06 Jun 2024

Navigating Container Shortages in 2024: Implications for North American Intermodal

The global supply chain is facing an unexpected challenge in 2024: a shortage of containers. Despite the significant capacity added by ocean carriers, recent reports and spot prices indicate that container scarcity is a reality. But what does this mean for North American intermodal transportation, and could it lead to a repeat of the chaos […]

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05 Jun 2024

China’s Trade Surplus: Undervalued Yuan or Something Else?

The debate over China’s manufacturing overcapacity has ignited intense discussions among policymakers. During her trip to China in April, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen raised concerns about the impact of “artificially cheap Chinese products flooding the global market,” questioning the sustainability of foreign firms, echoing similar concerns from a decade ago. Yellen’s observation holds […]

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04 Jun 2024

Deja Vu: Container Shipping Market Faces Repeat of Pandemic Chaos

  The container shipping industry is experiencing a worrying trend – a repeat of the supply chain disruptions that plagued the world during the pandemic. This shortage of ships, coupled with high demand, threatens to send shipping rates soaring and cause significant delays. Unless there’s a quick turnaround, freight rates could skyrocket, potentially reaching a […]

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31 May 2024

CBP Suspends Low-Value Shipment Access for Several Customs Brokers

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has suspended access for several customs brokers to the Type 86 program, which facilitates low-value import shipments. This voluntary initiative allows consignees to have their customs brokers provide CBP with data filed through the agency’s automated broker interface (ABI) under the de minimis rule. The de minimis rule […]

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01 Feb 2024

Anticipated Shifts in 2024 US Container Import Patterns Aligning with Key Sourcing

The slight shifts in the percentage of containerized imports from China to the United States align with three major trends acknowledged by both the business and geopolitical communities: China Plus One, incremental gains in friendshoring by volume, and an increased reliance on Vietnam and India. To mitigate their dependence on China, US retailers and other […]

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30 Jan 2024

ONE Design Approval for Ammonia-Powered Container Ship

  Ocean Network Express (ONE) has obtained design approval for a revolutionary ammonia-fueled container ship, signaling its commitment to exploring diverse zero-carbon fuels for the maritime industry. The approval, granted by the classification society DSV, pertains to the design of a dual-fuel 3,500-TEU ship capable of being powered by ammonia—a colorless chemical that emits no […]

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25 Jan 2024

Red Sea Disruption: Rerouted Ships, Tighter Markets, but No Global Chaos

The Red Sea disruption to container shipping remains uncertain in terms of duration, according to Drewry Maritime Research. The anticipation is that carriers might not resume Suez Canal transits until the elimination of the risk of attack, a process expected to take months rather than weeks. Despite this, Drewry’s analysis suggests that the impact on […]

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19 Jan 2024

Port of Long Beach Revs Up for “Year of Rail” in 2024: Modernization, Sustainability in Focus

Long Beach, CA: The Port of Long Beach is chugging into the “Year of Rail” in 2024, with a focus on modernizing facilities, boosting air quality, and ultimately becoming the world’s first zero-emissions seaport. CEO Mario Cordero laid out the ambitious plan in his State of the Port Address, highlighting the Pier B On-Dock Rail […]

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15 Jan 2024

West Coast Ports Prepare for Import Wave Amid Global Turmoil

West Coast ports are bracing for a tidal wave of incoming goods as supply chain woes and international tension collide. This perfect storm stems from several factors: Inventory restocking: Retailers are replenishing shelves after periods of low stock, driving up import demand. Homecoming cargo: Goods that shifted to other ports during last year’s labor talks are returning to […]

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