Port Workers in British Columbia Resume Work Following Strike Actions
In July 2023, port workers in British Columbia, affiliated with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, put an end to a 13-day strike that caused a major halt in the province’s goods movement. The termination of this substantial industrial action followed the presentation of a possible agreement between the union and employers. This agreement is being reviewed by the union members.
The strike had a significant effect on the movement of goods, causing billions in disruptions. As the union members ponder their decision on the proposed deal, the potential for future strikes casts a shadow of uncertainty over the consistency of goods transportation.
Sources: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-port-workers-contract-strike-1.6917224
Strike Averted: UPS and Union Settle on Terms
In late July 2023, major express logistics service provider UPS reached a provisional agreement with the Teamsters union on improved pay and work conditions. This development arrives just before the potential strike of approximately 340,000 union members that was due to begin when the existing agreement expired at the end of July.
The agreement is expected to avoid a massive disruption to operations. The new terms, which include better wages, more full-time roles, and enhanced safety measures, promise increased stability in logistics operations.
Local Disputes Slow Progress on Longshore Workers’ Master Contract
On the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S., progress on the master labor contract for 45,000 longshore workers has been hampered due to local disputes. Negotiations have been successful in just two out of 14 ports under the master labor agreement. Last year, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) urged local chapters to commence discussions on port-specific issues instead of waiting for delegates to the committee supervising master contract talks to be appointed as usual.
Boost in Savannah Port’s Capacity Enhances North American Marine Infrastructure
In July 2023, the Savannah Port celebrated the reopening of the refurbished Berth 1 at the Garden City Terminal. This successful completion of the terminal construction, which adds an extra 1.5 million TEUs of annual capacity, marks an important milestone in enhancing North American marine infrastructure. Furthermore, this major development empowers Savannah with four berths capable of handling large vessels carrying more than 16,000 TEUs.
The rebuilt berth can now simultaneously accommodate two medium-sized vessels or a single large vessel. This development, along with planned investments into new berths, could help redirect an increasing volume of cargo traffic from the West Coast. In addition, the port’s boosted capacity and further planned improvements could make Savannah a more appealing hub in the national and global freight network.
Harnessing Innovation: The Drive Towards Automation in Europe’s Major Ports
The dynamic landscape of Europe’s port operations is being redefined by forward-thinking initiatives, with technological advancements paving the way for a more automated future. The Port of Barcelona, for example, has introduced a Digital Twin and approved the construction of underground conduits as part of its digitization process. In Valencia, a predictive A.I. system has been developed, aiding in forecasting the truck volume at port facilities, while a new training initiative has encouraged the use of the ValenciaportPCS app among lorry drivers. Likewise, substantial investments in Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, and Rotterdam have enabled these ports to leverage technology in operations, infrastructure, and safety management.
These advances are likely to have a significant effect in businesses operating in those ports. For instance, Barcelona’s Digital Twin and underground conduits are set to increase operational efficiency, while Valencia’s A.I. system and app usage promotion can minimize waiting times, reduce emissions, and streamline procedures. The drones in Antwerp-Bruges enhance security and operational efficiency, while Hamburg’s automated stacking crane systems and electrification project aim to boost productivity and sustainability. Furthermore, Rotterdam’s use of smart bollards, integrated planning solutions, and quantum networks ensures enhanced safety and efficiency in handling a significant annual volume of containers. This will likely translate into smoother transitions for goods, potentially leading to cost and time savings.
Sources: https://www.porttechnology.org/news/top-5-automated-ports-in-europe/
Southern California Sees More Warehouse Space and Smooth Operations Amidst Subdued Peak Shipping Season
Southern California warehouses and distribution centers are experiencing a surplus of capacity as of July 27, 2023, for the first time since the pandemic-induced import surge started three years ago. This development comes despite predictions of a relatively quiet peak shipping season this year.
The increased warehouse availability has brought improvements in the region’s logistics sector. Container flow through the largest U.S. port complex is smoother, reducing terminal congestion. Moreover, the relief in warehouse space is also leading to quicker service times for truckers, signifying more efficient goods movement in the area.
Rising Labor Costs and Falling Cargo Impact on U.S. Railroad Earnings
July 2023 has seen the U.S. rail industry grapple with shrinking profits due to increased labor expenses and a downturn in sales amid a persistent freight recession. Major railroad players witnessed a drop in their operating profits in the second quarter, a dip predicted to extend into the latter half of the year. A decline in imported cargo, evidenced by a notable 22% drop during the first half of the year, highlights the shift in consumer behavior towards services over shipped goods.
This downturn bears implications for the wider logistics ecosystem. Higher labor costs, resulting from a union labor contract that required additional workforce, alongside a decrease in fees charged for railcar storage due to supply-chain backlogs, add to the pinch. However, the rail industry remains resilient compared to the trucking sector due to the inability to build new major railroads, allowing existing rail operators to increase prices despite weak demand.
Sources: https://www.ajot.com/news/us-rail-profits-pinched-by-rising-labor-costs-declining-cargo
Continuing Aftermath of Strike Impacts Canadian Rail Freight to U.S.
The fluctuating dynamics of the Canadian strike at the West Coast ports have induced a third successive weekly slump in rail traffic moving from Canada to the U.S. Despite the intermittent nature of the strike; the lingering impact has manifested in a 12% drop in total rail volume from Canada to the U.S. last week, per the Association of American Railroads’ latest data. This downturn reflects a marginal improvement in comparison to the first two weeks of the strike, which saw decreases of 46% and 36%, respectively.
The ongoing rail traffic disruptions have wide-ranging implications for various sectors, with special emphasis on the chemical industry. The congestion at the ports has left vital materials stranded, causing significant supply chain issues. More specifically, a backlog of chemicals critical for U.S. manufacturing processes remains stuck due to this disruption. This raises concerns about potential delays in the delivery of key goods and materials as we enter peak shipping season. Notably, the delay is anticipated to be on the higher end of the estimated range, indicating that this issue might persist for an extended period.
Boosting Trade Across Continents: Vietnam and Israel Ink Free Trade Deal
The landscape of international commerce saw a significant development this Tuesday, with Vietnam and Israel finalizing a free trade agreement. Concluded after seven years of intensive deliberations, the pact signals a significant leap in the bilateral trade between the two nations. With an optimistic outlook, this move is projected to raise the annual trade by almost half, pushing it to an anticipated $3 billion from the previous year’s $2.2 billion.
This development presents a unique opportunity, particularly for Vietnam’s goods. The deal can potentially act as a gateway, enabling Vietnamese commodities to reach far-flung markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southern Europe. Importantly, the agreement entails the elimination of duties on a significant number of goods from both nations – approximately 86% from Vietnam and 93% from Israel. Vietnam’s main exports to Israel consist of items like smartphones, footwear, and seafood, while in return, it receives electronics and fertilizers. This marks the 16th such agreement Vietnam has signed since the early 1990s, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to fostering an attractive environment for foreign investors in its manufacturing-based economy.
Sources: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/vietnam-israel-sign-free-trade-agreement-2023-07-25/
