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Sssssimply sssssatisssssfying! |
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Well, here’s some good news! The year of the snake in the Chinese zodiac is said to be a time for reinvention, planning, and making money.
For 10 years I have been immersed in Chinese culture as my daughter has been teaching there. Now home for a few months while she transitions to a job in the UK, she is still teaching her students, albeit now online at 5 AM. I’m up at that time too, getting a few solid hours of work in before the email noise begins to disrupt the day.
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Part of the kids’ studies the past few weeks has been the ramp up to the biggest celebration of the year in Asia, the arrival of the new lunar year – this time the Year of the Snake. While I’m not a fan of most snakes (except my daughter who is an “Earth Snake” born in 1989), the reptile does get a bad rap as it is often characterized by some of the most famous fictional villains – Kaa from The Jungle Book, Nagini in Harry Potter, and Medusa to name a few.
However, in Japanese and Chinese cultures, the snake is revered and is a symbol not only of wisdom, intuitiveness and strategic thinking, but also of transformation.
There is no doubt that 2025 is going to be a wild ride for all of us. Uncertainty about what will happen with the world’s economy, political instability in much of the world (including Canada), and even more struggles personally for our families and those close to us as we deal with a higher cost of living, are going to make this a tough year.
But despite this, according to many sources, the year of the snake is expected to be a favourable year for business and career growth.
I’ve put a few prognostications below. Despite the “gloom and doom” I am currently feeling, I am hopeful that 2025 will be a sssssuper year for all of us!
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More On The Year Of The Snake |
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According to some sources, the Year of the Snake in 2025 is expected to be a favorable year for business and career growth:
Strategic thinking - The Snake's strategic energy is said to be beneficial for careers in 2025. This year is a good time to focus on long-term goals and make careful plans.
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Creativity and analysis - The Snake's ability to strategize is said to be especially helpful for those working in creative or analytical fields, such as education, arts, research, and sustainability.
Financial growth - Financial growth in 2025 is expected to be steady, though gradual. Thoughtful investments and a strategic approach are said to lead to economic stability.
Charm and intelligence - The Snake's natural charm and intelligence are said to attract admiration and lead to more business prospects and promotions.
Collaborations - The Snake's charm and intelligence are said to make 2025 a favorable year for collaborations and business ventures.
However, some say that the global economy in 2025 is expected to be moderate, with uncertainty looming. This includes the possibility of a trade war and tighter fiscal policy.
Calgary Herald: What will the year of the snake mean for you?
NHK World: Year of the Snake – The world economy in 2025
And just for fun for all of us including snakes …
China Highlights: Year of the Snake: Chinese Horoscope 2025 Predications
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Take a Load Off Moving – Trusted Moving Experts on Vancouver Island |
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At Take a Load Off Moving, we specialize in providing stress-free, reliable, and professional moving services throughout Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, and Western Canada. As a locally owned and operated company, we take pride in being the only moving supplies warehouse on Vancouver Island, offering a one-stop shop for all your packing and moving needs. |
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Our comprehensive services include residential and commercial moves, long-distance and local relocations, secure storage solutions, junk removal, and move-out cleaning. With our team of bonded and insured movers, you can trust us to handle every detail with care, from packing and loading to safe delivery. We also offer specialized services like piano and senior moving to meet unique needs.
We’re proud to partner with Great Canadian Van Lines, ensuring seamless moves across North America, and offer additional rewards through our ‘More Rewards’ program, where clients earn 1 point per $1 spent. We’re committed to exceptional customer service, transparent rates, clean and well-maintained equipment, and a worry-free moving experience.
Contact:
Brandon Anderson, Owner/Business Manager
T: 250-616-7854
E: info@takealoadoffmoving.com
A: 1907 Wilfert Rd, Nanaimo BC Canada
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Infinit-I Workforce Solutions |
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Infinit-I stands for “Infinite Intelligence.” We believe that frequent and consistent skills training is the best way to expand knowledge and reinforce the behaviours that lead to safer drivers and safer roads.
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For 25 years, Vertical Alliance Group has helped transportation, warehouse, and distribution companies improve safety and profitability through effective online training on the Infinit-I learning management system.
Infinit-I is built to be configurable, ensuring that training settings, notifications, and reports are fully customized for each client. To date Infinit-I has delivered over 164 million training sessions, and has been recognized as a leading supplier to the transportation industry with exclusive membership to ACT 1 (the Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry).
Headquartered in Texarkana, TX and with a training and sales office in Dallas, Texas, the Infinit-I team of ~75 employees include in-house IT, video production, and real live client support from people who care.
Join us for our first of several webinars with CAM – this Thursday, January 30th at 1 PM (ET), Building Effective Safety Training Programs. More information is below in the education section.
Contact:
Ed Novoa, Canadian Ambassador
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ednovoa/
T: 519-240-9868
T Help: 877-792-3866 x 300
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Intercontinental Group Announces the Retirement of Vince Parry |
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After an extraordinary 51-year career in the international transportation and moving industry, Vince Parry announced his retirement effective Dec 31, 2024.
Vince's journey has been marked by decades of dedication, exceptional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to clients, culminating as an ownership partner with the Intercontinental Group.
While Vince steps into retirement, he will continue to contribute to Intercontinental Group in an ambassadorial and consulting capacity over the next three years, lending his expertise to various strategic projects. |
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“Throughout his illustrious career, Vince has earned a reputation for excellence, building lasting relationships and championing the values of the moving industry. His absence will undoubtedly be felt across the company and the wider industry, but we are thrilled for him as he begins this next chapter of his life,” says Jay Ryan, Intercontinental Group President.
In retirement, Vince plans to spend more time with his cherished grandchildren, indulge his passion for choral music, travel, and dedicate countless hours to cheering on his beloved Liverpool FC.
“On behalf of everyone at the Intercontinental Group, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Vince for his remarkable contributions and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” says Ryan. And CAM wishes Vince a very happy retirement as well.
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What Do Movers Think Will Shake Up The Industry In 2025? |
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As moving companies head into 2025, the industry is buzzing with optimism, readiness to innovate, adapt, and make up for the last few years. |
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CAM supplier Supermove gathered intel from 20 industry pros—including moving company owners, operators, and experts—to uncover what’s on the horizon. The report includes everything from the housing market recovery, diversification of services and balancing budgets and quality, to escaping the lead buying rat race, AI, and scaling with technology… the top trends and predictions movers believe will shape the industry this year and beyond! |
| Register Here |
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This Thursday! Building Effective Safety Training Programs
When: Thursday, January 30, 2025 1:00 PM (ET)
Cost: Free to members!
In this 30-minute webinar, Ed Novoa of Infinit-I Workforce Solutions will discuss the fundamental elements of a company-specific safety training program, specific to the challenges of the transportation industry. Emphasis will be placed on how online training can effectively communicate safety protocols and document training activities. Additionally, Ed will review a specific safety scenario and explore how to implement progressive discipline procedures to ensure compliance with safety standards. |
| Register Here |
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Are you scared of artificial intelligence? You don't need to be. AI can be used for social media, marketing, financials, operations and the list goes on.
Growing your business with ChatGPT can provide significant advantages by leveraging its AI-powered capabilities to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and boost efficiency. Here’s how you can use ChatGPT effectively:
1. Customer Support
2. Content Creation
3. Lead Generation and Sales
4. Training and Internal Communication
5. Market Research
6. Enhanced Productivity
7. Personalized User Experience
To learn more and access the full blog as well as Mark’s PowerPoint, click here.
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TruckingHR Canada Webinar: Strategies to Help Older Workers Thrive - And More
When: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 12:00 PM (ET)
Cost: Free
Join this free webinar for tips and resources to create a workplace that thrives with a multigenerational workforce:
• Retain and support mature employees.
• Enhance workplace accessibility while meeting compliance requirements.
• Leverage the contributions of experienced workers for organizational success.
For more information and to register, click here.
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TruckingHR Canada: 2025 Women with Drive Leadership Summit
When: Wednesday, March 6, 2025 1:00 PM (ET)
Where: Westin Toronto Airport Hotel, 950 Dixon Rd, Toronto, ON M9W 5N4
Women with Drive is this sector's go-to event for everyone looking to learn more about recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. This year’s theme, Accelerate & Lead, empowers attendees to accelerate their own careers while equipping them with tools to lead workplaces that attract and retain diverse top talent across all departments. Early bird pricing in effect until January 31, 2025.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Virtual Movers Conference
When: Wednesday, March 6, 2025 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET)
Cost: Free with promo code
Presented by CAM members LiveSwitch and SmartMoving, amongst others. Specifically curated valuable speakers will deliver real world solutions to real problems in moving operations. Get actionable insights to help boost your profitability and you are GUARANTEED to get the best value from this conference. Once you are on the registration page of Zoom, you simply need to put in "CAM" as the promo code for access to the free registration ticket.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Save Time and Money in 2025 with Virtual Estimates |
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As moving companies head into 2025, the industry is buzzing with optimism, readiness to innovate, adapt, and make up for the last few years. |
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Trusted by hundreds of moving companies, LiveSwitch provides the quickest and easiest way to conduct virtual estimates and leverage video to document activities before, during, and after the move. LiveSwitch Contact also allows moving companies to request video recordings, record videos and take photos on-site, embed video request forms on their website, and more. Plus, it works on any device and requires no software or downloads.
To learn more, visit liveswitch.com/cam or book a demo with Ryan.
To watch the 18-minute introductory video with CAM President Nancy Irvine, click here.
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Protecting Moving Businesses from Invoicing Fraud |
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FIDI Focus, January 8, 2025
As the rate of cybercrime and phishing incidences increases, there has been a rise in cases involving digital invoicing scams, where fraudsters manipulate payment details, leading to substantial financial losses. |
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Invoice fraud, also known as ‘fake invoice fraud’ or ‘phishing invoicing,’ happens when fraudsters send a falsified invoice to a company, posing as a legitimate supplier. The invoice may appear to be from a known partner but often contains modified bank account details, leading the unsuspecting company to pay money into a scammer’s account.
Fraudsters may even go as far as calling companies, in your name, in your sector, requesting payments for your company’s invoices to be made to a different bank account. These schemes are often sophisticated, so even seasoned professionals can fall victim to them. But there are some straightforward steps your company can take to protect yourself.
Thank you to Marie-Pascale Frix, FIDI’s Business Intelligence Manager for providing some practical steps to mitigate the risks.
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Your employees are the lifeblood of your organization. Their knowledge and expertise are crucial to your company’s success and it takes time and effort to amass both. The good news is that most employees are willing — even eager — to learn and grow professionally.
Investing in learning programs can help your organization and team members enjoy the many benefits of employee development.
Achieving A More Effective Employee Onboarding Process
According to Gallup Workplace, only 29% of new hires say they feel fully prepared and supported to excel in their new role after their onboarding experience. In other words, most of your new employees are probably underperforming, disengaged, hesitant to recommend working at your company, and at an elevated risk of leaving.
But employees who have a clear plan for their professional development are 3.5x more likely to agree that their onboarding process was exceptional.
Building an employee development plan and incorporating early learning into your onboarding process can set you up for higher employee satisfaction and productivity from the start. This is crucial for building employee engagement: New hires who strongly agree their onboarding process was exceptional are 3x more likely to say they have the best possible job.
Stay tuned for part 3 on addressing skills gaps and future-proofing your organization coming in the next issue.
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Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd.
Snowbirds Auto Connection is a family-owned and operated vehicle transport company providing reliable, door-to-door, damage-free transportation across Canada and the U.S. SAC offers a variety of services including coast-to-coast transportation, cross-border relocation and vehicle storage.
Learn More |
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ADVERTISE HERE
Your ad could be here! Click above for more information about this exciting opportunity.
Learn More |
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50 Keywords to Boost Your Moving Company’s SEO
SmartMoving
Digital marketing has changed the game for the moving industry. But as ad costs rise, 40% of moving company owners are focusing on improving their marketing initiatives, with search engine optimization (SEO) named a top area of interest.
Next to your online reputation, a solid organic SEO strategy is the most effective tool for getting your moving business to the top of Google. And choosing the right keywords is the best way to start.
Keywords are the words and phrases potential customers use to find businesses, information, and resources online. In this in-depth article, SmartMoving shares 50 top keywords for movers to help you increase traffic and leads.
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Social Media Connections
Have you liked us yet? |
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MTS Moving was started as a family in 2020 with two old trucks, a father and two sons who knew the ins and outs of the long-distance moving industry. They have grown into a large team with trucks on the road going cross-country year-round.
As most people in the industry know, it is hard to keep customers happy when waiting for their goods for 2 weeks or more.
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“We tweak our SOP daily to ensure we give the best service possible,” says Mete Han Kalfa, Director at MTS. "This includes things like building a tracking system, so customers don’t have to call in every time they want to know where their goods are; being honest about every step of the process during booking to manage proper expectations; and finally, calling them after the move is over to make sure everything went well,” Mete adds.
“We believe companies should be judged by their most unhappy customers, so we try as much as possible not to have any,” Mete continues. “We love this industry and look forward to expanding into areas like cross-boarding moves, self-storage facilities, and packing material supplies."
Why not reach out and say hi?
Contact:
Mete Han Kalfa, Director
T: 416-560-0384
E: info@mtsmoving.com
A: 385 Admiral Blvd, Unit 23, Mississauga, ON L5T 2M8
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Atlas Canada Acquires Orbit Brokers |
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Effective January 1, 2025, Atlas Canada has acquired Orbit Brokers, a trusted provider of customs brokerage services, to enhance its logistics expertise across Canada and the United States. |
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“We are thrilled to announce that Orbit Brokers has joined Atlas Van Lines, a leader in the industry,” said Clayton Castelino, President of Orbit Brokers. “This exciting new chapter unlocks incredible opportunities for our team, clients, and partners. We are eager to combine our expertise and values with Atlas to deliver even more innovative, seamless, and reliable services to clients worldwide.”
With over 30 years of experience, Orbit Brokers will integrate with Connect Logistics, an Atlas Canada division, providing expert commercial and personal customs clearance to streamline operations and optimize supply chains.
“Orbit Brokers’ outstanding track record in customs brokerage aligns perfectly with our service model, enabling agents and clients to benefit from a fully integrated, seamless solution for all relocation and logistics needs,” said Fred Haladay, President & COO of Atlas Canada.
This acquisition highlights Atlas Canada’s dedication to delivering exceptional value and expanded services to its agents and clients. |
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Kelly Clarkson Gifts $25,000 To Move For Hunger!
Congratulations to the Move For Hunger team for not only a great interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show on December 16, 2024, but also for continuing to raise awareness that movers on both sides of the border will collect non perishable food items and deliver them to local food banks.
At the end of the interview, Kelly’s elf presented Move For Hunger founder Adam Lowy with a cheque for $25,000 USD courtesy of Kroger.
You can watch the 6:46 minute interview by clicking here.
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Trademark Infringement Email Request? Check before responding!
Over the holidays, CAM received two emails from a lawyer within a day of each other, the second more urgent that the first, regarding a trademark infringement and request for immediate action by CAM to secure our trademark (i.e. – throw down a lot of money). As CAM had been involved in a real trademark dispute in 2022 and we’ve had the emergence of the “Canadian Moving Association” clone in September, we did take it serious enough to not disregard it.
Turns out, it is a very believable fake. After some snooping, we have learned that it is phishing and have been warned by the College of Patent Agents & Trademark Agents that it is a scam. As you are associated with us, you may receive a similar email. It is probably best to check with us so you don’t get caught up in phishing.
If you are interested in reading more about the sophistication of this scam, click here. |
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Movified Ep. 40 – Inside the Deal: Unlocking Mergers & Acquisitions in the Moving Industry |
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Mark Hirschi (l.) and Peter McCullough talk deals.
Join Mark Hirschi as he sat down with Peter McCullough from Raven Research at the recent CAM conference for an eye-opening fireside chat about the art of mergers and acquisitions in the moving industry.
From uncovering the complexities of due diligence, to navigating operational hurdles and understanding the strategic value of real estate, this episode is a goldmine of insights for movers and shakers looking to level up their business.
Mark’s Key Takeaways:
1. Assessing Value Matters: The importance of due diligence and evaluating a company’s true worth.
2. Get Creative with Deals: How vendor financing can make or break negotiations.
3. Real Estate’s Role: Why property is a critical factor in scaling your moving business.
Whether you’re building, buying, or dreaming big, this conversation is your blueprint for success!
Listen Now:
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gv2gDdQc
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g6aJ-C2q
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh7PNg4P_sY
Run time: 32.38 minutes
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The Benefits of Employee Development Part 1 - Attracting skilled job candidates
The skilled talent shortage continues, with 75% of companies reporting difficulty filling open positions. Offering development opportunities — and making them known to candidates throughout your recruitment process — can help.
Talented workers are increasingly prioritizing opportunities for professional growth and a lack of career development is often listed among the top reasons people seek new opportunities. Nearly nine out of 10 job seekers want to see a skills development program, clear career paths, and career advancement opportunities when they’re considering a new job.
Skilled workers will always be in demand and will have many choices when it comes to where they want to work. Investing in employee training programs will contribute to a compelling employer brand that attracts and engages top talent so you can hire the people your business needs to be successful.
Stay tuned for part 2 on achieving a more effective employee onboarding process coming in the next issue.
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Navigate Smart HR Without Breaking the Bank
By Angela Splinter, CEO, Trucking HR Canada
While the driver shortage has long been a perennial top business concern among trucking and logistics employers, Trucking HR Canada’s recent labour market information has had rising business costs topping the list for about a year now. With little reprieve in sight.
Employers face many challenges — fuel prices, labour costs, regulatory pressures and more. The HR function is no exception, with attracting and retaining top talent remaining a key focus.
Let’s take a look at some strategies our Top Fleet Employers use to stay ahead without breaking the bank.
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StatsCan Immigration and Interprovincial Migration
Alberta continues to gain the most net interprovincial migrants
The third quarter saw 80,538 interprovincial migrants in Canada, a 10.1% decrease from the third quarter of 2023 (89,559 migrants). This is closer to the third quarter levels seen from 2009 to 2019 (which ranged from 71,976 to 89,862 migrants) and could mark a return to pre-pandemic levels of interprovincial migration.
Most provinces and territories had net losses in their exchanges with other provinces or territories in the third quarter of 2024, except for Alberta (+10,810), Nova Scotia (+359), the Northwest Territories (+63) and Quebec (+18).
The third quarter also marked the first time Newfoundland and Labrador (-471) lost people to other provinces and territories since the third quarter of 2020 and the first time that New Brunswick (-1,378) lost people to interprovincial migration since the fourth quarter of 2019. This was the largest net population loss to interprovincial migration for New Brunswick since the third quarter of 2006, partly because of higher than usual losses in its exchanges with Quebec (-920).
Quebec (+18 in the third quarter of 2024) has gained from interprovincial migration in seven quarters since the third quarter of 1971. The province's last gains were in the second quarter of 2021 (+8) and in the fourth quarter of 2009 (+15). Quebec had a net gain of 920 people in its exchanges with New Brunswick and a net loss of 902 people in its exchanges with Ontario in the third quarter of 2024.
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Sea Freight Surcharges Grow in 2025
International Association of Movers, December 18, 2024
International moving companies will see a number of increases to freight rates in the New Year, as shipping lines pass on the increased costs associated with emissions and canal passages.
In Europe, the Loadstar reported that Hapag-Lloyd has advised customers that the current surcharges for all vessels calling at European ports will likely double to pay for the expanded scope of the European Union carbon charge (EU ETS) from January 1, 2025, that requires shipping lines to purchase carbon credits based upon their emissions on journeys starting or ending at EU ports.
To help reduce the additional cost, Hapag-Lloyd recently announced a change to one service, meaning that it’s first port of call in Europe would be Southampton in the United Kingdom (a non-EU port), instead of Antwerp. This will mean that Hapag-Lloyd will only pay for 50% of emissions for the Southampton to Rotterdam leg, instead of the emissions from its previous stop in Ghana.
Two shipping lines have also announced new Panama Canal surcharges on the Asia-U.S. east coast lanes in response to the canal authority introducing a new booking system that will include changes in the tariff structure and fee amounts. Both MSC and CMA CGM advised customers of a US$40 per TEU surcharge for all cargo types, with other shipping lines likely to do the same.
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Legal Disclaimer
The Canadian Association of Movers and/or any of its staff or members cannot and will not accept any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information and details given in this newsletter which information has been obtained or given in good faith.
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www.mover.net | cam_national@mover.net | Media Kit |
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