April 25, 2025


NETWORK NEWS - Mini Edition

A GLOBAL INFORMATION SOURCE FOR FORWARD THINKERS

 

President's Corner

Dear partners,


At last, we are packing for Da Nang and our 56th Worldwide Meeting, the big event that brings us all together again. This year we’ve added to the schedule an orientation session for first time attendees and all partners are welcome. 


This year we have a hospitality lounge and we thank our sponsor, Midwest Transatlantic Lines. We also thank Vabix for sponsoring the Dinner Cruise and a VIP table, Interunion for the Hoi An transportation, Edward Zarach & Associates for the Name Badge & Lanyards and Willson International, Roanoke, MSI/Mercury, and Jim Pearson for the Welcome Cocktails. 


We thank Trade Tech, our provider of ISC2 ENS filing services, for being with us to answer our questions about satisfying the new European requirements. Ken Ortloff is taking One-on-One meetings so be sure to schedule a time to discuss your questions or needs.


Do check your travel documents and, if necessary, complete the on-line visa application. See below for more information on how to obtain an E-Visa. A link to the agenda is below as well.


Our worldwide meetings bring us together to discover new opportunities to create new and to nourish valued relationships. With the changing landscape of tariffs worldwide, in addition to the usual complexities of managing logistics, we will enhance our understanding and abilities from the exchange of thoughts and experiences with our colleagues. 


Jim Swift

President

United Shipping, Inc. 

Worldwide Meeting News

The Meeting App Will Launch Monday!!


On Monday, you'll receive an email with instructions for downloading the meeting app. If you have any questions or run into issues, the email will include a contact address you can reach out to for support.



The WhatsApp Group Will Be Ready Monday!


If you signed up to be added to the Vietnam Whatsapp Group on your registration, you will be added to the chat on Monday.



Fast Track Services & Transportation Available


Because Harlow is awesome, they've arranged convenient services to help you fast-track through Da Nang airport and organized an option for airport pickup. While the Corporate Office can't set these up on your behalf, Harlow has shared the links so you can easily book these services yourself if you’d like.


VIP Fast Track Airport Service

There are two options for bypassing the main security immigration line and being brought to the Fast Track line. To learn more about the options, fees and important information click HERE. To book your fast track VIP airport service, please feel free to reach out to Linh at +84 905882598 or email info@truongsatourist.net. 


For last minute E-Visa Services click HERE.


Airport Pick-Up Service

For anyone interested in a airport pickup car service, please contact Da Nang Vip Car at info@xevipdanang.com. Pricing for the transfer options are listed below:


Regular Car Service – Toyota, Honda, etc - $10 USD one way

VIP Car Service – Luxury Van $30 USD one way


If you have any questions, please reach out to us at isabella@harlowagency.ca.

Don't Forget Your Business Cards!


During Thursday's Closing Session, please bring a business card to be entered into a drawing to win either free airfare or hotel stay at the next WWM.

Have You Gotten Your Visa for Vietnam?

There is still time!


Visas are required for all US members traveling to Vietnam. There are a lot of countries that will also require you to have a Visa. You may do an E-Visa for Vietnam. Please click here to go directly to that site and apply and find out more information.


Vietnam currently offers visa exemption to citizens of multiple countries. Here's who can enter Vietnam without a visa:



  1. European nations: Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Spain, and the United Kingdom
  2. Asian countries: Japan, South Korea, Singapore
  3. Southeast Asian nations: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand
  4. Other regions: Chile, Panama


The list of exempt countries might change unexpectedly. Reach out to your local embassy to get an updated list of the exempt countries before your trip.


Requirements and validity period

To enter Vietnam visa-free, you need:


  1. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
  2. Proof of onward travel
  3. Sufficient blank pages in your passport for entry stamps

Have You Booked Your Hotel?


If you have not already done so, please reserve your lodging for Vietnam as soon as possible. Click here to be directed to the hotel with our group booking. You will need to change the date to see the rooms available. Please do this at your earliest convenience or chance rooms being sold out.


The Pullman Hotel has been designated as the official accommodation for USI’s Worldwide Meeting. The cost of lunches, breaks, the awards banquet dinner, and other related expenses are included in our negotiated pricing. Attendees who choose to stay at a different hotel will be subject to a daily delegate rate. For any questions or further clarification, please contact the Corporate Office.

 

Dinner Cruise Sponsor &

VIP Table Sponsor!!

Hospitality Suite Sponsor!!


Welcome Cocktail Sponsor!!


Welcome Cocktail Sponsor!!


 

Welcome Cocktail Sponsor!!


 
 

Hoi An Memories Show Transport Sponsor!!

Welcome Cocktail Sponsor!!


Name Badge &

Lanyard Sponsor!!


Corporate News

Payments to USI/USL/MLGP


When making payments to USI/USL/MLGP please include the invoice numbers that you are paying. On the instructions to the bank for the ACH payment or wire transfer please use the "information for beneficiary" box to reference the invoice numbers. When paying by statement indicate "statement" and date. If there is not sufficient room, please email Alban the payment advice information with the invoice numbers included.


Please communicate this with your accounting department. This is not being done and resulting in your USI account not reconciling with your accounting department's records. Thank you for encouraging your accounting department in helping us streamline this process.


If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and let us know.

AR Reports

Your April AR Report will be due May 10th. All AR Reports should be filed by the 10th of each month. Please log in to our website and file your report today. If you do not have anything to report, a Zero Report is still due. Every partner is required to file this report in order to maintain MLGP benefits.


If you are a new partner and have questions about this process, please contact the Corporate Office.


If you do not know how to file an AR report - please click here.

Bill of Lading Submission

PLEASE HOLD

With the Worldwide Meeting so close, we are asking that you hold your usual May 1st submissions until after we have returned from Vietnam. An email will be sent to you letting you know when to send them. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Holidays

Now Accepting 2025 Holiday Lists

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Please send in your 2025 holiday lists to be kept on file.


We will use your list and publish in each Network News.

Got News?

Please send the Corporate Office any updates on your company, new employees, current or completed projects, awards and/or anything you want to share with our USI family! Photos, videos, or presentations are always a plus! Please send all submissions to us today!

Partner News

IFC Global's New Corporate Video!

Industry News

Beijing blocks sale of Panama Canal shipping terminals to US investor: Reports

Cancelled voyages take the sting out of spot rate declines this week


USTR fee could price Chinese carriers out of US trades

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Slides While Inflation Expectations Jump


A Dozen States File Lawsuit Seeking to Block Trump Tariffs

Transpacific shipping market braces for contraction as carriers slash capacity


BOC amends schedule of dues, fees, charges

Trump claims '200' tariff deals, phone call with China's Xi in wide-ranging interview


Negotiations at risk. China sets tough condition for US

Tariff tit-for-tat has Seattle waiting for the ships to come in

 
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