CV International & Capes Shipping Agencies Newsletter | Winter 2026
At CVI, we strive to keep our customers updated on current trends & events impacting their supply chain. We send regular Client Alerts but encourage you to also follow us on LinkedIn for all the details in between. On LinkedIn, we provide you with Customs updates, company updates, port closures, rate fluctuations, and much more.
Dear Valued Colleagues, Clients, Partners, and Friends,
This year, our Director of Compliance & Customs Services, Sam McClure, is beginning a well-earned retirement after many years of dedicated service. Sam has been the cornerstone of our compliance and customs brokerage team—known for his deep expertise, his integrity, and his ability to bring humor and perspective to even the most complex situations. I’m pleased that he’ll continue supporting our customers part-time as a Compliance Consultant, ensuring they continue to benefit from his experience. We’re also pleased to welcome John Boomhover, who steps into the director role with deep experience in customs compliance and a shared commitment to service excellence.
Amid these changes, one thing remained consistent—positive feedback from our customers reinforced what we strive for every day. In our recent customer experience survey, clients highlighted our team’s responsiveness, clear communication, and reliable partnership—especially during challenging periods. I want to thank those who took the time to share their feedback. It matters, and it helps guide how we approach every customer and service interaction.
As we move into 2026, we remain committed to being a trusted partner that you can count on—whatever the market may bring. Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Mike Coleman
President & CEO
CVI and Capes Shipping
Transpacific eastbound ocean freight rates are settling once again. Carriers found success implementing increases during the second half of December, but most attempts since then have not held for long. It appears carriers may have been overly optimistic about a volume surge in advance of the Lunar New Year holiday. They are once again turning to blank sailings to control capacity and build rollover pools to last through the extended holiday in Asia.
Ahead of the annual ocean freight bid season, expectations are that Asia-US rate levels will be similar to 2025-2026 levels, perhaps slightly lower. Despite lower import volumes and increasing capacity in the global market, carriers were able to maintain relatively healthy ocean freight levels in the spot market over the last year. Moving forward, they are looking to deploy capacity where it is most needed; for example, we expect more robust services from Southeast Asia to the US, and more options on non-US trades. Carriers will also continue to use blank sailings as a capacity control strategy.
This week, the Journal of Commerce highlighted an under-reported concern in the global ocean freight market. As carriers continue to order new vessels and slow crawl back to Red Sea routings, effective ocean freight capacity is growing. However, port infrastructure development is not keeping the same pace. There are doubts across the industry as to whether global ports can efficiently handle all of the new capacity coming online, especially the largest vessels. Many ports are already strained, and it is likely we will see more congestion in the coming years. Port congestion disrupts schedule reliability and frequently results in elevated freight rates, as we saw during the pandemic years.
We always encourage a balanced approach to bidding, awarding, and booking cargo. Rates will be important this year, as always, but it’s equally critical to consider reliability and service.
Rachel Shames,
Vice President, Pricing & Procurement
ACH Refund Authorization Tool
As importing businesses in the United States await the Supreme Court’s decision on whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) grants the President authority to impose tariffs, importers should also consider a critical related question: are you properly prepared to receive a refund if one is granted?
Although it remains unclear who may ultimately be entitled to refunds—or whether refunds will be issued at all—the process for receiving any approved refunds is well defined and is undergoing a significant transition.
On March 25, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14247, which mandates the modernization of all federal disbursements and receipts by transitioning from paper checks to electronic payments, to the extent permitted by law. Historically, importers submitted written protests at their local U.S. Customs office and, upon approval, received a paper refund check by mail. As federal payment systems continue to modernize, this process has evolved accordingly.
Beginning February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue refunds exclusively through the ACH Refund Authorization tool within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). Paper checks will no longer be issued unless a company can demonstrate that the electronic process creates a financial hardship. Refunds will be deposited directly into a U.S.-based bank account designated in the importer’s ACE profile.
Read more of John’s article and learn how to apply for an ACE account here.
John Boomhover,
Director of Compliance & Customs Services
Looking Back: Gratitude and Reflection on My Career
With the arrival of the new year, I have left the role as CVI’s Director of Compliance and moved to a support role as a compliance consultant. This will mark the first time in nearly forty-nine years that I will not be working full-time in the industry. That’s a long time, trust me I know, and many changes have occurred along the way. While the purpose of the job remains the same, the means to achieve that end are barely recognizable from the 1977 view. Like all industries, changes are both inevitable and necessary. Processes have been automated, streamlined, and expanded, allowing the trade to accomplish more objectives in less time. We can deliver more services faster, more accurately, and more efficiently than ever, and the road ahead will only see an increased pace of change. This is healthy for our industry as much as it is beneficial to our customers, and it breeds innovation for companies such as ours.
Some things, however, do not change. It is the dedication of our people that makes all this work, and I have been fortunate to work with and for outstanding people. That has been a constant over the decades, and I am so thankful to have been surrounded by smart, hard-working people who have inspired me. I have worked with only three companies, and each of them conducted business in a manner that allowed me to be proud of what I do for a living. I learned this week that Linda Masten, my business partner from Central Carolina Shipping, where I worked for 26 years, has passed away. Her contribution to my success and to my life cannot be overstated. Likewise, Mr. O.W. Waters from Waters Shipping and the Coleman family at CV International have provided me with a great place to work and opportunities to grow. I still work with customers and business partners I have known since 1977, and of course, I have had the good fortune to meet many new people along the way. These relationships are the real reward I have received from working.
When approached to write this article, I was asked about my insights and legacy of working in the industry over these many years. I have no real insight other than I know you must stay current with the curve and that good people will continue to make good decisions. As for my legacy, that one is easy. I will remember that I have been so fortunate to work alongside people of tremendous drive, dedication, and ability. I could not have picked a better group of people to spend this time with, and my legacy is that I am lucky!
Sam McClure,
Compliance Consultant
In mid-October, CVI was proud to sponsor and attend the Virginia Maritime Association’s 2025 International Trade Symposium in Norfolk, Virginia. The three-day event gathered maritime and trade professionals for a dynamic program of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities—highlighting Virginia’s vital position in global commerce and the depth of its maritime expertise.
Throughout the symposium, the CVI team welcomed the chance to connect with customers, partners, and colleagues across the industry. From port tours to conversations on the expo floor, the event offered many opportunities to strengthen relationships. Reuniting with longtime customers—some who have worked with CVI since the company’s founding by Wayne Coleman—served as a powerful reminder of the lasting partnerships that drive mutual growth.
We also extend special recognition to Rachel Shames, Vice President of Pricing & Procurement, who moderated the panel “Ocean Freight Contracting: What’s Working, What’s Changing, What Shippers Need to Know.” The session generated thoughtful dialogue around current trends and challenges shaping the ocean freight market. Our thanks to the Virginia Maritime Association for delivering another exceptional symposium—we’re already looking ahead to VMA26.
CVI’s 2025 customer experience survey has wrapped up, and we would like to sincerely thank all of our valued customers and partners for participating. As our VP of Operations, Lisa Cook, likes to remind customers: “Your insights are essential in helping us grow and deliver the service excellence you expect and deserve.”
For another year in a row, 100% of respondents recommend CV International, and many highlighted team members who consistently go above and beyond. Your comments help guide improvements, strengthen partnerships, and ensure we continue exceeding expectations as The Most Trusted Partner in Global Trade.
Congratulations to this year’s survey prize winners, and thank you to all for your continued trust and support—we couldn’t do it without you!
This past October, CVI hosted an insightful webinar on Customs bond insufficiencies, a growing concern for businesses navigating complex import regulations. Inadequate bond coverage can result in unexpected fees, shipment delays, and compliance challenges, making it critical for importers to understand how to manage bond obligations effectively.
Our Customs compliance experts, Sam McClure, LCB, and Casey Murphy, LCB, guided attendees through practical strategies for determining the right bond amounts, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring smooth operations. Participants also had the opportunity to engage directly with the experts during a live Q&A, discussing real-world scenarios and solutions.
If you were unable to join, the presentation slides—with practical insights and reference materials included—are available on our website. We look forward to offering more of these sessions in the future to help our partners stay informed and confident in navigating compliance requirements.
CV International recently brought a taste of Germany to Charlotte, NC, with a lively Oktoberfest at Gilde Brewery USA! We were thrilled to spend the evening with our customers, partners, and colleagues, enjoying great food, engaging conversation, and, of course, authentic German beer.
The evening began with a heartfelt toast from Klaus Becker, former Honorary Consul of Germany–Charlotte, who highlighted the importance of the Mittelstand: family-owned, small- and medium-sized companies that power Germany’s economy. His remarks resonated with many of our customers, whose innovative, quality-driven businesses exemplify the same dedication to excellence and reliability that CVI brings to global trade and logistics.
A special thanks to Bernd Losskarn, CVI’s Director of Business Development – Europe, for organizing such a memorable evening. Celebrations like this remind us that our industry thrives not just on business, but on the strong relationships and shared experiences that connect us all.
CVI’s Atlanta and Charlotte teams recently traded their desks for the field, spending the day inside key logistics hubs that play a vital role in the freight we help move every day. Seeing these operations firsthand brought new perspective and made the connection between our work and real-world execution even clearer.
In Atlanta, the team visited Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and gained insight into the air cargo operations and behind-the-scenes coordination required to keep freight moving through one of the world’s busiest transportation hubs. In Charlotte, several team members toured the Norfolk Southern terminal at the Charlotte Airport, where they experienced a rare, up-close look at intermodal operations and infrastructure.
These visits offered a great opportunity for learning and team building, helping our teams better connect with each other and the supply chains we support every day.
On September 26th, CVI welcomed partners from Vanguard Furniture and Lightning Transportation for an inside look at Charleston’s bustling port operations. Organized by Lisa Cook and Bill Smith, with support from Cami McCoy of the SC Ports Authority, the tour offered a rare glimpse into one of the East Coast’s most vital gateways.
Guests Anna McGhee and Yasmine Arevalo of Vanguard saw firsthand the impressive dockside operations, including several massive container ships in action. The port’s impact is far-reaching, with one in every nine jobs in South Carolina tied to port activity.
Terry Kanzigg and Bonnie Banzon of Lightning Transportation, who manage drayage for Vanguard and CVI, also joined the tour. Bonnie also showcased Lightning’s nearby terminal, giving attendees a clear view of how their operations connect to the broader supply chain. Bill Smith added, “Port tours are an excellent way for shippers to develop a deeper understanding of the many moving parts that must align for supply chains to flow smoothly. We highly recommend it for all our customers.”
If you’d like to arrange a port tour with CVI and see supply chain operations in action, please contact Bill Smith, Vice President of Business Development and Sales.
As we welcome 2026, we’re reflecting on the joy and connection of the recent holiday season. At CV International and Capes Shipping Agencies, team gatherings and celebrations gave us a chance to come together, share laughter, and embrace the festive spirit.
We also visited many of our valued customers to deliver our 2026 calendars and spread holiday cheer—a cherished tradition that allows us to show our gratitude and strengthen the partnerships that make our work so meaningful.
Thank you to our incredible team for making this season memorable and to our customers for welcoming us with warmth. Here’s to a bright, successful, and collaborative 2026!
At CV International and Capes Shipping Agencies, Stewardship remains a core value that guides how we support the communities where we live and work. Each year, we are proud to partner with charitable organizations across our offices—supporting causes that serve children, assist individuals experiencing homelessness, honor veterans, and more.
In 2025, continued growth and momentum have allowed us to expand our support of these organizations, reinforcing our belief that success is best shared. These contributions reflect our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact beyond our business.
We are thankful for our dedicated team, valued customers, and trusted partners who help make this possible, and we look forward to carrying this spirit of stewardship forward throughout the year.
This year marks an important milestone at Capes Shipping Agencies as we celebrate 20 years of service from Joshua “Josh” Thompson—a trusted leader whose dedication and expertise have helped shape our operations and culture.
Josh began his career with Capes in November 2005 at our Norfolk headquarters, learning the ship-agency business from some of the industry’s most experienced professionals. Over the years, he supported teams in Delaware and Baltimore, eventually rising to Operations Manager, where he played a key role in mentoring and developing the next generation of Capes agents.
As Director of Operations Peter Hansen shared, “Josh has witnessed every milestone in the company’s growth and helped shape talented agents into confident leaders. His professionalism and service excellence have strengthened our team and the customers we serve.”
Throughout his career, Josh has handled nearly every type of dry bulk cargo moving through the U.S. East Coast—including coal, salt, sand, fertilizer, petcoke, slag, steel slabs, and sugar—along with liquid and breakbulk cargo. While he may describe it as “all in a day’s work,” his track record speaks volumes: 20 years without a single Customs or Coast Guard fine. His approach is simple and consistent—do your best, even on the toughest days, and always do what’s right for the customer.
When asked what has kept him at Capes for two decades, Josh points to the leadership of the Coleman family and the broader Capes and CV International leadership team, citing a culture built on respect, integrity, and trust. Congrats, Josh, and thank you for 20 years of outstanding service to Capes Shipping Agencies and the customers we proudly serve.
The Capes team was pleased to join customers and industry partners for a festive evening at the Hampton Roads Coal Association’s annual holiday dinner. The event provided a great opportunity to reconnect, reflect on the year, and celebrate the strong spirit of collaboration that defines the coal and maritime industries.
We are especially proud of our long-standing partnership with the HRCA and the leadership contributions of our Director of Business Development, Bobby Scott. Having recently completed his term as Vice President, Bobby now serves as President of the HRCA Board. The evening was made even more meaningful as we celebrated a special milestone—his son being named this year’s HRCA scholarship recipient.
Capes President and CEO Mike Coleman also attended in support of the HRCA community and the broader coal industry we are proud to serve at the Port of Hampton Roads, the nation’s largest coal export hub. We value these connections and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the HRCA and industry colleagues in the years to come.
Capes was pleased to be represented at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the Mobile Harbor Modernization Project, a transformative $366 million investment led by the Alabama Port Authority in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Capes’ Mobile Port Manager, Jennings Lawler, attended the event marking this significant achievement, which deepens the Port of Mobile’s shipping channel to 50 feet. This enhancement positions Mobile as the deepest container terminal on the Gulf Coast, expanding its capacity to serve larger vessels and strengthening its role in global commerce.
The modernization also reinforces Mobile’s importance as a major exporter of U.S. coal, particularly through the Port’s McDuffie Coal Terminal, while supporting continued growth across multiple cargo sectors.
This milestone represents a meaningful step forward for the Port of Mobile and underscores the Gulf Coast’s expanding role in global trade. Capes Shipping Agencies is proud to support and be part of the port’s continued growth and success.
The Capes team recently enjoyed an evening away from the field thanks to Moran Towing, who hosted our team at the recent Norfolk Admirals vs. Adirondack Thunder hockey game. The event granted our team a wonderful opportunity to cheer on the local team while connecting with colleagues and industry partners in a relaxed setting.
Spending time together outside the office allowed for meaningful conversations and strengthened relationships across our maritime community. Events like these highlight the importance of collaboration and the value of the partnerships that support our shared success.
The night was made even better as the Norfolk Admirals closed out the weekend strong, winning two of three games against the Adirondack Thunder. Thank you again to Moran Towing for a memorable evening and for continuing to foster connections within our industry.
John Boomhover, CVI, Director of Compliance & Customs Services, Charlotte, NC
We’re excited to welcome John Boomhover as our new Director of Compliance and Customs Services. With more than 30 years of industry experience, John serves as the company’s corporate compliance officer, overseeing all Customs-related services and growth. Originally from St. Albans, Vermont, John is married and has two children. Outside the office, he enjoys Freemasonry, golf, travel, and cooking, as well as rooting for the Michigan State Spartans and the Boston Bruins. His bucket list includes international travel, watching his sons get married, and even skydiving. Welcome, John!
Yasmeen Cary, CVI, Customs Brokerage Specialist, Norfolk, VA
CVI is excited to welcome Yasmeen Cary to our corporate Norfolk, VA office, where she serves as a Customs Brokerage Specialist. She brings more than a decade of logistics and operations experience to the team. A New Jersey native, Yasmeen enjoys the beach, reading, learning, and traveling—hopefully embarking on an African safari one day. Welcome to the team, Yasmeen!
Jamie Ball, Capes, Operations Agent, Norfolk, VA
Capes is pleased to welcome Jamie Ball to the Norfolk office as a full-time Operations Agent. Jamie has been a valued part-time team member since May 2023. A Richmond, VA native and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, he enjoys sculpting, golf, and restoring cars in his free time. Jamie is also a proud fan of the Washington Nationals and Commanders. We’re happy to have Jamie on the team!
Thomas Martino, Capes, Vessel Manager, Wilmington, DE
Capes is proud to welcome Thomas Martino to our Wilmington, Delaware office as Vessel Manager. A Philadelphia native, Thomas joined the maritime industry nearly five years ago. In his free time, he enjoys playing ice hockey, traveling, and spending time with his two children and family. He’s also a proud Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers fan. Welcome to Capes, Thomas!
Jason Romine, Capes, Cargo Monitor, Norfolk, VA
We’re glad to welcome Jason Romine to the Capes Norfolk, VA office, where he serves as a Cargo Monitor. Jason brings years of experience from both the maritime industry and his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. A Fort Worth, Texas native, he is married, has six pets, and enjoys history, classic sitcoms, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Orioles. Capes is proud to have Jason onboard!
Supply chain certainty, rather than price, will shape shipping in 2026 (JOC)
This year will not be marked by freight rates collapsing due to overcapacity and shippers weary from tariff costs reaping a windfall in ocean freight discounts.
Buyer’s market for US importers belies risks in contract talks (JOC)
It is a buyer’s market during this annual trans-Pacific service contract cycle, and importers of Asia-sourced goods — particularly smaller shippers — are under some of the strongest C-Suite pressure in years to reduce costs.
Tariffs, economic uncertainty weigh on pre-Lunar New Year trans-Pac volumes (JOC)
After an earlier-than-usual July peak season caused by tariff-related frontloading, the trans-Pacific trade enters 2026 in the midst of a deepening demand slowdown.
Importers brace for $150 billion tariff refund fight if Trump loses at Supreme Court (AJOT)
Company executives, customs brokers and trade lawyers are bracing for a Supreme Court ruling on the legality of President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs – and a potential fight over obtaining perhaps $150 billion in refunds.
Premier Alliance’s 2026 network to maintain Red Sea diversions (JOC)
The Premier Alliance unveiled its updated 2026 network Monday with services from Asia to Europe, the Mediterranean and US East Coast continuing to divert around southern Africa to avoid passing through the Red Sea.
Carriers look to higher rates, fewer sailings on key Asia-US route (FreightWaves)
Deep in the heart of the slow shipping season and as they prepare for New Year contract negotiations, ocean container carriers have yet to find a good way to re-synch demand and capacity on the trans-Pacific.
White House delays furniture tariff increases for a year (Supply Chain Dive)
The U.S. has delayed tariff increases for upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for an additional year, the White House announced in a fact sheet Wednesday.
Trump administration suspends wind energy project over ‘national security’ threat (JOC)
The US Department of the Interior […] suspended the leases of five major offshore wind power projects along the East Coast due to what it says are “national security risks.”
Port of Virginia nears completion of dredging project; preps to inaugurate new ULCV berth at NIT (AJOT)
The Port of Virginia® is nearing the completion of its $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program with a critical piece of the strategic capital investment program being delivered in early 2026.
US East, Gulf Coast ports expanding intermodal access, vessel capacity (JOC)
Ports along the US East and Gulf coasts rode a similar wave of strong tariff-induced imports in the first half of the year and receding volumes – with some gateways registering double-digit percentage declines – in the second half.
UP-NS deal could benefit some shippers, while others face longer transits (JOC)
Union Pacific Railroad’s (UP’s) proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) would set up some shippers for faster transits while others will find that new investments on some routes will come at their expense.