Julie Shafer

John Vogt, a former VP of global logistics at Halliburton and a visiting professor at the University of Houston-Downtown, presents the latest in his series on Incoterms, the internationally recognized set of trade rules that sellers and buyers must follow when devising a contract for the shipment of goods. This week, John examines how effective #logistics requires proactive, data-driven responses to potentially disruptive events alongside employees who are prepared to quickly report risks and trigger the necessary action. Read John's latest instalment here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eX3C6_V5 🤔 Do you have an #Incoterms experience to share that you'd like John to comment on and that could be included in a future article? Submit to Breakbulk's Leslie Meredith at [email protected] and include description, locations (origin and delivery), Incoterm used and lesson learned if applicable.

9

U.S. East-Gulf Coast Terminals Closing in Advance of Oct. 1 Strike Container terminal operators along the U.S. East and Gulf coasts began closing this afternoon in advance of the anticipated Oct. 1 strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) union, starting at midnight Eastern Standard Time.   ILA President Harold Daggett posted the following statement this morning on the union’s Facebook page:   ILA Update – Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11 am   NORTH BERGEN, NJ – (September 30, 2024) The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) reports that United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) continues to block the path toward a settlement on a new Master Contract by refusing ILA’s demands for a fair and decent contract and seems intent on causing a strike at all ports from Maine to Texas beginning in almost 12 hours.   “The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject”, the ILA said. “ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing. It’s disgraceful that most of these foreign-owned shipping companies are engaged in a ‘Make and Take’ operation: They want to make their billion-dollar profits at United States ports, and off the backs of American ILA longshore workers, and take those earnings out of this country and into the pockets of foreign conglomerates.  Meanwhile, ILA dedicated longshore workers continue to be crippled by inflation due to USMX’s unfair wage packages.“   “In addition, the shippers are gouging their customers that result in increased costs to American consumers. They are now charging $30,000 for a full container, a whopping increase from $6,000 per container just a few weeks ago.  In just a short time, they went from 6K, to 18K, then 24K and now $30,000. It’s unheard of and they are doubling their $30,000 fee stuffing the same container from multiple shippers. They are killing the customers.”   The ILA will continue to update the media as information becomes available. The ILA will not engage in one-on-one interviews today, Monday, September 30, 2024.   Most container terminal operations at the 36 affected ports along the East and Gulf coasts in recent days have issued operational advisories to the trade regarding the Oct. 1 strike. Check your local port authority and ocean carrier websites for more details. In addition, this U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) 2023 Annual Report offers extensive details into the scope of the ILA employer’s membership. Also, here is the USMX-ILA Negotiations Updates webpage.   On top of this, Local 375 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) at two cargo terminals operated by Termont Montréal in the Port of Montreal initiated a strike this morning at 7 a.m. ET. .

22

1 Comment

Shipping demand shifts are expected in the U.S., West Africa, and China in the near future. The recent Baltimore bridge collapse is anticipated to impact coal, car carrier sea trade, and LNG export trade in the U.S. East coast area. Xclusiv, a shipbroker, highlighted this development in its latest weekly report. #MarinerNews #MaritimeIndustry #ShippingNews #Shipping #Maritime

3

With the deadline for the ILA and USMX negotiations fast approaching, a potential strike could significantly impact a large percentage of U.S. container volumes, affecting supply chains across the East and Gulf Coasts. As shippers brace for potential disruptions, now is the time to explore alternative strategies like rerouting upcoming shipments through the West Coast and utilizing air freight. Learn more about the strike’s potential impact and how to mitigate supply chain risks in our latest article. 📖 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e3xVKpiQ

1

Did you know that in 2023, more trade passed through Laredo than any other port in the country, making the Port of Laredo the No. 1 Port in the US? 🥇Laredo beat out more than 450 other border crossings, airports, and seaports to win the title. 💪 More than 5M trucks pass through the Port of Laredo each year, and that number will likely only grow as trade increases. 📈 If your business is one of the many using the Port of Laredo or any other US-Mexico border crossing to move your freight, our TRAFFIX cross-border experts can help! 🚚Contact [email protected] today and discover a better way to move your freight. (Source: US Census Bureau, Laredo EDC) #PortofLaredo #crossborderfreight #Mexicocrossborder #TRAFFIXMexico

48

1 Comment

Space City sees shipping boom - Port of Houston container cargo volumes soared 21% YoY in May. Year-to-date figures are up 14%. Learn more about the supply chain goods driving volume gains in Houston & Corpus Christi: https://lnkd.in/eqUpZhGK #ports #shipping #cargo #supplychain #texasbusiness

3

Strike update: On Oct. 1, port workers along the East and Gulf Coasts went on strike, impacting 36 ports from Maine to Texas. This strike is expected to have severe consequences for supply chains, with potential ripple effects lasting through the end of the year. Key details include: - Container shipments stalled across major U.S. ports - Potential $5 billion per day impact on the U.S. economy - Increased costs and congestion at alternative ports - Major carriers introducing surcharges due to the disruption As rerouting and delays create new challenges, it’s critical to prepare and explore alternative solutions to minimize impacts on your operations. We’ve created a news alert to help you stay informed and get the latest developments. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/g8NZYDcE #portstrike #supplychain #maritimeshipping #efwexperience

34

1 Comment

United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. UPDATE ON STATUS OF USMX-ILA NEGOTIATIONS LYNDHURST, NJ (NOVEMBER 13, 2024) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Over the last two days, USMX met with the ILA to bargain and resolve all remaining outstanding issues needed to reach agreement on a new Master Contract. While we had positive progress on a number of issues, we were unable to make significant progress on our discussions that focused on a range of technology issues. Unfortunately, the ILA is insisting on an agreement that would move our industry backward by restricting future use of technology that has existed in some of our ports for nearly two decades – making it impossible to evolve to meet the nation’s future supply chain demands. The USMX has been clear that we are not seeking technology that would eliminate jobs. What we need is continued modernization that is essential to improve worker safety, increase efficiency in a way that protects and grows jobs, keeps supply chains strong, and increases capacity that will financially benefit American businesses and workers alike. We look forward to resuming negotiations with the ILA.” ### U

3

Proposed U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports could disrupt liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade through the Panama Canal, says ACP Chief Ricaurte Vasquez. China, now a top LNG importer, relies on the canal for much of this transit from Texas refineries, meaning tariff escalations could shift shipping patterns and cut U.S.-China LNG flows. The Panama Canal Authority has outlined a $9 billion investment plan to boost capacity and launch water conservation projects to counter drought impacts. TLC is tracking these changes to keep clients’ routes optimal. Contact TLC to discuss how these shifts might impact your logistics strategy. #freight #logistics #panamacanal #tariff

1

Freight railroads are on high alert as Hurricane Milton, a powerful category 4 storm, aims for Florida. With destructive winds and heavy rain expected, rail operations are preparing for potential disruptions. Here are some key points regarding the situation: ⚠️Intense Storm Impact: Hurricane Milton is expected to bring severe weather conditions, posing a significant threat to rail infrastructure. 🛤️Recovery Challenges: Some rail lines are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene, complicating the response to Milton. 🛡️Precautionary Measures: Railroads are actively monitoring the storm's path and implementing strategies to protect infrastructure and minimize service interruptions. Source: https://lnkd.in/ebUeaYNf

5

Red Sea diversions cause 30% surge in container freight rates, Equipment shortages in China worsen amid rising export demand, & South Carolina ports resume operations after software issues. Stay up-to-date on the latest global supply chain and logistics news with our weekly Freight Market Update: https://bit.ly/3Vecs2a #supplychain #radiantdelivers #freightmarketupdate

6

Shippers and LSPs are preparing for a potential East Coast port strike in the U.S., which could significantly disrupt operations, even though dockworkers and terminal operators appear to be mostly posturing at this point. Preparation is still key, with shippers and carriers examining alternative strategies to help mitigate the effects of a strike if it is to happen. Some carrier options may include port swaps, speeding up vessels, and blank sailings. #thefreightarchitects #jaguarfreight #logistics

1

🚢🚨 Potential Disruptions Ahead at U.S. Ports! Starting October 1st, the looming threat of a dockworker strike on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts could throw supply chains out of sync until 2025. This could have significant impacts on businesses and consumers alike. 🔹 Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and port operators have broken down. The current agreement, covering around 45,000 dockworkers at some of the busiest U.S. ports, expires on September 30th. 🔹 The ILA is pushing for a 76% pay raise and is preparing for a possible strike. Even a one-week work stoppage could require four to six weeks for port operations to return to normal, with potential disruptions extending into 2025. 🔹 Experts suggest that each day of strike action could require four to five days to "clean up" and return to normal operations, leading to significant congestion and delays. For more insights on the potential impact of this strike, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eePuESMG #SupplyChainDisruption #PortStrike #LogisticsChallenges #USPorts #DockworkerStrike #FreightRates #SupplyChainManagement #GlobalTrade #ShippingIndustry #LogisticsNews #PortCongestion #ILA #ShippingDelays

8

Port Houston's cargo volumes remain robust despite global supply chain challenges. In May, there was a 21% increase in handled TEUs compared to last year. Year-to-date statistics show a 14% rise, driven by strong import and export performance. #PortOfHouston #Houston #OceanFreight #SupplyChain #Resilience

2