Tips on What to Look for in an International Shipping Company

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 16, 2010 – For those in need of an international shipping company, choosing one can be a daunting task. Especially if you factor in that there is a risk for fraud and many may not be the legitimate companies they portray themselves to be. But there are some things that people can look for in order to ensure that they have a successful outcome.
“You don’t want to just pick any company that you find from doing an online search,” explains Mike Sekirin, of Carex Shipping (http://www.carexshipping.com). “You really have to research the company and then team up with one.”
In choosing an international shipping company, the important things to review include:
•   Making sure that they are licensed and bonded through the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), as all international shippers are required to be by law. This protects the customer & allows them to file a claim should the company disappear.
•   Where their shipping ports and destinations are in both the USA and worldwide. Most international shipping companies have a headquarters, but ship from multiple ports around the country.
•   That they assist the customers with such things as handling paperwork, customs clearances, and helping them to get the shipped items to their destination if it is in another city.
•   That they have a good reputation. You can check into this by conducting some online searches on the company name, checking with the FMC, etc.
•   Offering ample amount of customer support and ways that you can reach the company to have your questions and concerns addressed.
Carex Shipping has been making international deliveries for over a decade. They are licensed and bonded, and they make providing good customer support and assistance part of their philosophy. Ports that they ship from in the USA include Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Seattle, Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Savannah. They ship internationally to destinations around the world, including the Middle East, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
“We are happy to report that at Carex, we have earned a solid reputation as an international shipper,” adds Sekirin. “We can help ship just about anything overseas, but our strength lies in overseas relocation for cars, motorcycles, boat, trucks, recreational vehicles, etc.”
About Carex International Shipping Company:
Carex Shipping is an international shipping company based in the USA. It provides transportation services for export cargo to destinations around the world. The company has over 10 years’ experience at shipping all sorts of cargo, including cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, heavy equipment, machinery, travel trailers, and household goods and furniture. The company is fully licensed and bonded according to the Federal Maritime Commission regulations. To learn more about Carex Shipping, visit their Web site at http://www.carexshipping.com

Study Just Published: Spain Autos Report Q1 2010

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 12, 2010 – The government has introduced a stimulus package to boost vehicle sales, which registered 1.36mn unit sales in 2008, a 29.7% reduction on 2007 figures. However, as BMI explains in its latest Spain Automotives Report, the market is unlikely to see the full effect of the package until May or June, after which some improvement can be expected. In February, the government approved a EUR4.1bn (US$5.3bn) domestic aid plan as a part of its broader economic package of EUR70bn to stimulate economic activity. This is to be used both to help carmakers and parts suppliers upgrade their plants, and to promote research by existing manufacturers in the industry. In addition to this, a system of scrappage incentives was introduced to encourage owners of older vehicles to buy new cars, thereby boosting vehicle demand in the market. Despite the scheme, registrations fell by nearly 49% in February to 62,107 units. The figures for January-February reached 121,492, down by 45.5% y-o-y for passenger cars and 5.1% y-o-y for commercial vehicles. These figures have prompted BMI to maintain its sales forecast to just over 1.09mn units, or falling by nearly 18-20% year-on-year (y-o-y) by end-2009. The market has seen some major reshuffles in terms of its competitive landscape. Citroën's sales made it the top player in the industry, selling 11,933 vehicles to take a 19.2% share of the market. The company was followed by Renault SA, selling 11,236 units, and Peugeot, on 10,727. Although their sales have declined by no less than 30-50%, they have been successful in overtaking market-leader Ford Motor and fellow Spanish firm SEAT. They sold 10,678 and 9,561 units, respectively, making them the fourth and sixth biggest-sellers in the market. These developments do not give BMI many reasons to change the country's position in our Business Environment Ratings for the quarter. We maintain Spain's score of 59.2 points (out of a possible 100), which could be improved if the market begins to show improvements.
For more information or to purchase this report, go to:
-  http://www.fastmr.com/prod/43738_spain_autos_report_q1_2 ...
Report Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
- SWOT Analysis
- Spain Autos Industry SWOT
- Spain Political SWOT
- Spain Economic SWOT
- Business Environment Ratings
- Western, Central And Eastern Europe Business Environment Ratings
- Industry Developments - Western Europe
- German Resistance
- Improved Conditions
- Missed Opportunities For Some
- …Opportunities for GM
- Vehicle Production 2008 At GM-Owned Facilities
- Scrappage Schemes Across Europe
- Vehicle Scrappage Schemes In The EU
- Industry Developments
- Spain Autos Industry - Economic Data
- Regulatory Environment - Developments
- Fresh Investment
- Spain Vehicle Manufacturing Facilities
- Company News
- Industry Forecast Scenario
- Spain Autos Sales - Historical Data And Forecasts
- Spain - Autos Production And Exports, Jan- Sept 2009
- Spain Autos Production - Historical Data And Forecasts
- Spain Autos Sector - Historical Data And Forecasts
- Macroeconomic Forecast Scenario
Table: Spain - Economic Activity
- Competitive Landscape
- New Vehicle Registrations By Segment
- New Car Registration Top 10 Players, January-Oct 2009
- Commercial Vehicles
- New Projects
- Suppliers
- Company Monitor
- Volkswagen-SEAT
- Renault
- PSA Peugeot Citroën
- Country Snapshot: Spain Demographic Data
- Section 1: Population
- Demographic Indicators, 2005-2030f
- Rural/Urban Breakdown, 2005-2030
- Section 2: Education And Healthcare
- Education, 2002-2005
- Vital Statistics, 2005-2030
- Section 3: Labour Market And Spending Power
- Employment Indicators, 2001-2006
- Consumer Expenditure, 2000-2012 (US$)
- Average Annual Manufacturing Wages, 2000-2012
- How We Generate Our Forecasting Model
- Sources
About Business Monitor International
Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.  BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports.  Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports.  View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010
About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.
For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

Study Just Published: United States Autos Report Q1 2010

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 10, 2010 – Uncertainty regarding the future of Detroit's 'Big Three' carmakers, coupled with the ongoing economic gloom, saw US light vehicle sales drop by 36% in December, the largest decline in nearly 35 years. This meant that sales finished the year down 18% at 13.2mn units, just below  BMI's forecast of a 16% drop to 13.5mn. Data for December also showed that the US brands were not alone in their slump as the majority of major bands registered a decline of at least 20%. While incentives and financing offers are likely to remain in place until surplus inventories have been cleared, it will take much more to avoid a further drop in sales in 2009.  BMI currently forecasts a decline in the region of 21% to 10.4mn units, as carmakers continue to adapt to the market and the economy contracts further. We are slightly more optimistic from 2010 onwards, as the roll-out of more hybrids and full-electric vehicles should coincide with a resurgence in oil prices. However, a return to the 16.15mn units sold in 2007 (which was in itself a decline from the previous year) does not feature in our five-year forecast and the recovery will be a gradual one. Despite its current crisis, the US currently ranks second in  BMI's Business Environment Ratings for the automotive industry in the countries of the Americas, on 63.9 from a possible 100. The US has a negative forecast in terms of output and sales growth. While this is a testament of the extent to which the market has developed its potential, the ratings reflect the limits carmakers operating in the US market currently face. However, as a developed market, the US scores highly for its country structure and transparency of business. In terms of the 2008 competitive landscape,  General Motors (GM) maintained its first place, and  Toyota its second, while  Ford's decline of 21% for the year left the company in third. Toyota suffered slightly less over the year, with sales ending 2008 down 15.4% year on year (y-o-y), while GM's sales fell 22.7% despite maintaining market leadership. The gap between the two narrowed, however, from 1.2mn units to just over 700,000.  Chrysler was the worst hit of the 'Big Three' with sales falling by 53% in December and 30% over the year. The company attributed the severe decline to its reduction in fleet sales.
For more information or to purchase this report, go to:
-  http://www.fastmr.com/prod/43814_united_states_autos_rep ...
Report Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
- SWOT Analysis
- United States Autos Industry SWOT
- United States Political SWOT
- United States Economic SWOT
- Market Overview
- Business Environment Ratings
- Business Environment Rankings
Table: Business Environment Regional Rankings Table
- Industry Forecast Scenario
- Industry Developments
- US Autos Sector - Historical Data And Forecasts
- US Autos Sector - Historical Data And Forecasts
- Macroeconomic Forecast Scenario
- United States - GDP By Expenditure
- Competitive Landscape
- US - Top 10 New Vehicle Sales, 11M08 & 11M09 (CBUs)
- North American Light Vehicle Output 9M09 (CBUs)
- Industry Developments
- Emission Standards
- US Hybrid Sales, Jan-Sep 2009
- Company Developments
- The 'Big One'
- Suppliers
- US - Top Automotive Suppliers (US$mn)
- Company Profiles
- General Motors
- Ford Motor
- Chrysler
- Country Snapshot: US Demographic Data
- Section 1: Population
Table: Demographic Indicators, 2005-2030
Table: Rural/Urban Breakdown, 2005-2030
- Section 2: Education And Healthcare
Table: Education, 2002-2005
Table: Vital Statistics, 2005-2030
- Section 3: Labour Market And Spending Power
Table: Employment Indicators, 2001-2006
Table: Consumer Expenditure, 2000-2012 (US$)
Table: Average Annual Wages, 2000-2012 (US$)
- BMI Forecast Modelling
- How We Generate Our Forecasting Model
- Sources
About Business Monitor International
Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.  BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports.  Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports.  View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010
About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.
For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

On Jan 16th and 17th 2010 it begins! The Storm 2010 Race Season!

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 09, 2010 – Storm http://www.storm-racing.org presents round #1 of the 2010 Storm Hare Scramble Race Series to be held Jan 16th and 17th.This race will be held at Skull creek located in Altair Tx and promises to be an exciting one. With right at 17 miles of course consisting of everything from sand to trees to rocky creeks, this will prove challenging to even the most experienced rider. However a much smaller and easier course is designed and setup for the young racers and novices. Come join us for a race weekend!
Storm will have a PRO Purse payout
1st — $600.00
2nd — $400.00
3rd — $200.00
4th — $100.00
5th — $50.00
RIDERS MUST REGISTER @ SCORING BEFORE
PRACTICING, PARADE-LAP OR RACING !!!!!
South Texas Off-Road Motorcyclist (STORM) Inc. is a non-profit organization setup to promote Texas off-road motorcycle racing.
We encourage you to get involved with your local club and become a volunteer. It doesn't matter whether it's at a local club level or STORM director level. The bottom line is getting involved and making an effort to improve the sport we all enjoy. We hope to see you at the meetings and races promoting Hare Scramble racing in the near future.

GotoBus Reveals Warm Weather Deals for 2010

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 06, 2010 – CAMBRIDGE, MA- GotoBus is pleased to announce our very best warm weather deals for 2010.  With winter in full effect, many travelers have made a New Year’s resolution to travel more and are looking for budget friendly getaways to warm weather locales. GotoBus has been aggressively expanding their inventory to meet customer demands.
One of the most popular destinations right now is Los Angeles (http://www.gotobus.com/losangeles/).  With temperate climes and so much to see and do, it is no wonder why travelers flock here. From Los Angeles, GotoBus offers numerous tours to well known attractions like Napa Valley, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, and the Grand Canyon.
LA Getaway Deal: LA to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West Rim 3-Day Tour $89
LA Vacation Deal: Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Grand Canyon West 5-Day Vacation $308
Another hot spot is the wonderful city of Miami (http://www.gotobus.com/miami/)! The Miami area has it all from adventure theme parks nearby to beautiful beaches and the natural wonder of the Everglades. Enjoy a cruise here or shop until you drop in South Beach.
Miami Sightseeing Deal: Everglades Airboat Adventure Tour $50
Miami Vacation Deal: Miami to Orlando 5-Day Tour (Includes admissions to 5 attractions) $540
Perhaps the most sought after destination for those craving sunshine is the Hawaiian Islands (http://www.gotobus.com/hawaii).  Known for its Polynesian culture, tropical climate, and pristine beaches makes this state top most travel lists. Book early because these tours tend to sell out fast at these rock bottom prices.
Hawaii Activity Deal: Dole Plantation and Waikele Outlet $30
Hawaii Vacation Deal: Hawaii 5-Day Tour Package-D $178
Want to gift a vacation but are unsure which destination the recipient would prefer? Give the gift of warm weather travel with a GotoBus gift certificate (http://www.gotobus.com/cs/c1696/index.html) and let them decide!
Please note that all prices are current at the time of publishing. Additional vacation destinations, special offers, complete travel itineraries, and ticketing information are available online at GotoBus.com.

FairTran Offers Free Mobile Diesel Price Search Tool

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 05, 2010 – Oklahoma City – FairTran, LLC announces a new mobile diesel price searching service for the transportation industry to help drivers find the lowest prices on diesel within a 25 mile radius.  The free service, available by sending a text or email with a city and state to fuel@fairtran.com, is designed to help truckers find the cheapest fuel prices while they are out on the road.
“One of the biggest costs that the trucking industry faces is the cost of fuel,” said Charlie Collins, FairTran president. “By doing a little research you can normally save a few cents per gallon.”
FairTran.com also allows trucking companies to see the ‘National FairTran Value’ average per mile to haul a load - long haul, short haul, and for different trailer types. As an added benefit, when you search for fuel, you are automatically signed up to receive the free weekly ‘National FairTran Value’.
About FairTran, LLC
The partners of FairTran have over 75 combined years of experience in the transportation industry. Their stated goal is to assist the trucking companies in need of fast and accurate information in order to survive in the competitive trucking industry. FairTran is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  https://www.fairtran.com

Latvia Freight Carried To Grow 2.7% Per Annum Over The 2010-2014 Cites New Study

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 03, 2010 – In October, Latvia's two largest ports (Riga and Ventspils) announced their tonnage throughput results for January-September 2009. Port News reported that as per data provided by the port administration of the Free Port of Riga, the facility has handled 22.36mn tonnes - a year-on-year (y-o-y) increase of 1.9%. This total tonnage figure is made up of 14.38mn tonnes of bulk cargo, a y-o-y increase of 0.3%; 4.93mn tonnes of liquid bulk cargo, a y-o-y increase of 28% and general cargo, which posted a throughput of 3.05mn tonnes, a decline of 19% on the 2008 figure for the same period. BMI is forecasting that for the whole of 2009 the port of Riga will handle 29.59mn tonnes, a y-o-y growth of 0.08% compared with the port's total throughput in 2008 of 29.56mn tonnes. We believe our forecast for the port of Riga to be achievable, as with just three months left of 2009, we predict that the port will handle about 7.23mn tonnes. The port of Ventspils recorded a total tonnage throughput of 20.71mn tonnes for the first three quarters of 2009, a y-o-y growth of 2.8%. This figure is made up of 5.75mn tonnes of bulk cargo transhipment and 13.9mn tonnes of liquid bulk transhipment, a y-o-y growth of 1.71%. The port of Ventspil's operations are dominated by the transhipment of oil products that made up 12.83mn tonnes of the 13.9mn tonnes of liquid bulk transhipped in the first nine months of 2009. We predict that by the end of 2009 the port will have catered for 29.68mn tonnes of cargo, a y-o-y growth of 3.89%. BMI's forecasts are on course to be realised as a throughput of 8.97mn tonnes of over the last quarter of 2009 is achievable, in our view. BMI notes Latvia's ports have done well to continue achieving positive growth in 2009, as we forecast the Baltic state will post a total trade decline of 30.77% for the full year. We predict the country's total trade will begin to pick up in 2010 with a growth forecast of 1.5%. We see the Latvian economy slowing dramatically, with contraction of 2.0% in 2008, followed by a massive slump (GDP down 18.4%) in 2009, and a third year of contraction (-2.3%) in 2010. With a fairly weak recovery following on from there, we expect average annual GDP growth of 2.3% over the 2010- 2014 period. This is slower than over the preceding five years, when GDP expansion averaged 2.5% a year, a figure that was pulled down by the freefall in 2009. BMI is maintaining various adjustments to our mode-specific freight-carried forecasts. We reduced our estimates for rail freight, largely as a result of lower Russian transit traffic starting in 2006. We now expect freight carried across all modes of transport to grow by an average of 2.7% per annum over the 2010-2014 period. According to our latest estimates, transport and communications GDP fell by a dramatic 18.4% in 2009, on a par with GDP up by 10.3%. For 2010-2014, we expect the transport and communications sector to be in step with the economy as a whole, with both expanding by an annual average of 2.3%. The total value of transport and communications GDP will rise to US$3.6bn in nominal terms by 2014; 15.5% of Latvia's GDP. The transport and communications sector employed 91,500 people, or 9.4% of the labour force in 2007. We see that holding steady to 2014 and remaining at 9.4% of the labour force.
For more information or to purchase this report, go to:
-  http://www.fastmr.com/prod/43780_latvia_freight_transpor ...
About Business Monitor International
Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.
BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports.  Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including Daily Alerts, monthly regional Insights, and in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports.  View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010
About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.
For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.