IFF Positioned for Growth
In April, International Freight Forwarders began internal reorganization. Christian Halpaus has been officially announced as president of the 23-year old company. He is the son of IFFís Chairman and CEO, Peter Halpaus.

Other management changes have taken place as well to align the IFF staff with the companyís present goals for growth, greater visibility in the industry and better customer service. Christian will be working side by side with Cindy Vinson and Hans Pirolt who have been promoted to Senior Vice President roles within the organization. Both have more than 75 years of combined experience in the freight forwarding industry.

 
Air Fuel Surcharge Increase
Air carriers are increasing prices as fuel indexes continue rising. Effective May 15, 2006, fuel surcharges for aviation fuel will increase to US $0.60/kg.
 
TACA Surcharge Increases

Based upon the latest monitoring of fuel prices, TACA's Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF), will be adjusted with effect from June 16th through July 15th, 2006, at the following levels:

Traffic to/from and via:

Atlantic/Gulf Coast Ports Pacific Coast Ports
$ 467 per 20ft container $ 700 per 20ft container
$ 933 per 40/45ft container $ 1400 per 40/45ft container
WM $47.00 WM $70.00

With respect to Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), based on the latest monitoring of relevant currency values, the current Tariff published level remains unchanged at 6 (six) percent through, at least, July 15th, 2006.

The TACA BAF and CAF to apply from July 16th, 2006, will be announced at a minimum of 30 days advance notice.

 
Panama Canal Westbound Surcharge Increase
Effective May 15, 2006, the surcharge for moving cargo westbound through the Panama Canal will increase to US$192.00 per container. The new surcharge is the result of an increase in tolls and operational costs to transit the canal.
 
New York Terminals To Raise Demurrages
Beginning June 1, the five member terminals in the Port of New York and New Jersey will increase container demurrage fees from 20 percent to 66 percent per day after the expiration of free time.

Demurrage charges on both import and export containers will increase to $75 per day for containers left at the terminals up to four days after expiration of free time.

For dry containers left at the terminals five to nine days past the expiration of free time, demurrage will rise to $145 per day and to $295 at 10 days past expiration.

Demurrage for reefers one to three days after expiration of free time is $295 per day and $445 for each additional day afterwards. Reefers will also incur charges for electricity usage after the two day electricity free time expires.
 
Rail Storage Free Time Decreases
On May 1, 2006, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) changed its free-time and storage charges at some BNSF ramps for intermodal customers. The impact of an additional $100-150 per day can significantly impact the costs of import transactions.

In order to keep costs at a minimum, it is important to have all invoices, packing lists and bills of lading delivered to IFF prior to the arrival of your shipment. Although initiated by BNSF, these rate changes are also being adopted by other major rail systems.

 
International Woodworking Show

In August 2006, The International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair will be in Atlanta, Georgia. The fair is one of the world's largest trade shows for the furniture manufacturing, architectural woodwork, custom and general woodworking industries.

Contact IFF to make your trade show arrangements today. We are available around the clock to handle your shipping needs. For immediate assistance please send requests to pricing@iffusa.com .