This week, negotiations between East and Gulf Coast dockworkers and port employers resumed under the looming threat of a strike that could disrupt major U.S. ports, as the September 30 deadline for a new contract approaches. Meanwhile, in Northern California, wildfires have forced evacuations, further straining transportation networks, while the situation in South Dakota has improved due to cooler weather aiding firefighters in containing blazes near Rapid City. Additionally, the air cargo industry is preparing for a robust peak season, with e-commerce volumes from Asia driving demand and tight capacity pushing rates higher. In Canada, the rail workers’ union has filed an appeal against a government order that ended their recent lockout, challenging its impact on their right to collectively bargain. These developments underscore the ongoing challenges facing global supply chains as various disruptions continue to impact operations. Read the full articles for more detailed insights into these critical issues.
Weekly Freight Report: September 6, 2024
September 6th, 2024
US Port Talks Kick Off in Effort to Avoid Strike
Talks between East and Gulf Coast dockworkers and port employers have resumed under the looming threat of a strike that could disrupt major U.S. ports, with the union seeking a significant wage increase by the September 30 deadline.
California Wildfire Grows as Heat Wave Creates Worry; South Dakota Conditions Improve
A growing wildfire in Northern California has forced evacuations amid worsening fire conditions due to a heat wave, while cooler weather in South Dakota has helped firefighters gain control of a wildfire threatening Rapid City.
Colombian Truckers Block Highways in Main Cities in Protest Over Increases in Fuel Prices
Truckers in Colombia blocked highways in major cities to protest a recent diesel fuel price hike, arguing that the government’s plan to eliminate fuel subsidies would severely impact their businesses, while the administration insists the subsidies must be phased out to address the budget deficit and fund education and healthcare.
Air Cargo Industry Anticipates Big Peak Season to Finish Year
Logistics professionals anticipate strong air cargo demand during the year’s final months, driven by e-commerce volumes from Asia, tight capacity, and higher shipping rates, despite potential frontloading of orders and mixed economic signals.
World’s Largest Sailing Cargo Ship Crosses the Atlantic
The world’s largest sailing cargo ship, Anemos, completed its maiden voyage across the Atlantic, delivering 1,000 tonnes of cognac and champagne to New York City with a carbon footprint one-tenth that of a standard containership, thanks to wind-assisted propulsion.
Severe Rainstorms Swamp India’s Container Supply Chains
Extreme monsoon floods have severely disrupted container flows and transport networks across ports in the Indian subcontinent, including India’s busiest port, Mundra, leading to significant delays in export and import operations.
Canada Rail Union Challenges Order That Ended Work Stoppage
The union representing Canadian rail workers has filed an appeal against a government order that ended their lockout and forced them back to work, arguing that the decision undermines their constitutional right to collectively bargain.
