Miami Customs urges bonds for terminal operators

Miami Customs urges bonds for terminal operators The Customs and Border Patrol office in Miami Thursday issued a notice pointing out that all marine terminal operators must post a Marine Terminal Operator bond by January 19 if they do not already have a valid international carrier bond.
   A nation-wide bond notification was issued by the CBP on December 20. The driving force behind the notification has been the discovery of instances around the country in which cargo targeted by the CBP for either terrorism or enforcement reasons has been released by terminal operators without authorization before examinations have been completed.
   'Terminal operators and carriers have been found culpable in these situations,' the notice said. 'In order to ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit delivery of merchandise without CBP authorization, terminal operators will be required to post bonds if they do not already hold an international carrier bond.'
   The minimum bond amount is $100,000 and the maximum is $500,000.
   The notice was issued for terminal operators, international carriers, freight fowarders, container freight stations, customs brokers and importers in the Miami CBP district.
   Michael Wright, the CPB assistant director, trade operations in Miami, said the notice was sent out to the various parties to increase overall awareness of the situation.
   He said the bonds are needed not only for the 'gate out' incidents, but as protection in other situations, as well.