Port Authority Announces Increase in Truck Toll Reimbursement Program at GCT-NY
Port of New York and New Jersey
Beginning January 1, 2016, the reimbursement for trucks calling at Global Container Terminals-New York (GCT-NY) will increase to $11.14 per axle.
Undertaken in September 2013, the Toll Reimbursement Program fosters economic parity at the Port of New York and New Jersey. The reimbursements help to offset expenses not paid by trucks calling at other marine terminals where crossing a bridge and incurring subsequent tolls is unnecessary.
As of December 6, 2015, the cost for a truck using E-ZPass to cross a Port Authority bridge rose to $18/axle. Starting January 1, 2016, the GCT-NY Toll Reimbursement Program will refund $11.14 per axle to participating truckers on qualified crossings. This effectively lowers the trucker’s toll rate to $6.86 per axle.
In order to qualify for this program, a trucker must use E-ZPass and have a valid checking account associated with their E-ZPass account.
Steps to Join the GCT NY Toll Reimbursement Program
- Visit the GCT-NY website (NYCTtolls.com) and click on the GCT New York Toll Reimbursement Program button.
- The link will ask candidates to supply their specific E-ZPass and checking account information.
- Reimbursement payments begin within 5 days of a candidate’s approval.
Please note that reimbursements are deposited on a weekly basis.
U.S. and Dominican Republic Sign Mutual Recognition Arrangement
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
WASHINGTON— The United States signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) today with the Dominican Republic that allows for a stronger collaboration between the two countries in securing the global supply chain and recognizes the compatibility between U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and the Dominican Republic’s Authorized Economic Operator Program. CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske signed the arrangement on behalf of the United States and Dominican Customs Director General Fernando Fernandez signed on behalf of the Dominican Republic.
“I’m pleased to be here to join President Danilo Medina and Director General Fernandez in the signing of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement,” said CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. “This is a significant milestone for both the United States and the Dominican Republic in the facilitation of secure trade between our two countries.”
The United States has now signed 11 MRAs with other customs administrations across the world. The Dominican Republic arrangement is the first to be signed with a Caribbean nation and second in Latin America. MRAs are bilateral arrangements that indicate that the security requirements or standards of the foreign industry partnership program, as well as its validation or audit procedures, are the same or similar with those of the C-TPAT program.
The goal of the MRA is to link the two industry partnership programs, so that together they create a unified and sustainable security posture that can assist in securing and facilitating global cargo trade.
The arrangement provides tangible and intangible benefits to program members to include: fewer exams when shipping cargo, a faster validation process, common standards, efficiency for customs and business, transparency between customs administrations, business resumption, front-of-the-line processing, and marketability.
C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognized that CBP can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. The C-TPAT program is one layer in CBP's multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy.
In addition to the Dominican Republic Mexico, the United States also has mutual recognition arrangements with Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office.
Nordstrom, Bed Bath & Beyond, Backcountry.com, and J.C. Penney to Pay Penalties Totaling $1.3 Million for Falsely Labeling Rayon Textiles as Made of “Bamboo”
US Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission announced complaints and proposed court orders barring four national retailers from mislabeling and advertising rayon textiles as made of “bamboo,” and requiring them to pay civil penalties totaling $1.3 million.
Under the court orders settling the FTC’s charges, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. will pay $500,000; Nordstrom, Inc. will pay $360,000; J.C. Penney Company, Inc. will pay $290,000; and Backcountry.com LLC will pay $150,000 for allegedly violating the FTC Act and the agency’s Textile Rules.
“It’s misleading to call bamboo that has been chemically processed into rayon simply ‘bamboo,’” said Jessica Rich, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “With consumers in the midst of their holiday shopping, it’s important for them to know that textiles marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives may not be as ‘green’ as they were led to believe.”
The complaints announced today allege the four companies broke the law by continuing to misrepresent or mislabel rayon products as “bamboo” despite receiving warning letters from the FTC in 2010 and a synopsis of previous litigated cases against marketers for deceptively labeling rayon products as bamboo. The Commission charged the companies with violating the Textile Act and the Textile Rules and with violating Section 5(m)(1)(B) of the FTC Act by falsely and deceptively selling the mislabeled products, despite knowing that doing so was illegal and could subject them to civil penalties.
Specifically, Bed Bath & Beyond’s mislabeled items, also sold through its subsidiary buybuy BABY, included dozens of “bamboo” textiles, including “Aden + Anais Bamboo 3-Pack Muslin Swaddles” and “Bamboo Blend Napkins.”
Nordstrom sold similar products online and in its stores, including a “Gypsy 05 Bamboo Racerback Hi-Lo Dress” and “Degree Six Clothing The Bamboo Long Sleeve Tee.”
J.C. Penney sold numerous “bamboo” products in its stores and online, including “Muk Luks 4-pk Men’s Bamboo Socks.” It also falsely claimed “bamboo” gave the products antimicrobial properties.
Similarly, Backcountry.com sold “bamboo” textiles, such as “Bridgedale Bamboo Crew Sock – Men’s.” Backcountry also made anti-microbial claims for its “bamboo” products.
The proposed orders settling the FTC’s charges are identical, aside from the civil penalty amounts. They prohibit the companies from violating the FTC’s Textile Act and Rules by failing to properly identify the fiber content when labeling and advertising any textiles containing manufactured fibers.
Business and Consumer Information
“How to Avoid Bamboozling Your Customers” provides useful information on how to correctly label and advertise textiles that are rayon made from bamboo and cautions sellers that it is highly unlikely they are selling actual bamboo fiber products. The FTC also has an educational publication for consumers called “Bamboo Fabrics.”
The Commission votes approving the complaints and proposed civil penalty orders, and authorizing the staff to refer them to the Department of Justice for filing, were each 4-0. The DOJ filed the complaints and proposed orders in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on December 9, 2015.
The FTC also announced today it is sending letters to other retailers to help protect consumers from deceptive “bamboo” claims – especially during this busy shopping season – by imploring retailers to check their own inventories and ensure proper labeling and advertising of rayon textile products.
NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Civil penalty orders have the force of law when signed by the District Court judge.
The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook(link is external), follow us on Twitter(link is external), and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
Avoiding Scams This Holiday Season
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The holiday shopping season is in full swing. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday having come and gone, Christmas Day is now less than three weeks away.
As millions of shoppers are making their lists and checking them twice, so are those looking to take advantage of the holiday rush, preying on the naiveté of consumers who are looking to score a deal and avoid the stress of waiting until the last minute to find that perfect gift.
“Web-based shopping starts to take off this time of the year,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) New York Supervisory Special Agent Brian Herbert. “It’s very easy and convenient for people to get their shopping done online, but often, that great deal can end up being a counterfeit product.”
According to Herbert, who works with HSI New York’s El Dorado Financial Crimes Task Force, consumers must be aware at all times to avoid hoaxes and scams when shopping online. However, during the holiday season, consumers must heighten their awareness and not fall deals that appear “too good to be true.”
“When we talk to shoppers who were duped, they have always truly believed that it was a good deal,” Herbert said. “In many cases, it’s generational as older consumers are not as Internet savvy.”
HSI special agents advise consumers to make sure that companies have verified email addresses and accept credible payment options such as PayPal. Not only are consumers at risk of being targeted by hoaxes and other scams, but when they provide personal information, they are also placing themselves at risk of identity theft.
“During the holidays, people are rushing and trying to get things done, and counterfeiters are aware of that and looking to take advantage,” Herbert said. “You have to be aware of your surroundings whether you’re doing your shopping online, or walking the streets buying goods from vendors.”
ICE involves itself in hoax and scam prevention through its enforcement actions and by educating the public on risks. During the holidays, HSI special agents offer the following tips to avoid buying counterfeit merchandise:
- If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
- Buy from reputable manufacturers and stores.
- Research online sellers before purchasing. The comments of people who have made previous purchases may be especially helpful.
- Don't buy anything advertised via bulk email ("SPAM”).
- Be suspicious of websites that do not provide a toll-free contact number.
- When submitting financial information online, verify that the website is secure and that payments are submitted to website addresses beginning with https://.
HSI targets transnational criminal organizations that manufacture, smuggle, and distribute counterfeit products worldwide in order to keep counterfeit products off U.S. streets, many of which pose a direct threat to the health and safety of all Americans. The HSI-led IPR Center is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. Working in close coordination with the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property, the IPR Center uses the expertise of its 23 member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions and conduct investigations related to intellectual property theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the public's health and safety and the U.S. economy.
TSA Provides Tips to Prepare Air Travelers Before Busy Holiday Season
Transportation Security Administration
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today provided tips for travelers departing Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) to prepare ahead of what is expected to be a very busy holiday travel system nationwide.
On average, TSA screens nearly 2 million passengers daily. During peak travel periods that number can increase by 40 percent. TSA security checkpoints will be fully staffed locally and nationwide during the holiday travel period. TSA remains committed to processing passengers as efficiently as possible, while maintaining our primary focus on security screening effectiveness.
While TSA concentrates on aviation security, passengers can assist by coming prepared to the airport. Unprepared passengers have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide. Here are some helpful travel tips to make the checkpoint experience go smoothly:
- Unpack your bag before you pack it. Passengers who bring prohibited items to the checkpoint slow the screening process for themselves and everyone behind them. Use the “Can I Bring My…?” function on tsa.gov to determine if the item can travel in a carry-on, in checked baggage or not at all.
- Prepare your liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes to be sure they are packed in compliance with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Passengers who violate this rule will also cause delays for themselves and everyone behind them.
- Remove all items from your pockets and secure the items in your carry-on bag to prevent them from being left behind in a bin. Your screening experience will go even faster if you remove everything from your pockets before you get to the checkpoint.
- Avoid wearing large metal jewelry or clothing with large metal embellishments to reduce the possibility of alarming the screening machines.
- Arrive early to the airport to allow enough time to park, get your boarding pass, check your luggage and go through the security screening process.
- When traveling with gifts, place them in a gift bag instead of wrapping them. If a wrapped gift alarms, appears to have been tampered with, or poses any other security concerns, it will need to be unwrapped for additional screening.
- Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted but may require further inspection. If you are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel it is best to pack the item in your checked bag or ship it to your destination in advance.
- Travelers who have medical conditions or disabilities and want to get a better understanding in advance of how best to prepare for the checkpoint process can call the TSA Cares toll-free helpline at 1-855-787-2227. It is recommended to call 72 hours in advance of the trip.
Now is the ideal time to enroll in TSA Pre✓® to enjoy the benefits of expedited screening during the holiday travel season. TSA Pre✓® is a program that allows enrolled passengers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt. At some airports, travelers can also keep their laptop in its case and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels in a carry-on bag.
Currently, only travelers who are enrolled in a Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler program are eligible for TSA Pre✓® on a consistent basis. Enrollment is available at Wienhoff Drug Testing, 1230 N. Skyline Drive, Suite A in Idaho Falls. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
To begin the process, individuals can pre-enroll online at universalenroll.dhs.gov. Click on the words “TSA Pre✓®” in the middle of the page. Follow the prompts to learn what documentation is required and to set up an appointment to visit the enrollment center.
Applicants are required to make an in-person visit to an enrollment center to verify citizenship immigration status, as well as to provide fingerprints. While appointments are recommended, walk-ins are also accepted.
Once vetted and approved, passengers will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which makes them eligible for TSA Pre✓® on a consistent basis. There is a non-refundable application processing fee of $85 and the KTN is good for five years.
Travelers are encouraged to save their KTN in their frequent flyer profiles. Additionally, those who purchase tickets via a third-party website or travel agency should manually enter their KTN each time they make an airline reservation.
If a passenger is eligible for TSA Pre✓®, a code is embedded in the barcode of the boarding pass. A TSA officer will scan the barcode at the checkpoint and the passenger will be referred for expedited screening. If no dedicated TSA Pre✓® lane is available, the passenger is still eligible to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt during the security screening process.
A passenger must be traveling on a participating airline to receive the expedited screening benefits of TSA Pre✓®. Two airlines that serve IDA participate in TSA Pre✓®: SkyWest/Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
To learn more about TSA Pre✓®, visit tsa.gov/tsa-precheck. For more information on other DHS trusted traveler programs that include TSA Pre✓® eligibility, visit dhs.gov/tt.
Public awareness is key to supporting TSA’s security efforts, so “If You See Something, Say Something™.” For further information about TSA procedures, or to provide feedback or voice concerns, please call the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or send a message via Twitter to @AskTSA.
U.S. DOT Imposes Civil Penalty on Harbor Freight Tools For Failure To Recall Trailer Kits
U.S. Department of Transportation
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has imposed a $1 million civil penalty on Harbor Freight Tools, an equipment importer, for failing to issue a timely recall of more than 800,000 after-market trailer light kits that violate Federal safety standards.
“Safety is the responsibility of everyone in the motor vehicle market, including equipment importers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “It is essential for companies to act as quickly when safety standards aren’t met, otherwise we will fine those who put the public at risk.
”Under terms of a consent order entered into with Harbor Freight Tools, the company agreed to pay the $1 million civil penalty and acknowledges that it failed to issue a recall, to notify owners, and to file quarterly recall completion rates in a timely manner. The company imported and sold trailer light kits that did not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
After inquiries from NHTSA, Harbor Freight Tools acknowledged in October 2014 that certain light kits it imported and sold did not include rear side-marker lamps to improve night visibility, as required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The company did not indicate its willingness to issue a recall until December 16, 2014, and did not actually file notice of the recall until February 26, 2015. The Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires companies to issue a recall within five days of discovering a safety defect or noncompliance with Federal safety standards.
In addition, the company notified owners of the recall 21 days later than is required under NHTSA recall regulations, and filed its first quarterly report on recall completion 18 days late.
“These deadlines exist so that safety issues are addressed and risks are removed from our roads quickly,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “Businesses covered by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act are required to meet those obligations, period.
”Harbor Freight Tools will pay $400,000 in civil penalties now, with an additional $600,000 to come due if the company fails to perform its obligations under the consent order or the Safety Act. In addition to the civil penalties, the order requires Harbor Freight Tools to retain a third-party consultant to assist the company in its compliance program; to provide compliance test reports to NHTSA as requested; and to authorize third-party testing laboratories the company uses to communicate directly with NHTSA.
See more at:
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-dot-imposes-civil-penalty-harbor-freight-tools-failure-recall-trailer-kits#sthash.ScOqMbBD.dpuf