Recent industry events, from halted contract talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association and East Coast port employers over automation disputes to Canadian government intervention ending port strikes on both coasts, are reshaping logistics and trade across North America. In East Coast ports, ILA members are resisting job-cutting automation proposals, while Canada’s labor regulators ordered binding arbitration to reopen shipping facilities, citing economic impacts. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have conducted airstrikes on Houthi weapon facilities in Yemen in response to escalating threats to Red Sea shipping lanes, forcing carriers to reroute around dangerous zones. In the air sector, Southwest Airlines expects delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries due to a prolonged strike, potentially impacting fleet expansion plans. Additionally, the Panama Canal Authority is seeking $1 billion to develop a land bridge solution for mega-ships unable to transit the canal, and Canada has allocated C$22.5 million to electrify docks at the Port of Quebec, supporting green initiatives in maritime operations. Read the full articles below.
Weekly Freight Report: November 15, 2024
November 15th, 2024
ILA Breaks Off East Coast Port Contract Talks
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has halted contract talks with East and Gulf Coast port employers, citing employer proposals to introduce semi-automated equipment that the union believes would jeopardize jobs.
U.S. Forces Strike More Houthi Targets in Yemen
U.S. Central Command conducted precision airstrikes on Houthi weapons facilities in Yemen to counter ongoing threats to international shipping in the Red Sea, following repeated attacks on commercial and military vessels by the Iran-backed group.
Protesters in Mexico Resume Blockade at Texas Border Bridge
Protests in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, have blocked the World Trade Bridge for the second time in 24 hours, disrupting cross-border cargo traffic and causing significant delays, with all northbound trucks being redirected to the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge.
Canada Shuts Down Port Strike as Backlogs Grow
The Canadian government has ordered binding arbitration to end port strikes on both coasts, citing economic harm and potential loss of trade, with operations expected to resume soon at major ports like Vancouver and Montreal.
Boeing Strike Cutting Into 2025 Deliveries for Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines anticipates reduced aircraft deliveries from Boeing in 2025 due to an extended strike and ongoing production challenges, impacting the airline’s capacity plans.
Panama Canal Chief Offers Land Bridge Option to Transship Containers Across Isthmus
The Panama Canal Authority is seeking over $1 billion to build a land bridge connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to accommodate oversized container ships, aiming to recapture cargo currently routed through Colombia and address capacity limitations.
Canadian Grant to Electrify Cargo Docks at Port of Quebec
The Canadian government is investing C$22.5 million to help electrify docks at the Port of Quebec, reducing emissions and supporting sustainable shipping as part of a larger C$55 million project to establish a green shipping corridor along the St. Lawrence River.
