Reefer container shortage looms as demand surges
The global market for refrigerated containers, or reefers, is facing significant pressure as we approach the end of 2024. Seasonal demand, combined with increased export activity from regions like Latin America, is straining equipment availability.
This surge coincides with the peak season for...
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US East Coast dockworker strike: Temporary resolution but risks remain for January
While a tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has paused the strike, a final resolution must be reached in January 2025, or further disruption could occur.
The recent US East and Gulf Coast dockworker str...
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US East coast port strikes underway
At 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday 1st October 2024, dockworkers along the US East and Gulf Coasts began a major strike, marking the first significant work stoppage in nearly 50 years, threatening major supply chain disruption across the US and beyond.
Nearly 50,000 members of the International Longs...
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Seasonal measures for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)
The 2024/25 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season is now underway, which means strict import regulations are implemented by Australia and New Zealand, with the United Kingdom a target risk country.
The BMSB is an agricultural pest native to China, Japan, the Korean peninsula, and Taiwan, an...
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US East coast port strike looms as White House declines plea to step in
Ocean carriers and port employers are urging the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) to return to contract negotiations in an effort to avoid a potential strike across East and Gulf Coast ports, as the White House rejects plea by 177 trade associations to use legal powers.
A str...
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Supply chains brace for more disruption as storm season intensifies
From wildfires and floods to scorching heatwaves, the consequences of climate change are becoming more pronounced, and as we enter the peak shipping season, businesses are scrambling to prepare for what is predicted to be one of the most disruptive storm seasons in recent memory.
So far in 202...
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New shipping alliances for 2025
With the dissolution of the 2M partnership between MSC and Maersk in February 2025, new partnerships and slot-sharing agreements are emerging, positioning shipping companies in a transformed global market.
One of the key developments is the formation of the Premier Alliance, which will replace...
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Ongoing labour disputes threaten global supply chains
While recent developments in India and Canada suggest some relief from labour disputes, the threat of strikes continues to loom over port operations and global supply chains. The situation remains precarious, especially with the added complications from Red Sea diversions, which could magnify the...
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Challenges in ocean freight: Capacity, congestion, and resilience
The ongoing disruption in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which started with the hijacking of a vessel nearly ten months ago, has led to a substantial reduction in available container vessel capacity, driving up freight rates, intensifying port congestion, and exacerbating equipment shortages.
T...
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Sustainability focus
When managed effectively, supply chains not only reduce costs and boost profitability but also play a crucial role in sustainability. The impact of climate change has underscored the need to improve supply chains to protect our ecosystem and conserve natural resources for future generations.
A...
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US supply chains face multiple threats
Importers are entering a critical period, with looming labour disputes, capacity pressures, and surges in maritime and airfreight volumes are creating challenges that could disrupt supply chains well into the fourth quarter.
Demand surge
The Port of Los Angeles handled a record-breaking 940k ...
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Bangladesh’s garment industry determined to rebuild global confidence
As factories reopen, truck movements increase, and key logistics operations resume, Bangladesh’s garment industry is determined to recover and win back their customers’ confidence.
Rail freight operations resumed on Monday, 12th August, and airports, container freight stations, terminals, ...
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