Committed to Being the Best	WINTER 2004/2005

FOREIGN INSIGHT by Del Brahm

A hot topic in the news today, and has been for a long time and will be for some time in the future, is ocean port security. We have discussed airport security, and people who fly regularly or frequently will attest that airport security has increased over the last few years. We have also discussed C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism), which is a primary security tool for ocean ports. As an incentive for importers to participate in C-TPAT and help to secure the cargo coming into the U.S. via the ocean ports, U.S. Customs gives preferential treatment to cargo of importers who are C-TPAT certified. Some thoughts about the present status of C-TPAT include: Importers feel they are not getting enough relief from cargo inspections for their cost of participation in C-TPAT; Customs and Border Protection (CBP) division of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not have a staff large enough to adequately monitor and audit the program; Not enough importers are participating in the program; Too many politicians and too many citizens in general do not realize the strides that have already been made toward ocean port security. Watch for a program called Green Lane Legislation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has heard the complaints of participants of C-TPAT, who complain that they do not receive enough reward for the cost and time and effort they expend to apply for and maintain their participation in the program. Because of the security gained by the participants' efforts, CBP inspects fewer of their import shipments. However, this saving does not offset the costs in their view. CBP now indicates that they will institute a "green lane" program during 2005 for those importers who are willing to go beyond the minimum guidelines and provide the highest security for their supply chains. Those importers who provide the highest security in their supply chains will be rewarded with virtually no inspections of their import shipments. Stay tuned for further information regarding the timing and implementation of this program. We have reported on wood packaging, pallets, and dunnage problems with infestation in the past both on import and export cargo. Now the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which is part of the U.S. Department of agriculture (USDA), announced that the European Union (EU) requires all newly assembled, repaired or recycled unprocessed raw wood packaging materials (hardwood and softwood) entering the EU to be either heat treated or fumigated and officially marked under International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No 15 (ISPM15). In addition all wood packaging material is required to be debarked and marked DB as of March 1, 2005. Germany has long been very strict on wood, including reuse of wood pallets and destruction of wood pallets, crates, etc. We recommended and continue to recommend for products conducive to its use, that new packaging materials be switched to plastic or fiberglass, wherever possible. For more information on the ISPM15, as well as other possible alternatives or suggestions, consult your forwarder. At the time of this writing it is expected that Japan will lift its ban on U.S. beef only on beef from cattle under twenty months of age-but not soon. There are still several sticking points to overcome, which is expected to take another several months. Japan put the ban on U.S. beef imports after the single case of mad cow disease was discovered in the U.S. some time ago. This year the TAMI annual banquet was held at the Italian Conference Center on February 23. All who attended had a good time, and Rocky Marcoux with the Milwaukee Department of City Development provided an informative presentation. This year as far as anyone could remember was the first year the TAMI Service Award was presented to someone other than a TAMI member, Father Frank Sanfilippo. Because of Father Frank's long connection with the Port of Milwaukee and foreign business, we would like to present the official introduction here: Frank and Antonina Sanfilippo's little boy, Frank, grew up wanting to offer a life of service and was ordained a priest on May 31, 1958 at St. John's Cathedral in Milwaukee. Father Frank celebrated his first Mass at his home parish, Our Lady of Pompeii, in Milwaukee. After other assignments in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Father Frank was appointed pastor of Old St. Mary's Parish in downtown Milwaukee in 1966. While in this assignment, Father Frank was appointed Associate Chaplain of the Apostolate of the Sea, what we commonly call our Port Chaplain for the Port of Milwaukee by Archbishop Cousins on April 16, 1971. On February 8, 1972, by a letter from Archbishop Cousins, Father Frank was appointed Chaplain for the Apostolate of the Sea at the Port of Milwaukee. Nobody knows for sure how long Father Frank Sanfilippo has been providing his time and service to our Transportation Association of Milwaukee. It could very well be longer than any of our active members have been members. His inspiring words and subtle humor are most appreciated at invocations for our functions. Father Frank Sanfilippo is most deserving of our Service Award for 2005. Milwaukee Port Director, Eric Reinelt, was in attendance, and Father Frank was genuinely surprised. Father Frank said he was particularly moved and appreciative of the award, because this is the first time his service to seafarers from 1970 until 1992 was recognized. A hearty congratulations, Father Frank.