West Coast Ports Operating Normally—For Now

Operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are back to normal following a brief work stoppage by longshoremen on Tuesday. Yesterday marked day two of the Teamsters Union strike at the ports, which lead many longshoremen to walk off the job as a way of honoring the other union’s picket line. However,…

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July 7 Strike Planned at Ports of LA, Long Beach

On July 7, ILWU members may not be clocking in to work at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach--and the reason may surprise you. According to the Journal of Commerce, organizers with the Teamster's Union are planning a week-long protest there, beginning July 7, against three drayage companies that they've been attempting to…

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Carriers Delay Peak Season Surcharge

Transpacific ocean carriers are pushing back implementation of a Peak Season Surcharge for container moves to the U.S. East Coast. Originally scheduled to start on 6/15, the surcharge will now begin on 7/1. We predict further delays and/or mitigation of the amounts announced: 20′ Std $ 320 40′ Std $ 400 40′ HC $ 450…

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What About West Coast Contingency Plans?

Many of our clients are asking us this question:  What contingency plans make sense to reduce the effects of a looming labor issue on the West Coast?  Considering that roughly 2/3’s of shippers polled by the Journal of Commerce plan to move at least a portion of West Coast cargo to East Coast ports, simply…

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What’s NEXT for the National Export Initiative

The Obama Administration recently revealed it's newest export growth strategy, aptly titled, NEXT. NEXT, a continuation of the National Export Initiative (NEI), is a long-term strategy to beef up U.S. exports by connecting American businesses to the resources needed to enter/expand into new global markets. NEI/NEXT's key objectives are: Connecting more U.S. businesses to their…

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