Major carriers including Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, and Zim are slashing costs as freight rates continue to decline across global trade lanes. Executives warn that expenses such as shipbuilding, chartering, fuel, and port labor have risen sharply since the pandemic, pushing unit costs well above 2019 levels. Zim highlighted higher fuel costs, port congestion, and increased dockworker […]
Read MoreU.S. containerized imports surged to an all-time monthly high in July as shippers rushed to frontload cargo ahead of potential new tariffs, according to PIERS. Total volumes hit 2.609 million TEUs, up 17.5% from June and surpassing the previous record set in May 2022. While China remained the top origin, U.S. importers accelerated shipments from […]
Read MoreRising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have triggered renewed warnings for the global shipping industry. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides security advisories for commercial vessels, has urged heightened caution for ships navigating the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory comes ahead of U.S.-Iran nuclear […]
Read MoreUS shippers are increasingly turning to foreign trade zones (FTZs) as a potential solution to offset the cost of Trump administration tariffs on high-value goods and merchandise. However, limited storage capacity and administrative complexity make FTZs far from a guaranteed fix. FTZs are specially designated domestic areas, usually near a port of entry, where high-value […]
Read MoreWith cargo theft and fraud on the rise, transportation and shipping organizations are urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation that would create a multi-agency federal task force to tackle cargo crime and strengthen penalties against offenders. The primary legislation in focus is the Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act, introduced in June, alongside […]
Read MoreCargo crime in the U.S. is not only increasing but also shifting to new regions as thieves adapt to changing supply chain patterns, according to a report by supply chain security firm Overhaul. Overhaul predicts cargo theft will continue rising at double-digit rates in 2025, though at a slower pace than in 2024. Criminals are […]
Read MoreThe Trump administration is considering new tariffs aimed at the container shipping industry, proposing steep port usage fees on Chinese-built and Chinese-operated vessels calling at U.S. ports. Additionally, U.S. exporters may face rising costs under a separate proposal requiring an increasing share of exports to be transported on American ships. If enacted, these measures could […]
Read MoreThe International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has abruptly ended contract negotiations with East and Gulf Coast port employers, accusing them of attempting to introduce automation technology into the new labor agreement—something the union says would threaten its members’ jobs. The talks, which resumed this week in New Jersey between the ILA and the United States Maritime […]
Read MoreRail container dwell times at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach reached their highest levels in two years last month and are expected to stay elevated through January. This surge is driven by higher-than-usual import volumes, partially due to cargo diversions from the East and Gulf Coasts. In October, containers destined for rail […]
Read MoreHapag-Lloyd anticipates a possible cargo surge ahead of the Lunar New Year in January, driven in part by shippers aiming to avoid potential new U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods under the incoming Trump administration. Despite strong fourth-quarter demand, the carrier expects profitability to dip compared to its record-breaking third quarter. “There could be a rush […]
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