This week, the Federal Maritime Commission issued a final rule defining criteria for “unreasonable” refusals by ocean carriers to accommodate cargo space, effective September 23. Parcel delivery service Maergo has ceased operations, citing difficulties competing with major carriers’ aggressive pricing and current market conditions. The Port of Los Angeles completed a $73 million rail expansion project on Pier 400, enhancing cargo flow, reducing emissions, and improving roadway safety. Longshore foremen at the Port of Vancouver are preparing for a strike vote, with results pending a Canada labor tribunal decision on a dispute between the foremen’s union and maritime employers regarding staffing levels at the DP World container terminal. Drug seizures have surged at ports along Mexico’s West Coast as enforcement agencies battle cartels controlling key shipping hubs, significantly impacting the drug trade and legitimate businesses. Lastly, improving weather has helped firefighters make progress against wildfires across the western United States, including California’s largest wildfire this year, the Park Fire, though further evacuations and resources remain necessary as thousands continue to combat the flames. Read the full articles for comprehensive coverage on these developments.
Weekly Freight Report: August 2, 2024
August 2nd, 2024
FMC Finalizes Rule on ‘Unreasonable’ Ocean Carrier Cargo Space Refusals
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a final rule defining criteria for “unreasonable” refusals by ocean carriers to accommodate cargo space, as part of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, effective from September 23.
Port of Los Angeles Says Expanded Rail Yard Will Improve Cargo Flow
The Port of Los Angeles has completed a $73 million rail expansion project on Pier 400, enhancing cargo flow, reducing emissions, and improving roadway safety by adding new rail tracks and infrastructure, which is expected to eliminate 1,200 truck trips per day by 2040.
Export Restrictions to be Tightened to Aid Human Rights Efforts
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has proposed two new rules to amend the Export Administration Regulations, imposing enhanced restrictions on exports and support to military or intelligence end-users in countries of concern, while the State Department plans to revise the scope of defense services under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, with comments due by Sept. 27.
Parcel Delivery Provider Maergo Shuts Down
Parcel delivery service Maergo has ceased operations, citing difficulties competing with major carriers’ aggressive pricing and current market conditions, according to a July 25 update from software provider EasyPost.
Drug Seizures Rise at Mexico Ports Amid Fight With Cartels Over Shipping Hubs
Drug seizures have surged at ports along Mexico’s West Coast as enforcement agencies battle cartels controlling key shipping hubs, significantly impacting the drug trade and legitimate businesses.
Vancouver’s Longshore Foremen Prep for Possible Strike After DP World Hearing
Longshore foremen at the Port of Vancouver are preparing for a strike vote, with results pending a Canada labor tribunal decision on a dispute between the foremen’s union and maritime employers regarding staffing levels at the DP World container terminal.
California Wildfires Continue Devastation, Spread Smoke Across West Coast
Improving weather has helped firefighters make progress against wildfires across the western United States, including California’s largest wildfire this year, the Park Fire, though further evacuations and resources remain necessary as thousands continue to combat the flames.
