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The blizzard that hit the Northeast at the start of 1996 paralyzed all trading activities except those of telecommuters. Exporters and importers continued to conduct business with their foreign counterparts via electronic databases. However, business was restricted to collecting information and processing deals. Shipments will have to be postponed until the deep snow caused by the disaster allows the loading and transport of goods.

Majority of the steamship lines that are aiming to penetrate the logistics business to avoid becoming exclusively commodity suppliers have severely failed with electronic data processing. Unsuccessful steamship lines have antiquated main-frame based systems and the capital available for investment is limited. Some steamship lines have limited time and substitute good management with computer systems.

Banking institutions are optimistic regarding the implementation of Bolero system in the transfer of trade data. John Dorman of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (Swift) believes that the Bolero Project of Swift will result to a more efficient and cost saving movement of trade documents. The Bolero system, which is scheduled to be implemented in 1998, involves the electronic delivery of trade data among banks and traders.

Argentina will be using a $20 million computerized customs system called Maria to track more than $30 billion in imports and exports passing through the country. Maria was purchased from the French government and will be mandatory for companies managing imports through the Port of Buenos Aires. However, some customs brokers are still hesitant to use the system despite Custom's assurance of training and the provision of public cabins for users who do not have computer equipment.

Customs brokers in the San Francisco Bay Area are preparing for the implementation of the automated brokers interface system. The electronic system will enable brokers to electronically transmit information requirements to the FDA and Customs simultaneously. FDA shipment approval can then be obtained within minutes instead of days. FDA officials are hopeful that a nationwide system can be launched by late 1994.

National custom brokers are set to unveil an electronic system that will enable brokers to exchange information electronically. The proposed electronic format would allow the rapid transfer of data for customs entries, summaries and invoices. It will give users the luxury to file entries remotely from remote locations through a corresponding broker. The implementation of this new standard is also expected to result in the removal of a provision in the current Customs Modernization bill that gives air couriers an unfair advantage over custom brokers.

The US customs brokerage industry is planning a nationwide computerized system to facilitate national entry filing services by regional and local brokers. The electronic filing system will speed up the data processing of customs entries by brokers in their respective port districts. US customs regulations require brokers to be physically present in the ports where they file customs entries. The national filing system will facilitate transmission of entries and other tasks between brokers even in remote areas.

Insurance Services Office has introduced a new electronic data processing system called Commercial Lines Electronic Manual Services (CLEMS) for its clients. The company, which provides information services to property and casualty insurers, previously offered services only through printed manuals. The new computerized service consists of an on-line and the computer tape version. Property and casualty insurers are charged $25,000 a year for access to the system, and $2,400 a year for print-out updates. Access charges are due to increase to $50,000 in 1993.