Letter to R. Gil Kerlikowske, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection - Port of Cleveland's Cargo Clearance Operation

Letter

Dear Commissioner Kerlikowske:

We write to bring your attention to the need for the expeditious implementation by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of an intermediate containerized cargo clearance operation at the Port of Cleveland as a new direct international service with the Port of Antwerp, Belgium, commences next month. The first ship call will be on or about April 16, 2014.

We appreciate that CBP has outlined the necessary elements of an interim approach to containerized cargo clearance and is engaging collaboratively with the Port of Cleveland to enable the first ship to unload its cargo on schedule in early April. We understand that a local CBP officer has been assigned to oversee CBP's response for this project.

We strongly support the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority in its ambitious plan to launch regularly-scheduled service, including containerized cargo, between Cleveland and northern Europe, the first such service on the Great Lakes in 40 years. This service could potentially double the amount of cargo handled by the Port and create more than 100 jobs. It also will benefit the environment by enabling Ohio exports and other shipments to move over a substantial part of the supply chain by efficient, marine transport.

We look forward to the expedited implementation of an intermediate clearance operation by CBP with the Port of Cleveland, so that there is no delay in the inauguration of this important international service. Perhaps it is fitting here to also note your recent confirmation and the inauguration of your new leadership of the agency. We wish you a successful and productive term in office.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for the responsiveness of your CBP personnel in Cleveland.

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