Maersk works with stakeholders on port congestion, export issues

The carrier wants to increase dual transactions at its Los Angeles terminal to help with congestion but didn't provide specifics on improving the equipment availability for exporters.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 4, 2021

Refusing US export cargo may violate Shipping Act, FMC warns in letter to carrier association

The ideal situation is industry works out a solution on its own, one commissioner said. But the agency could open a new investigation and has the power to levy fines if the alleged behavior continues.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 21, 2020

Container movement lags at Port of Los Angeles as unseasonably high imports arrive

Dozens of container ships are idling off the Southern California coast, a sign of "the sheer amount of traffic" at the Port of Los Angeles, said Executive Director Gene Seroka.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 16, 2020

Containers, port congestion subject of upcoming FMC meetings with 6 ocean carriers

The Federal Maritime Commission has suggestions for how the carriers can improve container movement, but the agency doesn't have plans for enforcement.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 15, 2020

Costco expects container shortages through March

Freight bottlenecks are delaying replenishment to Costco stores by two to four days, Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti said.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 14, 2020

Executive of the Year: Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles

Seroka has helped the logistics industry navigate the uncharted waters of the pandemic while aiding the city in procuring personal protective equipment.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 9, 2020

Port of Long Beach terminals commit to 50% dual transactions

Executive Director Mario Cordero said dual transactions go both ways: Terminal operators must maximize appointments, and truck drivers must meet the appointments.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 8, 2020

Ocean carriers push shippers to use 20-foot containers with 40-foot in short supply

Demand for ocean shipping has maxed out carrier capacity for the foreseeable future, generated equipment shortages and caused headaches for shippers.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 3, 2020

Manufacturers report 'significant delays' due to port congestion, rising coronavirus cases

One respondent in the ISM manufacturing report experienced delays at U.S. ports when importing materials from China, particularly at the Port of Long Beach.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 2, 2020

Drewry: As vessel operating costs increase 4.5%, shippers should focus on capacity

Fuel is the only vessel operating cost that carriers can directly pass along to shippers. But that's not what's been causing recent increases.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 1, 2020

Cargo rollovers rise as Maersk rolls more than 1 in 3 shipments in October

Swelling demand and strained container line capacity are stressing the ocean freight supply chain. 

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 24, 2020

Supply chain bottlenecks prompt FMC investigation into container movement

U.S. exporters have witnessed containers leave empty on ocean carriers before having the chance to load them with cargo. 

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 23, 2020

Imports flood Southern California warehouses, Port of LA plans incentive for dual transactions

Dwell times at terminals and for warehouse space have doubled, according to Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

By Shefali Kapadia • Nov. 19, 2020

Maersk expects higher contract rates to follow uptick in spot prices

The container line's volume declined in all trade lanes except voyages into North America, highlighting the unequal recovery taking place worldwide.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 19, 2020

Ocean carriers add 'unprecedented' capacity on Transpacific

Consumer spending is driving high trade volume in the back half of 2020, but it's not clear how long this will last as unemployment levels remain elevated.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 28, 2020

Maersk partners with COVID-19 vaccine developer on distribution plan

A variety of factors make vaccine distribution a difficult undertaking — ranging from temperature requirements to the tight capacity in the freight market.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 27, 2020

Supply chain cities on the rise

Large populations, inland infrastructure, ports and advantageous tax codes can bring shippers and carriers knocking, putting cities on the fast track to logistics hub status.

Updated Nov. 17, 2020

Equipment prices quadruple as Transpacific volume surge creates Asia container shortage

Chassis and trucks at U.S. ports are also in short supply, leading drayage carriers to implement a congestion surcharge.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 15, 2020

DSV adds China-Europe trucking route as air, ocean alternative

The logistics provider anticipates higher freight demand and longer air transit times during peak season.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 14, 2020

CMA CGM reboots e-commerce site following cyberattack

The reinstatement of the website came just two days after the Federal Maritime Commission posted the carrier's request for a 60-day filing exemption.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 12, 2020

FMC investigates claims ocean carriers are unfairly billing 3PLs, forwarders, brokers

The inquiry will examine the use of the term "merchant" on bills of lading and who is responsible for paying detention, demurrage and other charges.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 8, 2020

MSC says hydrogen, biofuels are the future of ocean decarbonization

Shippers may face surcharges as MSC invests in technology to become carbon free.

By A.B. Brown • Oct. 7, 2020

Cargill, Shell and 15 others form group to get ocean shipping in line with IMO climate goals

More detailed disclosures could offer the industry valuable data to help factor climate concerns into shipping decisions.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 7, 2020

Transpacific rates nearly triple last year's despite record high capacity in Golden Week

The latest schedules for the Asia to North America West Coast route show "a staggering 26.6%" YoY increase in capacity for week 40, which ran Sept. 28 to Oct. 4.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 7, 2020

Surge in imports congests West Coast ports, leads to calls for more dual transactions

Vessel delays, extra loaders, chassis shortages, limitations in appointment windows, increased dwell time for local cargo and a stretched drayage market have caused some of the issues, C.H. Robinson said in an advisory.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 5, 2020