Maersk Advises Cargo Removal as Threat of US Port Strikes Persists

Major shipping firm Maersk has advised its customers to remove cargo from US East and Gulf Coast ports, in preparation for potential strike action by port workers in mid-January.

Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the employers’ representative the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) on a new contract for port workers appear to have stalled, with the deadline of January 15, 2025, looming.

In a customer advisory statement released on December 30, Maersk said, “If no agreement is reached by [January 15], a coast-wide...

Threat of Further US Port Strikes Looms Over International Shipping

Ongoing discord between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the employers’ representative the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) threatens to further disrupt international freight, as the potential for renewed strike action at US ports looms ahead of a mid-January contract negotiations deadline.

Major shipping firm Maersk issued a statement on December 19  advising customers to prepare for further strike action, “It is possible that the ILA will again begin a coast-wide strike on January 16. As the January 15 deadline approaches, we recommend that customers make...

Import Cargo Rising as Higher Tariffs and Potential Port Strike Approach

With a strike possible again next month at East Coast and Gulf Coast container ports and President-elect Donald Trump planning to increase tariffs, the nation’s major container ports are expected to see a continued surge in imports through next spring, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Either a strike or new tariffs would be a blow to the economy and retailers are doing what they can to avoid the impact of...

ANALYSIS: Tariff-Driven Spike to Freight Rates Yet to Materialize

The re-election of US President-elect Donald Trump, on November 5, sparked speculation about the outlook for global trade, given the stringent tariff regime that he has stated he will impose. Some initial reactions expected the effects on international shipping and freight rates to be significant, with a short-term price spike resulting from US importers boosting their inventories before the tariffs come into effect. The results so far, however, have been more tepid than anticipated.

During his campaign, Trump indicated his intention...

Miss Madeline,” a New Liquid Barge from Perdue Farms, Sets Sail on a More Sustainable Supply Chain

The “Miss Madeline”, an innovative new vessel within the Perdue AgriBusiness (PAB) supply chain, was welcomed to the company’s hometown today after completing its maiden voyage. In addition to being a milestone in Perdue Farms’ 104-year-old commitment to sustainability, the barge is named in honor of Madeline Perdue and her legacy as the beloved matriarch of the Perdue family.

The “Miss Madeline” reflects PAB’s ongoing efforts to improve supply chain efficiencies and revolutionize freight transportation by reducing greenhouse...