The government shutdown that has been threatened since 2017 is now an increasingly dire reality. With each passing day of the government shutdown, customs clearance delays became more likely. E-commerce parcel shippers should diversify their routing capabilities to include various ports and processes (including adding express parcel clearance capabilities)
Using express consignment facilities (ECCF's) helps minimize the risk of US customs delays and uncertain clearance for e-commerce parcel imports.
The January 2018 shutdown was minor with another continuing resolution delaying more permanentaction. The 2019 shutdown is a grim reality and going further than experts predicted. More uncertainty and risk for potential CBP clearance delays for imports underscore the need for diversifying your parcel clearance processes via Cargo (CFS), Express (ECCF), Postal, and single importer of record.
Advanced e-commerce parcel import supply have multiple points of entry and processes to secure their supply chains against risks of shutdowns, slow downs, and work stoppages.
Contact our team to help develop secure high volume parcel import processes using Section 321, ECCF's, Cargo parcel clearance via CFS and Part 128 regulations:
Why a government slowdown might happen again .. and again...
Shutdown hardened both sides of the political debate. The confrontational politics of todaywill cause Congress to view an extended shutdown as worth defending hard line to principles. Standard customs clearance would be viewed by some as a preferred outcome to advance an anti-trade agenda.
Services deemed to be "critical" are usually meant to be protected during government slowdown or shutdown.
Express consignment clearances are generally considered more critical for clearance than general cargo clearance. Furthermore, express facilities reimburse customs for the cost of express clearance which may give them higher priority clearance.
Jet Worldwide helps e-commerce parcel importers minimize their risk of customs delays by using a mix of express consignment clearance (ECCF's) and cargo clearance (CFS) at JFK, LAX, ORD and MIA
Secure your e-commerce parcel import processes
The urgency to complete a longer-term political deal means that the chances of a shutdown are higher. The odds of another short term agreement are less likely as both political parties face the reality of finding compromise longer term solutions.
A shutdown may not happen. A shutdown may not affect customs clearance. But even temporary slowdowns can create significant backlogs for millions of e-commerce parcels. Securing parcel supply chains are critical to maintain quality of service in the online marketplace.
Lessons Learned from 2013 Government Shutdown
Most Customs and Border Patrol (US CBP) employees remained on the job during the 2013 US government shutdown. US CBP clearance is considered essential. If the government is shutdown in 2013, many predict that the majority of CBP staff will remain on duty.
However, disruptions from other government agencies and low morale at CBP - many of whom were not getting paid - could impact the timely clearance of parcels imported to the USA .
Shutdown, Slowdown.. No problem!
The best practices of high volume direct order cross border e-commerce parcel clearance is to diversify methods of import (CFS and ECCF), ports of entry, and carriers.
