Recent events, including the collapse of a large container crane at Taiwan’s Keelung Port after a collision with a cargo ship, ongoing labor disputes at the Port of Montreal, and rail container dwell times surging at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, are adding significant pressure to global logistics networks. The Keelung Port incident has disrupted operations at one of Taiwan’s major shipping hubs, while the indefinite overtime strike by dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has halted negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, record import volumes from Asia at the LA-LB complex have contributed to a two-year high in rail container dwell times, further straining supply chains. In Florida, SeaPort Manatee is working to recover from $200 million in damage caused by Hurricane Milton, with $9.5 million in emergency state funding allocated for repairs. As these challenges unfold, shippers must adjust their strategies to mitigate the impacts of infrastructure damage, labor disputes, and increasing congestion. Read the full articles below.
Weekly Freight Report: October 18, 2024
October 18th, 2024
Crane Collapses After Collision With Cargo Ship in Keelung Port
A container crane at Taiwan’s Keelung Port collapsed after a collision with a Chinese-registered cargo ship, crushing five containers but causing no injuries, as authorities work to restore operations.
Biden-Harris Administration Opens Tariff Exclusion Process for Some Manufacturers
The U.S. Trade Representative has opened a process allowing manufacturers to request exclusions for specific machinery from upcoming Section 301 tariff hikes on Chinese goods, with exclusions aimed at supporting domestic production, especially in solar manufacturing.
Air Cargo Sector Rides Elongated Peak Season to Strong Finish
The air cargo sector continues to experience strong demand growth, driven by e-commerce volumes, shifting shipping strategies due to supply chain disruptions, and peak season activity, with rates reaching new highs and capacity tightening across key routes, particularly from Asia.
EU, China Face Hurdles in Clinching EV Deal Before Tariffs Start
Trade negotiations between the EU and China have stalled over disagreements on tariffs for Chinese-made electric vehicles, with planned levies up to 45% set to take effect by the end of the month, though both sides continue to work towards an alternative agreement.
Canada Labor Minister Calls for Mediator to Resolve Port of Montreal Labor Dispute
Canada’s labor minister, Steven MacKinnon, has proposed appointing a federal mediator to resolve the labor dispute at the Port of Montreal, offering a 90-day negotiation period to prevent strikes or lockouts as dockworkers and the Maritime Employers Association remain deadlocked over a new collective bargaining agreement.
LA-LB Rail Dwells Spike to Two-Year High Amid Record Imports in September
Rail container dwell times at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex hit a two-year high in September due to record import volumes from Asia, as retailers diverted cargo from East and Gulf coast ports ahead of a longshore strike, though truck dwell times have not contributed to congestion.
Florida Port Gets $9.5M in Milton Storm Funding
Florida’s SeaPort Manatee will receive $9.5 million in emergency state funding to aid recovery from Hurricane Milton, which caused an estimated $200 million in damage, as the port works to restore full operations for southwest and central Florida’s supply chain.
