In order to provide our customers with the most current information available, the Phoenix News Summary is emailing industry news updates. Our summaries can also be read via our web site, www.phoenixintl.com, on the Industry News page.

Congress repeals Byrd Amendment – JOC - Congress approved legislation to repeal the Byrd Amendment, which allows antidumping and countervailing duties to be distributed to U.S. companies that claim they were hurt by foreign competition. The Byrd Amendment had directed about $1 billion in fees from the government to corporate coffers. Half of that went to just five companies. The World Trade Organization in 2003 ruled that the Byrd Amendment violated its rules, and in August cleared U.S. trading partners to retaliate if it was not repealed. "Repeal of the Byrd Amendment has been a key trade priority for the retail industry," said Sandy Kennedy, president of The Retail Industry Leaders Association. Kennedy said the Byrd Amendment was an "ill-advised law that ultimately leads to higher prices for our consumers."

Security fees for Pacific Northwest ports – JOC - The Northwest Marine Terminals Association, an association of 13 deepwater ports in Oregon and Washington, said its members intend to implement security fees ranging from $250 to $600 per vessel per day to fund security expenses. Details of the security fees, scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, can be found in the tariffs of the individual ports.

Customs floats C-TPAT minimum criteria – JOC - Customs and Border Protection is circulating proposed minimum criteria for highway and sea carriers for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against terrorism. The proposed trucking standards include ensuring carriers' business partners meet security standards at terminals and other places, like the importer standards require them to vouch for security at warehouses and factories overseas.

TSA and Grand Alliance Announcing Inland Fuel Surcharge increase effective January 1, 2006.

West Coast local door delivery cargo: USD64.00 per container

East Coast All water local door delivery cargo: USD64.00 per container

US Intermodal cargo (IPI / RIPI): USD222 per container

Our summary articles are compiled from a number of public sources that, to the best of Phoenix’s knowledge, are true and correct. In the event any information provided is erroneous, Phoenix International Freight Services, Ltd. accepts no liability or responsibility.