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Independent Freight Forwarders & Custom Brokers Association of Savannah, Inc. has been established since 1966. The purpose of the organization is to cultivate closer relationships between freight forwarders and custom brokers for their mutual interest to maintaining standards for the profession. At the same time, the association will bring an exchange of ideas, promote interests of the trade, and provide for united in problems of International Commerce. The organization is affiliated with similar organizations throughout the country. The meetings are held monthly to keep everbody updated on current issues.
International Freight Forwarders are licensed by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission to engage in foreign commerce princiaplly through the documentation of goods being exported. Basically the forwarder takes care of the details for getting the goods from your plant to the final consignee destination. They include key items such as arranging for the shipment, obtaining all necessary documents required for the country of destination and preparing the documents. Forwarders also can provide export quotations, advise on U.S. export regulations and assist with other shipping-related services-packing, labeling, consolidating and containerizing, warehousing and insurance.
Custom Brokers are licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to clear goods through Customs and Border Protection. A person or firm who acts as an agent of an importer for purposes of arranging customs clearance, payment refund) of duty, and/or in-bond transit or export of imported goods. Custom brokers also handle a variety of operational procedures with other government agencies involved in regulating or taxing imported merchandise.
The Association has active participation on the various committees serving members. The following are the committees:
CUSTOMS: IFFCBA Board Members - Direct interaction with U.S. Customs at the management level to aid in the fair, reasonable and equitable administration of U.S. Customs’ laws and regulations.
PORT AND TERMINAL: Deborah Mobley - Direct contact with the port authorities to enhance and facilitate movement of cargo.
EDUCATION: Jody Vozar and Kimber Fulton - Establish programs continually update and educate our members.
STEAMSHIP LINE: Deborah Nelson - Direct interaction with the steamship companies to resolve industry problems.
FMC: Dorothy Smith- Address freight forwarders concerns with the Maritime Commission.
LEGISLATIVE: Jan Fields- Let your voice be heard. Attend the annual National Association’s Government Affairs Conference, and periodical meetings with national, state and local government.
PGA: Lisa Berg- Discuss changes with all other government agencies: EPA, USDA, etc.
TRUCK / RAIL: Bob Pettigrew - Direct interaction with trucking and rail firms to discuss transportation issues.
MEMBERSHIP: Anna Arnsdorff - Recruits new members to join association by reaching out and educating non-members of the benefits of membership.
SPECIAL PROJECTS: Mary Garner and Tracy Sauers - Special projects not stated above.
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