This week, Southern California is battling multiple wildfires, including the rapidly expanding Bridge Fire near Wrightwood, which has destroyed homes and forced evacuations, further straining the region’s infrastructure. At the same time, Boeing’s new CEO is urging workers to accept a new labor agreement, warning that a strike could jeopardize the company’s recovery as a crucial union vote looms. In the air cargo sector, operators are bracing for a historic peak season driven by booming e-commerce demand, while capacity shortages are expected to push rates higher. Meanwhile, Alliance Ground International secured a lease for its first directly controlled cargo facility at Los Angeles International Airport, allowing the company to expand its operations and improve efficiency. These events highlight the significant pressures across various sectors as labor disputes, natural disasters, and peak season demand continue to impact global supply chains. Read the full articles for more in-depth analysis of these key issues.
Weekly Freight Report: September 13, 2024
September 13th, 2024
ILA Readiness to Strike Highest Since 2012
The ILA’s 1977 strike saw strong solidarity from the ILWU, while in 2012, the ILA faced tense contract negotiations with USMX over container royalties, automation, and union work practices.
Most Gulf Coast Ports Remain Open Ahead of Hurricane Francine
Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall in Louisiana with a life-threatening storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, while Gulf Coast ports, including New Orleans and Port Fourchon, brace for impact with closures and evacuations underway.
Trump, Harris Spar Over Manufacturing, Trade and Tariffs
In their first debate, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump clashed over trade and manufacturing, with Trump advocating for higher tariffs and criticizing U.S. reliance on foreign-made chips, while Harris emphasized technological investment and the creation of manufacturing jobs under the Biden administration.
Wildfires Scorch Southern California Hillside Homes, More Are Threatened
Three major wildfires in Southern California, including the Bridge Fire near Wrightwood, have burned homes, cars, and horse stables, prompting evacuations and injuring over a dozen people, while other wildfires rage across the West, fueled by extreme heat and high winds.
Boeing Boss in Last-Ditch Plea Ahead of Strike Vote
Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, urged workers to avoid striking ahead of a critical union vote, as a strike could jeopardize the company’s recovery, while union members consider a proposed deal offering a 25% pay raise, improved benefits, and a commitment to build Boeing’s next commercial plane in Seattle.
LAX to Lease Cargo Facility to Alliance Ground International
Alliance Ground International (AGI) has won a competitive bid to operate its first directly controlled warehouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with plans to move into the facility on Nov. 1, enabling the company to enhance services and infrastructure for airline customers.
‘Brace for Impact’ Warning as Air Cargo Heads Into Historic Peak Season
The air cargo industry is heading into a historic peak season driven by booming e-commerce and traditional freight demand, but faces capacity constraints and rising rates, prompting a warning for shippers and forwarders to “brace for impact.”
