Jamaica’s customs brokers and freight forwarders are mitigating against the adverse effects of the global supply chain challenges, which have caused freight cost to be rising sharply.

In fact, the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica (CBFFAJ) is keeping a watchful eye on the current issues in the global supply chain of goods and services.

The CBFFAJ said it has “observed how the chronic shortage of shipping containers at the vital supply ports in Asia arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, precipitated a steep rise in freight costs, which could distort the value of imports into Jamaica and the applicable import duties.”

Sea freight rates on cargo originating out of Asia have moved the cost of a 40-foot container from US$2,500 in January 2020 to reach US$17,000 and even higher, currently. The fallout from the container shortage has badly disrupted the global shipping industry.

According to CBFFAJ President, Clive W. Coke,  ”While as customs brokers, we may have been spared the brunt of the crisis, we have to ‘stay in the know’ of what is happening, in order to be responsive. We must position ourselves to exploit every opportunity, and to actively share our experiences and innovations to equally influence global best practices.”

Adapting to the changing environment

Addressing the association’s 55th annual general meeting (AGM) recently, Coke encouraged his members to become stronger, agile, faster, and unstoppable to quickly adapt to changing business environment.

Underscoring the point that Customs Brokerage services are accessible to clients in the leading economies of the world 24/7, whatever the time of day or night, Coke urged members to follow in this vein.

“As you all know, time is money in logistics, and round-the-clock customs brokerage services are not uncommon for the advanced countries, which move and trade massive amounts of their goods and commodities at nights,” the CBFFA president declared.

“We must be ready to meet the future, right now, right here in Jamaica. I want to encourage everyone, no matter the size of your business, to start thinking about how you can stagger your hours and roster your staff to be more efficient, in a world where you are either world-class or no class!” Coke added.

He emphasised that the membership is stronger “Because of its capacity and know-how after 56 years in the business of customs brokerage, and we are ready to soar to greater heights. We are agile because we have the capability to quickly adapt to change. We are faster because we have best-in-class technologies, which have been improving over time. We are unstoppable because we are all winners in this room.”

Coke called for customs brokers and freight forwarders to develop a mentality that drives each and everyone to achieve whatever they want whilst being proficient at business both inside-out.

He stressed the need to work smarter as well as, “Team-up and work in our best interest- not against ourselves. Now not tomorrow- is when we become stronger, agile, faster, and unstoppable!”