Recent developments, such as the potential labor strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, a surge in cargo theft in Mexico, the reopening of South Carolina’s Leatherman Terminal, and the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Florida, are posing new challenges for shippers. As organized crime groups fuel a rise in cargo theft across Mexico, supply chains are increasingly at risk, while the threat of a coastwide strike could disrupt cargo operations at major U.S. ports. At the same time, South Carolina Ports are resuming operations at a key terminal, boosting capacity amidst these uncertainties. Additionally, Hurricane Helene has caused widespread power outages and damage in Florida, adding to logistical challenges with severe weather disruptions. Shippers must remain vigilant, preparing for possible disruptions and adjusting logistics strategies to mitigate the impacts of theft, labor disputes, extreme weather, and shifting port activity. Read the full articles below.
Weekly Freight Report: September 27, 2024
September 27th, 2024
Helene Slams Florida as Category 4 Hurricane Then Rapidly Weakens as It Moves Inland
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a dangerous Category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend area, rapidly weakening into a tropical storm as it moved inland, but still causing widespread power outages and life-threatening storm surges across five states.
Ports Brace For A Potential ILA Strike
Ports on the East and Gulf Coasts are implementing contingency plans, extending gate hours, and preparing for a potential labor strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association, which could halt cargo operations across key U.S. ports.
U.S. Imports Surge: August Inbound Container Volumes Skyrocket Nearly 20%
The ten largest U.S. container ports saw a 19.3% year-over-year increase in inbound container volume this August, marking eleven consecutive months of growth and making 2024 a standout year for U.S. port activity, with West Coast ports outpacing East and Gulf Coast counterparts amidst concerns over a potential labor strike.
Air Canada Agrees To New Contract With Pilots, Avoids Strike
Air Canada and the union representing over 5,200 pilots have reached a tentative four-year contract agreement, averting a potential strike, with the deal expected to be ratified within a month, delivering $1.9 billion in value to pilots and featuring a 42% pay raise retroactive to September 2023.
Middle East Pager Attacks Ignite Fear Of Supply Chain Warfare
Attacks on wireless devices in Lebanon and Syria, allegedly linked to Israel, have heightened concerns about the vulnerability of global electronics supply chains, prompting companies and governments to reconsider the security of manufacturing and procurement processes, particularly in adversarial regions.
South Carolina Ports Reopens New Leatherman Terminal With Weekly Asia Service
South Carolina Ports celebrated the reopening of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in Charleston, marking the terminal’s return to operations with a major weekly Asia service after resolving a legal dispute with the International Longshoremen’s Association, while preparing for potential impacts from an upcoming labor strike.
Organized Crime Groups Fuel Cargo Theft Surge In Mexico
Organized crime groups in Mexico are driving a surge in cargo theft, Outpost is expanding its national truck parking network, Averitt has opened a new trucking facility in Texas, and China-based Intretech is investing $60 million in a new electronics manufacturing plant in Mexico.
