Merry Christmas from all of us Dixie Cullen Interests Inc.

Warmest Wishes for a wonderful holiday.

All of us at Dixie Cullen Interests, would like to take a moment to say Thank Youfor another great year!   Our valued customers have made it possible for us to once again make 2015 a record year. With that said, from everyone here at Dixie Cullen,  we want to wish all of our customers, friends, associates and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  Holiday Hours:  For both  8501 East Freeway and 9200 Market Street Facilities Christmas: Our offices and warehouse will be closing at 3:30 pm on December 23rd, last truck being taken at 3:00 pm.  We will reopen at 6 am  on Monday December 28th for business as usual. New Years:  Our offices and warehouse will be closing at 2 pm on December 31st, last truck being taken at 1:30 pm.  We will reopen at 6 am on Monday January 4th.

Industrial Photo Shoot!

Dixie Cullen  was the site for an Industrial Photo Shoot. 

 One of our customers has been utilizing our warehouse facility for a series of marketing photographs for one of their customers and a NEW Contractor / Workman's vehicle that they have coming out! Some of the features are ideal for contractors!     They loved the diversity of the industries represented in our facility.

We never know what the next unique opportunity will come our way!

Export - Import Bank Reauthorized

From our Friends at Joiner Law Firm:

December 14, 2015
Export-Import Bank Reauthorized!

On December 4th, President Obama signed into law the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank).  EXIM Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States.  It facilitates the export of U.S. goods and services by filling in the gaps in private export finance.  EXIM Bank offers trade financing solutions to help American exporters compete for global sales.  This is especially beneficial to small businesses.^[1]

Due to the various risks involved when dealing with overseas markets, many private sector lenders are unwilling or unable to provide financing to exporters.  EXIM Bank’s purpose is to fill this gap.  EXIM Bank’s products and service offerings include export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, and guarantees of commercial loans to foreign buyers.  EXIM Bank is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.  However, the bank’s charter requires that all of its transactions demonstrate a reasonable assurance of repayment, and EXIM Bank maintains a low default rate.  Moreover, EXIM Bank has generated almost $7 billion more than its costs of operation over the past twenty years, helping to reduce the federal deficit.

EXIM Bank expects its online application systems and exim.gov to be fully operational no later than the close of business Tuesday, December 8th.  EXIM Bank is prepared to accept and process applications for all levels of financing.  However, transactions totaling more than $10 million require approval by the board of directors, and thus, must await Senate confirmation of members sufficient to reconstitute a quorum.

The reauthorization is effective until September 30, 2019. 

^[1] In 2014, nearly 90% of EXIM-authorized transactions supported American small businesses.

Handling Solar Panels . . a must read

We have handled a considerable amount of solar panels through our warehouse facility for our customers.  so we thought that we would take a moment to share this information from from our friends at Roanoke Trade

All Solar Panel Bonding Requires Surety Approval

By Roanoke Trade | Published July 7, 2015

The strategic significance of development and promotion of renewable energy in the twenty-first century has profoundly affected the solar panel industry worldwide. Increased foreign production in this key sector has generated heightened sensitivity to international competitive factors, in turn spawning special tariff measures to ensure a level playing field for all.

U.S./China trade has been materially impacted by the foregoing. The first set of U.S. ADD/CVD orders (A-570-979 and C-570-980) on solar panels and cells from China was published in late 2012. Those orders do not apply to panels produced in China from cells originating in a third-country, but they do apply to panels assembled in third-countries using Chinese cells.

A second set of orders (A-570-010 and C-570-011) was published early this year. These orders specifically apply to panels produced in China from cells originating in a third-country. The Department of Commerce (“DOC”) simultaneously published an ADD order on solar panels and cells from Taiwan, applicable also to third country panels comprised of Taiwanese cells.

ADD/CVD rates on solar panels range from approximately 3% to 250% ad valorem.

The foregoing creates abundant opportunity for confusion in the international trade community and even for CBP as it struggles to enforce what DOC has mandated. More importantly, it brings great potential for serious loss to importers and their sureties – meanwhile, aggravating customs brokers’ exposure to E&O claims and/or penalties for failure to exercise “reasonable care.”

Please contact your Roanoke Bond Service Representatives to obtain approval of any bond involving solar panels, irrespective of country of origin and to present any questions you may have.

DOC cautions importers and others that HTSUS subheadings appearing in DOC notices are provided for convenience and customs purposes only and that their written description of the scope of orders is dispositive. Importers are strongly advised to engage the services of licensed customs brokers and qualified customs attorneys before engaging in trade involving possible ADD/CVD exposures. 

Freight Transportation Services Index hits all-time high

Tags: 

• 15-43
 
• newsletter

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI), which is based on the amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry, rose 0.2 percent in August from July, rising for the second consecutive month, according to figures released on Oct. 22 by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ (BTS). The August 2015 index level (123.5) was 30.4 percent above the April 2009 low during the most recent recession    

The level of freight shipments in August measured by the Freight TSI (123.5) was at an all-time high, exceeding the previous high of 123.4 in November 2014.  BTS’ TSI records begin in 2000.  

The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments by mode of transportation in tons and ton-miles, which are combined into one index. The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.

The Freight TSI increase was narrower in terms of modes than it often has been; trucking and rail intermodal showed significant gains, while rail carload, aviation freight, and pipeline decreased, and waterborne was stable. Similarly the increase occurred against a background of mixed indicators for the general economy – employment, personal income, and housing starts all increased, while the Federal Reserve Board Industrial Production index fell. 

Dixie Cullen - Newest FTZ Warehouse facility in Houston

We are pleased to announce that Dixie Cullen is now an approved "FTZ"  Foreign Trade Zone, through the Port of Houston.

What is a "FTZ":  I believe that one of the simplest explanations for the "Lay Person" is from Wikipedia. --  A Foreign-trade zone (FTZ) of the United States is a geographical area, in (or adjacent to) a United States Port of Entry, where commercial merchandise,  both domestic and foreign receives the same Customs treatment it would if it were outside the commerce of the United States.  Another Definition of an FTZ states that it is an isolated, enclosed and policed area operated as a public utility, furnished with facilities for loading, unloading, handling and storing  goods and for reshipping them by land, water or air.  Merchandise of every description may be held in the Zone with out being subject to tariffs (customs duties) and other ad valorem taxes.    This tariff and tax relief is designed to lower the costs of US based operations engaged in international trade and thereby create and retain the employment and capital investment opportunities that result from those operations.

There are over 230 Foreign-Trade Zone projects and nearly 400 Subzones in the United States.

Dixie Cullen is considered a Sub-Zone,  Sub Zone # 38,  through the Port of Houston

What is a Sub-Zone?   A Foreign-Trade Subzone is an area approved by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board for use by a specific company.  Foreign-Trade Subzone companies enjoy all the same benefits as Foreign-Trade Zone companies, but subzones are located outside existing general-purpose sites within 60 miles of the Port of entry.  .

For more information about our "FTZ" services please contact us today at  Sales@dixiecullen.com 

Dixie Cullen NEW Member of the SC & RA

Heavy Lift Storage Services has always been one of our Specialities,  and we thought that NOW was the perfect time to join the Speicalized Carriers and Rigging Association

Becoming an active member of the Association will enable us to keep up to date on regulations that may affect not only us,  but our customers.

Climate Controlled Storage Expanded

We are so excited that we are almost complete with the buildout of an additonal 22,000 square feet of Class B, Climate controlled storage space.  This doubles the amount that is housed at our 8501 East freeway warehouse facility.

This expansion includes the addition of (2) 35 Ton Air Conditioning dehumidification units.  We have been seeing an increased demand for our  "Climate Controlled Storage" for machinery, electronics and other sensitive equipment  by our customers and we are gearing up to meet their demand.

Setting of the platforms that will hold the New
Air conditioning dehumidification Units









Setting of the 2nd and final unit

Breark Bulk America's

We, at Dixie Cullen,  would like to invite you to visit our Houston Warehoue Facilities while in town for the Conference Our main warehouse facility is less then 10 minutes from the George R. Brown Conference Center and we will be available all week Check our our new Climate Controlled area "FTZ" October 5-8, 2015 George R. Brown Convention Center Houston, TX, USA

REGISTER TODAY FOR YOUR BEST SAVINGS! New this year - Micro Seminars, Shipper's Panel, Baseball Night & more. Breakbulk Americas 2015, we're intensely focused on the unique challenges that face project cargo logisticians, gathering industry experts from around the world. Breakbulk Americas 2015 provides you a unique opportunity to learn from expert logisticians and service providers. Christian Blair Thompson Breakbulk Americas Join us in Houston, October 5-8! We knew it would be tough to beat last year's 25th anniversary celebration, but I think you'll agree this year's agenda is truly unmatched. NEW presentations, workshops, networking - Shipper's Panel, Micro Seminars, Case Studies and Breakbulk Night at the Ballpark! See you in Houston! REGISTER TODAY » Use promo code BAM15 to activate your 10% discount. Featured Presentation Shipper's Panel — Shaping the Transport Envelope From Incoterms to port selection, how much of the ‘transport envelope' do cargo owners want or need to control, and how much control should they hand over to their subcontractors? Moderator: Philip B. Brown, Product Director, Fluor Daniel Fahringer, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. Alex Strogen, Senior Global Commodity Leader, GE Global Operations Stephen Spoljaric, Transportation & Logistics Manager, Bechtel Oil Gas & Chemical Frank Imbruglia, Senior Project Logistics Manager, Technip USA, Inc. Learn more » Register TODAY »   Use promo code BAM15 to activate your 10% discount. Start planning now! October 5-6: Education Workshops October 6: Jerry Nagel Education Day October 6: VIP Leadership Summit (by invitation only) October 6: Evening Welcome Reception October 7-8: Exhibition, Conference Sessions, Micro-Seminars, Demos October 8: Night at the Ballpark - Minute Maid Park We're here to help with Everything! Registration, Visa Letters, Accommodations, Transportation, Exhibitors Education Workshops Jerry Nagel Education Day a series of sessions on the breakbulk industry for university students, industry freshmen. MORE INFO | REGISTER   PPG Certificate - Project Cargo Management is ISO accredited for project forwarders seeking to fast track or refresh their skills. MORE INFO | REGISTER   Heavy Lift Technical Workshop Land & Barge and Ocean Transport - intermediate-advanced students are taught best practices for safe heavy lifts. MORE INFO | REGISTER Agenda Highlights PEG Industry Outlook Ocean Currents - Part I: Multipurpose and Heavy-Lift Fleet Update Part II: Twice the Suez South Louisiana - Bracing for the Boom Shipper's Panel - Shaping the Transport Envelope Project Cargo Case Study: The Long and Winding Route Micro-Seminars Charter Party Overview, Elements, Negotiation Logistics Contract Negotiations

CEO/CFO Magazine

As a 3 time receipent of the  Houston Fast 100,  for the fastest growing privately held businesses in a 10 county area,  we recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by CEO CFO Magazine.  

http://ceocfointerviews.com/interviews/DixieCullen15.htm

Houston Fast 100

Last week Dixie Cullen Interest's was amoung one of  one hundred companies to be honored as the Fastest Growning privately held businesses in a 10 country area.

We have received this honor twice in the past,  once in 2010 and then 2014.   We're excited to be honored and wish to take a moment to say  THANK YOU,  to our Dixie Cullen TEAM and to you our Customers and Vendors.

7th Annual Harris County International Trade & Transportation Conference

Registration Now Open
www.harriscountyevents.net

October 28, 2015
NRG Center
8:30 AM
Followed By Networking Social at 5 PM

To Sponsor Contact Caroline Binick:
Caroline.Binick@cjo.hctx.net or 713-755-4012
We are media partners with the JOC

Let us help you with your Industrial Storage Needs

We Remember

Dixie Cullen makes the Houston Fast 100 Private Businesses

Dixie Cullen Interests, a Houston-based industrial storage, export preparation and transloading company, is a three-time Fast 100 finalist ( including this year) and has spent three years on HBJ's List of Fastest Woman-Owned Businesses.

It all started in 1995 when a couple coincidences aligned for Catherine James, the founder and CEO.  "I had been in the machinery and plant relocation business, and I wanted off the road," James said. "There was a customer who got their permits pulled and needed to store equipment. A truck driver told me about a building, and it all came together."

 The company has grown rapidly since then, expanding to include quick-turnaround storage, unpacking containers coming in from the port and loading them into trucks, storing sensitive electronics in a special climate-controlled unit, and other services that clients requested.

"If it's big and ugly, we handle it. There’s a joke around here — the client will say, 'Can you reach into your magic bag of tricks and figure this out?'" James said. "But I have a very good team. They can make things happen. They're willing to put that extra work into it to make projects run more smoothly."

This can-do attitude has earned James clients like Exxon Mobil Corp., who used Dixie Cullen's services as the company carried out its massive move to its new campus. Another client is Phillips 66, as the company builds its Freeport and Sweeny petrochemical plants. Those two clients have fueled a lot of the company's growth, James said.

Dixie Cullen is currently building a second, 80,000-square-foot facility and expanding its climate-controlled unit by 20,000 square feet. Its in the final stages of earning a foreign trade zone certification that will allow for equipment from overseas to be stored at the company's facility.

"There aren’t a lot of warehouses in Houston that have foreign trade zone status that can also handle heavy machinery and equipment," James said, adding that the Port of Houston has been advocating on the company's behalf to get the designation. "That’s why the port was so eager to help; they are seeing us as a resource for them. I can see it adding another 30 percent increase in growth next year in the project cargo department."

For the next several weeks, HBJ will introduce you to the Houston area’s 100 fastest-growing private companies based on revenue growth from 2012 to 2014 — culminating in our Houston Fast 100 Awards. Our blogs will present the companies in random order, and the rankings and revenue growth for each company will be revealed at our event on Sept. 17. Click here to register for the event.

Cyber Crimes - Webinar focused on those in the Trade and Transportation industry

Cyber Crimes... They Can Happen to You! Presented by: Terry Cummings, Vice President Roanoke Trade Date & Time: Thursday, August  13, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST Cost: Members: $50 Non-members: $75 About the Webinar The trade and transportation industry is increasingly becoming vulnerable to cyber attacks. As global commerce is being conducted in an electronic environment, interruption to the supply chain caused by cyber attacks is a genuine concern. Loss of data caused by a virus or malware can cripple a company’s ability to conduct business, and consequently affects all companies down the chain. This webinar will focus on: Cyber risks and how they impact your industry What you need to know about cyber crimes  How you can protect your company As the national organization representing global trade professionals, NCBFAA's educational institute (NEI) strives to provide customs brokers and forwarders with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain high standards for professional development to compete in the job market and to advance in their career. Roanoke Trade actively supports and works with the NEI by providing educational webinars and informational articles for newsletters.  Click Here to Register for This Important Webinar!

This NEI webinar has been approved for 1 CCS or CES Continuing Education Credit!