January 10, 2005
An ATA Carnet Helps Herd 84 Alaskan Huskies Through French Customs
In preparation for La Grande Odyssee, a 600-mile sled dog race beginning in France on January 8th, Corporation for International Business (CIB) has issued an ATA carnet guaranteeing the temporary exportation of 84 competition sled dogs from Chicago to Europe.Presenting an ATA Carnet at French customs upon their arrival will ensure smooth clearance without payment of duties and taxes on the imported dogs and equipment.Curt Wilson, President of CIB, upon receiving the ATA Carnet application, exclaimed, “We’ve covered thoroughbred horses and circus animals but this is a first: competition sled dogs!”
Prior to its arrival in Chicago, the 747 aircraft transporting the North American canine competitors will have already picked up all the teams of dogs from the Alaskan and Canadian participants.Veterinarian Dr. Tim Hunt and his wife Mary, of Michigan, board the plane in Chicago with their 14-dog team (Dr. Hunt will compete as 1 of25 mushers from around the world) and are on hand for the flight to France in case a sled dog needs emergency veterinary care.The Hunts will be the only passengers on board with the flight crew and a lot of dogs.
The 2 week long event held in the Alps traverses France, Switzerland and Italy with checkpoints along the trails in some of Europe’s premier ski resorts.In addition to the dogs, the mushers and handlers are shipping many other items needed for the race under the ATA Carnet.Included are 1200 dog booties, 84 dog coats, 30 dog collars, 120 dog dishes and 360 harnesses.There are sleds, sled bags, snow hooks, gang lines and headlamps as well.
La Grande Odyssee will culminate with an awards ceremony on January 19th and the presentation of a purse totaling $90,000.00 to the winner.For additional information on the race see www.GrandeOdyssee.com.
Corporation for International Business is an appointed Carnet Service Provider for the United States Council for International Business, and a sponsor of the US Boomerang Team.More information about Boomerang FreightSM and ATA Carnets is available at www.ATACarnet.com.