SORT Collection Policy

Annual Dues:

Each Member of the association shall have the option of choosing between dues schedule Plan A or Plan B. Members selecting Plan A will be required to pay the current annual dues of $200 plus a $40 per container fee for every container shipped under the SORT contract along with any other financial obligations as shall be determined by the SORT Board of Directors from time to time. In lieu of paying the annual membership dues, members may select Plan B that requires a $65 per container fee on all containers shipped under the SORT service agreements Annual dues are only payable on a calendar year basis. All fees are set by the SORT Board of Directors.

DUE Dates:

Due dates for dues and container fees shall be due 30 days from the date of invoice unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors.

Suspension:

Once suspended, SORT will notify the various shipping lines advising them that the delinquent company is no longer a member of the organization. The line will be directed to invoice this company at the full fare, retroactive for all containers shipped, as they no longer qualify for the specially negotiated SORT rate(s).

The Board of Directors may, by rule, prescribe procedures for extending the time for payment of dues and assessments and continuation of membership privileges. (As a means of accounting for uncollected revenues, receivables which are not collected will be set-off in a bad debts expense. If those receivables are subsequently collected, a reversing entry will be made to "Bad Debts Expense.)

Re-Application:

Any member resigned or expelled from membership for failure to pay dues, assessments, or other financial obligations to the association shall not be entitled to re-apply for membership UNTIL payment of all financial obligations due to the association at the time of such resignation or expulsion have been paid in full.

Collection Policy:

1.  Members will be invoiced for all amounts due the association unless payment is received in advance such as for annual dues. If no funds are received within 30 days, the association will mail the customary statement. After 45 days, SORT staff will telephone the party to bring to their attention the consequences of their delinquency and to inquire if there are any problems or questions. A letter is sent following the conversation to summarize the results of the phone call. Copies of the letter are sent to the SORT Fiannce Committee and the association's officers.

2.  After 60 days the company is suspended from membership in accordance with the bylaws. A registered letter is sent from the association's office informing the member they have been suspended and the matter is being referred to legal counsel for further action.

3.  Following this step SORT's legal counsel is notified. They follow-up with a letter and take appropriate action.