commitments to our customers. Thank you to all of our customers who voted, the results speak loudly that our efforts have not gone unnoticed” says Vice President Martin Burnham Jr.
The Toronto terminal has expanded our truckload service to the USA. We have great deals and availability to New Jersey, Eastern PA, Metro New York, and Chicago!
Please contact us today with your pricing inquiries!
January, 2006 – After the 2005 acquisition of regional California carrier Cal Pak Delivery Inc., all operations have been fully assumed and integrated into the Hercules system.
Hercules is pleased to confirm available capacity with our direct service to Canada, and also California interstate, through our terminals in Southern and Northern California.
“This helps our cause of continued reliable service from the California market place. The purchased added 4 terminals, 150 pieces of rolling stock and most importantly experienced drivers” states Martin T Burnham Jr., Vice President of North American Sales for the motor carrier.
Service to Canada
Toronto : 3.5days
Vancouver 2 days
Edmonton 3 days
Calgary 3 days
Winnipeg 4 days
Montreal 4.5 days
Full transit maps are available at www.herculesfreight.com/terminal.php
Hercules continues our investment in the CSA (Customs Self Assessment) program, offering CSA EDI at EVERY BORDER CROSSING from the United States to Canada. Hercules electronically produces CSA importers’ barcodes at our origin terminals eliminating current challenges facing importers, ensuring their barcodes are at the right place at the right time
Many carriers will often service specific border points CSA, or, offer CSA clearance only when they have a CSA line-haul driver available. Hercules has been covering all of our shipments for nearly four years, and we will continue to ensure that we are a leader with the program.
In 2002 Hercules became the first CSA EDI LTL Carrier, after becoming CSA Approved in 2001. Hercules has transmitted electronic CSA cargo information, and, also our general cargo information (ACI) to CBSA for close to 4 years now.
Our commitment to provide a continually improving service and products require a price adjustment. Hercules will implement a general increase of 5.9% effective August 15, 2005. This increase will apply to all LTL shipments as well as minimums. Hercules believes that price should be an accurate reflection of value. We further believe that you realize that Hercules provides an exceptional value thru its time consistent service, claim ratio, Customer Service, Custom Brokerage, and EDI capabilities providing a superior quality product.
Hercules personnel appreciate your support in our products and looks forward to providing an even better future.
Hercules Forwarding, Inc is pleased to announce today that we have entered into an agreement to purchase Cal Pak Delivery, Inc., a regional California carrier. This transaction is expected to close June 10, 2005 pending court approval.
Hercules is a privately-owned corporation and is headquartered in Los Angeles California. Hercules, an asset-based U.S./Canadian LTL carrier, currently operates 14 terminals throughout the U.S. and 8 terminals throughout Canada. This purchase will solidify and strengthen Hercules’ Northern California operations. Hercules services all points in Canada from the U.S. and many domestic U.S. to U.S. points. Extensive planning has taken place to ensure that this addition of new business into Hercules is handled in an orderly and seamless manner.
Beginning April 23, 2005, Hercules reduces transit times by 1.5 days from the Great State of Texas to Western Canada. This change to team service improves our average transit time to western Canada to 3 days. EDI links have already been established with Canadian customs to ensure a smooth border crossing. Contact your sales representative or our Dallas office at (214)744-0302 for more information.
Hercules remains one of the only carriers in the LTL marketplace to not charge an extra fee for shipments crossing the US/Canadian border.
Competitors additional fees charged on invoices can quickly add up, increasing the cost of doing business across the border. Hercules is able to eliminate these extra costs by utilizing our own “SO” (Special Operators) customs warehouses as well as our EDI communications with Canada Border Service Agency.
Not only do we cut out costs at the border. We also have no accessorial fees for
- HazMat
- Single Shipment
- Border Security
- And reduced fees on many other services
Contact your sales representative or email sales@herculesfreight.com for more information.
Knowing where your shipment is, and its ETA (estimated time of arrival) is paramount in todays faced paced business environment.
PHONE:
When calling your carrier, it can become frustrating going through automated phone systems, and voicemails when you simply want to know where your shipment is. That’s why when you call any of our offices during normal business hours; you will receive a customer care representative trained to handle your inquiry.
WEB:
Our website never closes and tracing shipments at herculesfreight.com was designed to be quick and easy. Simply login, and press “IN-TRANSIT” for a complete list of your shipments and their ETA’s.
Either on the web or the phone, you can also trace your shipment by:
-Purchase Order Number
-Consignee Name
-Shipper Name
-Bill of Lading Number
-Pro, or Pickup Number
CUSTOMS STATUS:
As an EDI PARS carrier, our systems update almost instantly when our trucks have crossed the border. We provide up to the minute customs status information on the web, which is visible from the easy to use tracing screens.
KNBC-TVLOS ANGELES - An 11-year old boy from Compton, Calif., will attempt to set an age-group record for African-Americans Tuesday by piloting a Cessna 172 single engine airplane for a 1,500 mile flight to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Jimmy Haywood learned to fly in the Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum Junior Explorer Aero Squad program, a youth mentoring program.
A year ago, Haywood nearly drowned in his aunt's pool and was in a coma for 3 days.
Haywood will be accompanied by a professional pilot on his flight.
Another young boy, Kenny Roy, 14, will attempt a world record as the youngest African-American legally licensed to fly solo.
The Tuskegee Airmen will greet the boys and perform a re-creation of a typical WWII bomb run using vintage planes.
Hercules “No Breakbulk” service, and team driven linehaul has been a benchmark for our faster US-CAN transit times over the years.
With the addition of our 10 new terminals in 2004, we have continued to add P&D equipment, and team driven line hauls to improve on our already faster transit schedules.
With the ever continuing obstacles for motor carriers such as congested border points, rules and regulations, and new hours of service – we continue to improve bottom line transportation costs though efficiencies for our customers.
Hercules works hard to achieve competitive pricing through continued attention to detail within our own system, not by cutting corners. If you suffer with damage issues, delays having shipments picked up, and border paperwork errors and delays – send us an email at seamless-system@herculesfreight.com to learn more about our service to Canada.
On April 19th Megan was one of 17,950 people who trained, qualified and ran the 108th Boston Marathon. She accomplished this in 83 degrees (29 Celsius) temperature and humidity of 40%, very different from Megan’s climate in Calgary Alberta. She proudly finished the 26 mile (42 kilometer) race in 4:22:16. Running this marathon was a childhood goal of Megans and she was ecstatic to accomplish it. “It was an amazing and incredible experience.” She has set her sights on running it again this time with her husband, John. We take this opportunity to congratulate her and her accomplishment. Goals are important .
Great job Megan.
Beginning January 4, 2004, revised Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules will go into effect.
The industry is preparing for anticipated higher charges and fees for truckloads of consolidated less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments and other multi-stop services offered by truckload carriers and broker/owner operators. Additional forecasted problems are transit delays, missed connections for international shipments, and the need for extended hours by carriers resulting in additional staffing challenges.
WHAT HERCULES IS DOING TO PREPARE:
Hercules is ready and able to handle the additional capacities we see moving back to the LTL carriers once the new Hours-of-Service rules are implemented. Hercules has a strategic plan to ensure that we continue to ensure our freight moves on-time, as committed. Hercules has always utilized many team driven line-haul units to ensure the fastest possible transit times, especially on long-haul lanes. With the continuation of our team driven line-haul, we will not encounter any challenges with the new rules.
Contact our sales department at sales@herculesfreight.com, or call your local terminal today for more information. A full list of our terminals can be found at http://www.herculesfreight.com/terminal.php
Should you require additional information on the revised rules you can find all the details at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/Home_Files/hos/hos_faqs.asp
Hercules Forwarding Inc. is pleased to announce today that we have entered into an agreement with Clipper Group to purchase their Less than Truckload (LTL) unit. This does not include their Brokerage, Logistics or Intermodal units. This transaction is expected to close on December 31st, 2003, with Hercules commencing operations on January 1, 2004. Hercules and Clipper have additionally entered into mutual marketing agreements. Both Clipper and Hercules have worked closely to ensure a seamless transfer, benefiting both companies and their customers.
Hercules, an asset-based US/Canadian LTL carrier, currently operates terminals throughout the US and Canada. The acquisition of the Clipper LTL division will add additional terminals and services broadening Hercules’ overall service area.
Are you planning to implement CSA Customs Self Assessment) shortly? Would you like some more information on CSA and our experience with the program?
Hercules was CSA Approved back in August of 2001, and was the first carrier to implement CSA EDI with Canada Customs. We have now been CSA operational for nearly two years.
Many competitors are CSA approved, but have not yet begun implementing the new system. Hercules has CSA experience and currently moves CSA shipments across the border. If you are planning to implement CSA, Hercules can help ensure your organization has a smooth transition into the program.
Contact us at CSAinfo@herculesfreight.com for more information
March 26, 2003 – Hercules Forwarding Inc. has been approved by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) for the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program.
The FAST program builds on the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) and Partners in Protection (PIP) programs. Hercules was CSA Approved in August 2001, and the first carrier to operate EDI for CSA in February 2002. Now CSA operational for over one-year, Hercules is enjoying reduced clerical work and border crossing times. FAST will further expedite clearance for cross-border shipments, and in the future provide designated FAST lanes at border points for approved carriers.
Hercules has continued to take a leading role with respect to the latest CCRA initiatives. This latest step continues to demonstrate Hercules’ commitment to safety and quality for the transportation of legitimate trade.
March 20, 2003 - Toronto, ON – Prestigious fashion retailer Holt Renfrew & Co. Ltd., announced today selection of Hercules Forwarding Inc. as cross border LTL (Less Than Truckload) carrier. The agreement comes after a successful trial period with Hercules for the clothing retailer.
“With our streamlined service, Hercules has helped to improve Holt Renfrew’s flow of goods from their vendors. Beyond a competitive rate, our faster transit times allow Holt Renfrew to move their product through their supply chain more efficiently ensuring bottom line benefits. Our security procedures, and recently signing the Partners In Protection Agreement with Canada Customs, ensured Holt Renfrew was dealing with a carrier who would safely handle their valuable merchandise,” said Eric Warren, Key Account Manger at Hercules.
Holt Renfrew implemented Hercules, offering a seamless border system consisting of reduced transit times, electronic shipment status for all shipments, a qualified security system for in-transit freight, using the latest CSA (Customs Self Assessment) technology.
Tony Kelly, Director of Logistics at Holt Renfrew, states “Holt Renfrew is committed to ensuring that our customers expectations in terms of superior service and excellent quality - able to purchase what they want when they want it is paramount, therefore selecting a partner who can contribute to maintaining our service promise is not something we took lightly. Prior to our partnership with Hercules, we explored a number of alternative options with different service providers. Factors we considered were attention to detail, ability to listen, follow up, security, sense of urgency and of course a track record of providing excellent service to it’s customers. Hercules was able to demonstrate all of the above; in addition they were the first service provider to offer full CSA cross-border clearance, which is something we are also exploring. This is crucial in view of future requirements likely to be imposed by Canada customs in the near future, and the speed of clearing shipments quickly is a major consideration for any importer into Canada. Holt Renfrew is pleased with our partnership with Hercules - now one of our major cross-border service providers between the U.S. and Canada.”
Hercules is a CSA LTL Common Carrier specializing in US/Canada shipments. Servicing the entire United States to all major cities in Canada, Hercules offers customers the benefits of reduced transit times, no traditional “break bulk”, in-house Canada Customs brokerage service and a full online service through herculesfreight.com.
Holt Renfrew is a national specialty store of international renown and the headquarters for such prestigious names as Donna Karan, Gucci, Chanel, and Burberry, as well as cosmetics and fragrances from Sisley, Paris and more. In addition to an unparalleled selection of fashion, Holt Renfrew is also committed to offering the very best in customer service. Complimentary services such as Holt Renfrew Concierge, and Personal Shoppers are just two of the reasons why Holt’s is a magical shopping destination like no other. (www.holtrenfrew.com)
Hercules has signed the PIP (Partners in Protection) Memorandum of Understanding with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Partners in Protection is a CCRA lead initiative to ensure the secure crossing of goods across the US/Canadian border, and is part of the FAST (Free and Secure Trade) application process.
Hercules is committed to the highest level of compliance for the safe transportation of legitimate trade, and this latest step helps to demonstrate our commitment to the security of goods in our possession. In an ever-changing global environment, the safety associated with cross border traffic has been in the forefront of the media as never before. Working with Canada Customs is just one step in our dedication to highest level of security in the supply chain.
We are proud of one of our own, Joyce Russell, who participated in the
Joyce and 13 of her friends and family joined 6,600 other participants in a walk from Kenosha, WI to Chicago’s Montrose Harbor. Joyce, and others like her trekked the 60 miles to raise money for the awareness and treatment of breast cancer. On June 14th through June 16th thousands of people walked, each participant was required to have at least $ 1,900 in pledges. In all, the event raised 11.5 million dollars net to the cause. The money will be used in county hospitals for detection and treatment for the needy, as well as, awareness and research efforts. Joyce said of her experience,” …it was exhausting, however well worth the effort. We began training for the event in February. Avon did a marvelous job of organizing our efforts, as well as, providing for us along the route”. In the end “I am glad I participated because I believe that in raising awareness, early detection is possible. It reminds us or those around us to have a mammogram. We all had fun and did something worthwhile.” For more information on breast cancer awareness and detection please visit http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Vancouver * February 6, 2002. Hercules Forwarding is proud to announce that they are the first highway carrier to send electronic cargo data to Canada Customs & Revenue Agency (CCRA) for Customs Self Assessment (CSA) across the US-Canada border. This new method of providing customs data demonstrates Hercules leadership and continuous innovation in providing importers and exporters superior cross-border LTL services.
The new CSA process, which includes electronic submission of cargo data, is one of CCRA’s reform initiatives to expedite clearance across the US-Canada border. Under this program, carriers must pass stringent security requirements and prove to CCRA that they can fully control and account for the goods from origin in the USA to delivery in Canada. Importers must pass a similar set of stringent tests in order to become a participant in the CSA program. In essence, the program allows importers to account for their imported goods on a batch basis, using their own systems rather than on the current transaction-by-transaction level. It is expected that importers who self assess under the CSA program will see a decrease in adjustments to entries, resulting in increased compliance by using their own records to account for imports directly to CCRA. In order to take advantage of the CSA program, importers must use a CSA-approved carrier.
As part of the CSA program, CCRA has offered carriers an electronic mechanism to communicate cargo manifests that will streamline the flow of information between carriers and CCRA. This is the first step in mandatory electronic communication for carriers that will be implemented under the Advanced Commercial Information (ACI) program slated for May 2003.
“With increased security measures along the Canada-US border, we believe that electronic reporting of data will provide expedited service for Hercules customers, and keep delays in delivery to an absolute minimum,” stated company president Martin T. Burnham. “It was important to us to become an early adopter of this technology as it enables Hercules to remove cost from the supply chain for all parties.”
Using custom software tools created by Synergistic Systems Inc. of Neptune Beach, Florida, and communication tools provided by ViaSafe Inc. of Ottawa, Ontario, Hercules now transmits all customs manifest data to CCRA in EDI format, eliminating paper-based manifests entirely. “Synergistic Systems has provided us expert software consultation and superior solutions for many years,” said Burnham, “and their efforts in this project have been no exception.” ViaSafe’s connections provide the conduit thru which cargo data is made available to custom brokers for their ACROSS transmissions and ACI transmissions.
Hercules Forwarding Inc. is a full service LTL carrier, providing a wide range of trucking and customs brokerage services to customers across the United States and Canada. Further information is available at www.herculesfreight.com.
Hercules proudly announces its qualification as a CSA carrier offering shippers and consignees the benefits of a streamlined clearance and accounting process for imported goods. The target date for implementation is October 2001, which gives our users adequate time for preparation with the confidence that their carrier has been approved and has registered all of its drivers. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or visit Canada Customs on line for further information.
