1. As a current member of SMART, does it make sense for my company to join SORT? 

If you are an existing member of SMART and an exporter of used clothing, wipers, or textile waste shipping more than 2-3 containers per year and paying tariff rates or only able to utilize NVO rates; you should save considerably and recoup your small investment of  SORT fees. SORT members must have on file a current SORT Membership Agreement  before using the contracts. See our membership application. Many SORT members save thousands of dollars on freight each year.

2. Do I have to be a member of SMART in order to use SORT contract rates?

Yes, SORT (Shippers Association of Recycled Textiles) is a non profit based shippers association, with membership available to SMART members.  

If you are a NON SMART member exporting used clothing, wipers or textile waste shipping a minimal 10-20 containers per year and paying tariff rates or only able to utilize NVO rates; you will also save considerably and recoup SMART membership fee + SORT fees.

Furthermore SMART membership allows you access to the largest, oldest, and most diverse group of successful companies in our industry. In addition, you will have the ability to network; visit our online market place, read monthly newsletters; while supporting your industry’s voice on governmental regulatory matters. 

3. Can I use my own forwarder? You may make bookings with any forward you choose.  Only have your forwarder give the SORT contract numbers and confirm your rate at the time of booking. SORT maintains the highest standard of confidentiality. Bills of Ladings and the accompanying information are only available to you and your forwarder.

4. Are SORT rates inclusive of all charges?

No.  Each carrier that SORT contracts with provides us with a base rate + additionals.  Often different ports have unique additional surcharges, which are subject to change.  In general service contracts are subject to GRI’s and fuel surcharge increases.  Therefore, please check the additionals for each service contract to determine total rates. SORT members can access our ‘members only’ area to access all rates and see details.

Please remember to check and confirm rates with your forwarder or carrier at the time of booking.

5. Can you give me an example of how to use the rates listed in the member’s area?
           
Example.

A SORT member is looking for a rate: New York to Any Port / 1x40’ HC/ used clothing.

The member would go to the respective contract and find the port and additionals.

            Base Rate + Additionals (could be multiple) + SORT and/ or Fwd Fees (optional)

6. I am shipping to a destination not shown on the SORT contract. What can SORT do for me?

Let SORT know where and how many containers a year you are shipping. We will consider all additional ports and do our best to meet the needs of our members.

7. Why is it possible for SORT to get lower rates than my company?

As one of the few active shipping associations in existence today SORT can leverage the buying power of the largest and most active shippers association of used clothing, wipers and textiles exporters in North America today.  Virtually no one company or other group in our industry has the volume or buying power of SORT.  This enables SORT to contract for lower rates than most individual shippers can find on the spot market.

8 . I can sometimes get a lower rate than SORT, can SORT do better?

Often lower rates are due to decreased service and / or longer transit times. Remember to compare both service and transit to SORT carriers in order to make a proper comparison. If service and transits are comparable and you have found there to be lower rates, please advise the SORT office and we will do our best to rectify the situation.


9. What can I do to help SORT as a member?

Use the SORT contract rates as often as possible. Every container shipped makes SORT stronger. The more volume our association ships, the stronger our negotiating power will be in the future.  

10. How do I learn more or get started with SORT?

Please call the SORT office at 443-640-1050, extension 119 and ask for Kathy DeMarco, or email Kathy.