Crowley's new program improves used-vehicle export process from Port Everglades
Crowley Maritime Corp. has helped launch a pilot Vehicle Validation Export Process Program that now allows shippers to submit original vehicle export documentation electronically instead of delivering physical copies to a local customs trade office, the company said in its press release. The automated program, which is the first of its kind anywhere in the country, is currently being offered in Port Everglades to exporters shipping used vehicles from South Florida to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Central America and beyond. Crowley was a critical player in developing the test program, which kicked off earlier this month.
The test program offers several key advantages. First, it offers exporters the ability to skip in-person visits to the trade office in Port Everglades to deliver original vehicle export documentation – a time-saving efficiency that ensures faster document processing and reduced shipment times by around a day. Now, shippers can submit digital copies online any time of the day or night for faster review, processing and approval.
Digital copies also mean that exporters are no longer required to make multiple copies of documentation per vehicle being shipped, since the files can be provided electronically.
“The convenience of this program for all parties involved can’t be overemphasized. It goes without saying that offering an automated, online program for exporting used vehicles is a major trade advantage for South Florida,” explained Crowley’s Nelly Yunta, vice president. “This effort is the result of years of hard work, and it is our hope that it will be a successful experience that has long-term value.”
“Crowley consistently positions itself on the leading edge of innovative and modernized business processes that allow the shipping line and its customers to work more efficiently,” said Steven Cernak, chief executive and port director, Port Everglades. “In Fiscal Year 2017, 42,553 TEUs of vehicle cargo were exported at Port Everglades. This new program will allow Port Everglades to further develop the market.”
Vehicle exporters interested in taking advantage of this time-saving pilot program should contact Crowley at PEVtraffic@crowley.com or 1-800-CROWLEY for instructions. The required documents must still be submitted 72 hours prior to the exportation of the vehicle.
The pilot program is expected to continue through at least March, when it will be considered for further implementation in Port Everglades and potentially other locations.
About Crowley
Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 126-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company that provides marine solutions, energy and logistics services in domestic and international markets. Six operating lines of business provide logistics and supply chain management, including liner container shipping; government services; contract marine towing and transportation; ship assist and tanker escort; offshore engineering and upstream project support; deep sea petroleum and chemical transportation; liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation, distribution, engineering and consulting services; Alaska fuel sales and distribution; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture through its Jensen Maritime subsidiary, and salvage and emergency response through its 50 percent ownership in Ardent Global.