Transport and Port Updates – September 2024

Overall The latest Drewry WCI composite index per 40ft container is 54% below the previous pandemic peak in September 2021, but it is 236% more than the average 2019 (pre-pandemic) rate. Additionally, the average index for the year-to-date significantly exceeds the 10-year average, highlighting the lasting impact of the exceptional conditions during the 2020-2022 period.…

Looming Port Strikes on the East and Gulf Coast Ports – ILA Prepares for Potential Strike on October 1

As labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reach a critical juncture, the possibility of a strike at East and Gulf Coast ports is becoming increasingly likely. The ILA, which represents over 65,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas, has stated that if a new contract isn’t reached…

Transport and Port Updates – August 2024

Overall The Drewry WCI composite index is 45% below the previous pandemic peak, but it is 304% more than the average 2019 (pre-pandemic) rate. Additionally, the average index for the year-to-date significantly exceeds the 10-year average, highlighting the lasting impact of the exceptional conditions during the 2020-2022 period. Freight rates between various ports have shown…

Modernizing U.S. Customs: What New Draft Legislation Could Mean for Trade Professionals

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) have recently introduced a discussion draft for the Customs Facilitation Act of 2024, a legislative effort aimed at streamlining and modernizing the customs process in the United States. This initiative is a significant step towards reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that currently impede efficient trade operations. Here’s…

Transport and Port Updates – July 2024

Overall This week, the Drewry composite index experienced a 4% increase, yet it has registered a 256% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the average index for the year-to-date significantly exceeds the 10-year average, highlighting the lasting impact of the exceptional conditions during the 2020-2022 period. Freight rates between various ports have…

Green Logistics: The Decarbonization of Shipping

Shipping is a massive industry, it’s global, and it’s absolutely essential. Without it, the world grinds to a halt. But, there’s a catch—it’s also a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. Logistics companies, from ocean liners to air freight giants, are now on a mission to become greener. They’re investing in everything from alternative fuels…